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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Chosen as a sponsor John Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Question:

Hi Brother,

Thank you for always answering my questions thoroughly and thoughtfully.

My wife has chosen to become Catholic and has chosen me to be her sponsor. I was hoping you had an online pamphlet to help me with my responsibilities. I will ask my pastor as well I just keep forgetting.

I always had a feeling she would become one. Being pregnant seemed to have "pushed" her feelings along a bit. She wants our family to be unified under God. She always comes to church with me and all her "preconceptions" and reservations have been washed away. Of course I tried to educate her the best I could without chasing her away and I'm sure Father Corapi helped a little too ;). Ultimately I'm sure the Blessd Mother footed most of the bill here and I am very happy. Thank you as well for all your prayers!



Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OMSM(r)

Dear John:

I praise God that your wife as decide to come home to the Church Jesus founded. Her entrance into full communion with the Church will be a great blessing to your marriage and for your children.

A sponsor's role, according to Canon Law 872 is to "assist the person in Christian initiation.

This means that you need to go to the classes with your wife and help her to understand all that she needs to understand about the faith. Help her to find answers to questions if you do not know the answer. Be an example of a devout Catholic to her.

As her sponsor you have the duty to ascertain whether or not she is serious about becoming Catholic for the right reasons. At one point in the process you must recommend her for confirmation (and baptism if she is not already baptized).

For example, in the Rite of Sending my sponsor stood behind me with his hand on my shoulder to affirm that I was worthy to be confirmed and thus "sent" to meet with the Bishop.

The details of the Rite of Sending, if there is one, and the Rite of Election can be learned from your Pastor.

God Bless and give your wife a big welcome to the Church from me. We shall be praying for her continued growth in the spirit, as well as yours and your family.

Bro. Ignatius Mary

 


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