SPONSOR / PADRINOS

In the context of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), an OCIA sponsor is a practicing Catholic who accompanies and supports a catechumen (unbaptized) or candidate (baptized but uninitiated) as they journey towards full communion in the Catholic Church. 

An OCIA sponsor acts as a spiritual friend, mentor, and guide, offering support and encouragement throughout the OCIA process, is an example for the catechumen and must have received the Sacraments of Initiation and marry by the Catholic Church. They serve as a witness to the candidate's journey, helping them to understand and embrace the Catholic faith. Sponsors are expected to pray for their candidate and to be a visible example of a faithful Catholic life. Sponsors are expected to attend Mass and RCIA meetings with their candidate to foster a sense of community and support. Sponsors present the candidate to the bishop (or his delegate) at the celebration of Confirmation. Sponsors must have completed their sixteenth year. 

CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY FOR SPONSORS