Who else wants to have all the RCIA sponsors they need?

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6 thoughts on “Who else wants to have all the RCIA sponsors they need?”

  1. I have found that young people’s faith groups such as CCO are good places to find sponsors, since the young people are excited about sharing their faith with unbelievers, and are over the moon to get to meet non-Catholics with whom they can share the beauty of our Catholic faith – throughout their formation in CCO, they are repeatedly told how important it is to evangelize non-Catholics, but most of the non-Catholics they meet in real life are hostile toward them, and make them feel like fanatical weirdos.

    In RCIA, they get to meet non-Catholics who respect what they have to say, and are attentive to their young wisdom. Plus, they are very well formed, and you can trust them not to say anything heretical to the Inquirers.

    Former RCIA Candidates also make good sponsors, and I regularly tap the CWL and the Knights of Columbus, as well.

  2. Many, many times the sponsors chosen are limited to a small group of the same people, sponsoring year after year.

  3. I’m getting into the habit of asking the sponsors I currently work with who might be good sponsors for people just entering our process. This helps me keep reaching into different corners of the parish and helps the sponsors recognize that they too have a role in calling the parish to full participation. Though not everyone will be a sponsor, it helps give people fresh eyes for the community they are part of. They start recognizing the ways the people they already know share and are good models of faith. When current sponsors also ask potential sponsors, it helps the potential people recognize that they are part of a wider community who notice and value them, whether or not they decide to be a sponsor. Also, having the sponsors ask other parishioner relies on relationships already built rather than me having to build a relationship and then invite people into something.

  4. I pray for each candidate asking God first for insights of what this particular candidate needs. Then at Masses over the weekend I ask God to touch my heart with someone for a specific candidate or two. At communion time I look at every person who walks by me with – an open heart. I am amazed at how God touches my heart. I have had to sometimes go ask the priest or another staff member who they are.

  5. Daniel Centurioni

    We have always found success inviting former neophytes as a major source of potential sponsors. The reason being, they understand the commitment. Most parishioners are scared to death of offering 1-2 years of attending weekly sessions, retreats, rites etc.
    When searching for team members, the criteria includes being a former sponsor. We always want team members who have fully experienced the process.

  6. Margaret Thibideau

    I have found that our pastor is excellent at matching people with sponsors, because he knows the more responsible, faith-filled, committed individuals in our parish. It usually works out well. I have also had success in asking people connected with other ministry groups (CWL, morning prayer group, Family Life and Youth ministry) for their prayerful recommendation based on what I know about a particular catechumen, etc.

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