For infant baptisms, the godparents are selected by the parents. They represent the entire Christian community and are expected to help raise the child in the faith. Godparents for adult baptisms are expected to help prepare the person for baptism.

For those who have already been baptized but are preparing to become full members of the Christian community through the Sacrament of Confirmation, a sponsor is selected to both help them prepare and help them continue on their journey of faith after their Confirmation. As mentioned, Canon Law says it’s desirable that one of the candidate’s godparents fulfill this role but it’s not required.

For those preparing to receive all of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist) through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), it’s preferable to select the same person as godparent and sponsor.

Specifically, the Code of Canon Law (874) explains the following:

1. Sponsors must be at least 16 years old.
2. Sponsors must have received the sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.
3. Sponsors must not be a parent of the one to be confirmed.
4. Sponsors must lead “a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on.” In other words, Confirmation sponsors must be practicing Catholics in good standing.

To learn more about what is required of Catholic Confirmation Sponsors, check out our FREE Confirmation Sponsor Mini Course!