Write your confirmation candidate a letter to help fulfill your responsibility as a sponsor.
When a candidate for the Catholic sacrament of confirmation chooses you to be her sponsor it is not only a great honor, but a great responsibility. Writing a confirmation letter as a sponsor helps your confirmation candidate on her religious journey. It is important that you express your desire to be a part of the confirmation process, the importance of the sacrament, words of encouragement and any other advice that you have for the candidate as she grows in her faith.
Words of Encouragement
Becoming confirmed in the Catholic faith can be a lengthy and sometimes intimidating process of preparation. When writing a letter to your confirmation candidate, be sure to include words of encouragement. Let him know that although the journey toward the sacrament includes work and faith exploration, you believe that he will accomplish his goal and have a rewarding experience. Let him know that you are proud of him for participating in the sacrament.
Importance of Confirmation
Include a section in your letter that explains the importance of the sacrament of confirmation. Perhaps explain the relationship between baptism and confirmation that is so important to those who participate in the Catholic faith. Helping young confirmation candidates understand the importance of the sacrament they are preparing to receive will help them become even more motivated to participate. As a sponsor, explaining the importance of confirmation is one of your main responsibilities.
Desire to Participate
Let your confirmation candidate know about your desire to participate in her confirmation in the role of sponsor. Provide a few simple sentences that express your joy and appreciation that she chose you out of all the family members and friends that could have been chosen. Thank her for thinking of you and tell her how much of an honor it is for you to be selected.
Helpful Advice
Finish your letter with any helpful advice that you have for your confirmation candidate. This advice could include things that you struggled with during or after your own confirmation. For example, include a personal story about a time that you struggled with your faith and how you turned to your pastor or another priest or other members of the church community for guidance and support. You could also talk about strategies for keeping the Catholic faith alive as the candidate enters high school, assuming he soon will do so.
