God calls an RCIA sponsor to walk side-by-side with one of His beloved. This relationship is one of love, support, and encouragement. It is built on honesty, communication, vulnerability, and trust.
As an RCIA sponsor you are entering into a covenant with another brother or sister in Christ that you will be there for him/her through every aspect of his/her RCIA journey and beyond. This is a tremendous blessing and a huge responsibility. This covenant should not be entered into without much prayer and discernment.
"It is the responsibility of (sponsors) to show the candidates how to practice the Gospel in personal and social life, to sustain the candidates in moments of hesitancy and anxiety, to bear witness, and to guide the candidates’ progress in the baptismal life.” (RCIA, n. 11)
A Prayer for RCIA Sponsors
God of all ages, you send out your Spirit to touch the hearts of people
so that they may believe in You and in Jesus, whom You sent.
Look kindly on all catechumens and candidates as they listen to your voice.
Open their hearts to your Spirit and bring to fulfillment the good work you have begun in them.
As I reach out to welcome new members into the church, make me an instrument of your love.
Teach me to reverence what is holy in others and to be patient with what I do not understand.
Deepen my faith in the gospel and help me to pass it on by good example.
With those who are hesitant or afraid, let me be a source of encouragement.
And with those who are weak, let me be a pillar of strength.
I humbly seek the ministry of sponsor and, if I am able to serve, pray
that you will continue to guide me and sustain me in welcoming new members into your household.
I praise you through Christ our Lord.
Amen
God of all ages, you send out your Spirit to touch the hearts of people
so that they may believe in You and in Jesus, whom You sent.
Look kindly on all catechumens and candidates as they listen to your voice.
Open their hearts to your Spirit and bring to fulfillment the good work you have begun in them.
As I reach out to welcome new members into the church, make me an instrument of your love.
Teach me to reverence what is holy in others and to be patient with what I do not understand.
Deepen my faith in the gospel and help me to pass it on by good example.
With those who are hesitant or afraid, let me be a source of encouragement.
And with those who are weak, let me be a pillar of strength.
I humbly seek the ministry of sponsor and, if I am able to serve, pray
that you will continue to guide me and sustain me in welcoming new members into your household.
I praise you through Christ our Lord.
Amen
