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Sponsors and Godparents -
Spiritual MentorsSponsors are spiritual mentors who walk with a catechumen (non-baptized) or candidate (baptized) as they discern whether or not to become Catholic. Sponsors show those with whom they are partnered what it means to live a Catholic life. As a sponsor, you don't have to have all of the answers, just a desire to share your love for Jesus. You don't have to attend the weekly Journey sessions, but you can invite the candidate to dinner, coffee, or a park; sit with them at church; call them monthly; introduce them to others in the parish; and suggest ministries. Sponsors are the liaison who help plug candidates and catechumens into our wonderful parish.
The role of a sponsor of a candidate (baptized) ends at Confirmation on Pentecost. The role of a sponsor of a catechumen (non-baptized) ends at the beginning of Lent as catechumens enter the third phase of the Catechumenate. At this point, the catechumen selects a godparent. Sometimes catechumens ask their sponsor to be their godparent; other times they ask someone else. Godparents are the spiritual mentor of the newly confirmed for the rest of their life. -
Sponsor & Godparent FAQs
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You are welcome to select your own sponsor, but typically, we match candidates and catechumens with a sponsor from St. Stephen, Martyr.
Catechumens select their own godparent.
Adults who just need Confirmation only find their own sponsor.
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RequirementsAll sponsors and godparents must fill out the Sponsor/Godparent Attestation form and have it signed by their parish priest within six months before the sacrament.
- Be at least 16 years old (A pastor may grant an exception to the age requirement for a just cause.)
- Be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has received the blessed Eucharist (A member of the Eastern Orthodox Church may serve as a godparent as long as a Catholic godparent has also been chosen.)
- Not be bound by a canonical penalty
- Be leading a life of faith befitting the role to be undertaken (for example, regularly attending Sunday Mass; if married, be in a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church)
- Not be a parent of the child
- Parishioners of SSM: Complete the top portion and return to Ann who will get Father's signature. (Journey meets in the Parish Office on Sundays from 9:45 - 11:15.)
- Non-parishioners of SSM: Have this form signed by your parish priest before sending it to Journey Coordinator. Mail it to:
St. Stephen, Martyr Catholic ChurchAttn: Ann Emsley1544 Battlefield Blvd. SouthChesapeake, VA 23322
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No. You are welcome to attend, but this is not required.
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Contact Us
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Kelly WinslowJourney Leader -
Ann Emsleyannemsley89gmail.comJourney Coordinator
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