I'm An Rcia Sponsor...well Almost...maybe?

[PadrePioOfPietrelcino]

I answered my parishes call and volunteered to be an RCIA sponsor apparently there is much need this year as the class is already full and growing. I have wanted to be a sponsor for many years since joining the Church, and have just never had the time. So I changed my availability at work, and volunteered today. The Formation Director at the Parish was excited to get my call and she said she'll send out an email in the next couple weeks with more details, we'll see if I get paired up. I am really excited about sharing a journey with somebody coming home as it was once shared with me. Kind of funny when I joined the Church my sponsor was a friend on the University Debate team and was discerning the seminary (now ordained...prayers Fr Andrew ) Here I am now discerning the seminary some years later looking to be a sponsor.

So other than just sharing this wonderful news to my Phamily I was wondering if anyone out there might have any advice to give a would be first time RCIA sponsor?

[Brother Adam]

As an rcia director, you should receive training at the beginning of the year. Most importantly, listen to them, remember there is no such thing as a stupid question or concern, and invite them to as many Catholic events with you as you can. Meet with them socially and invite thwir family to dinner. Basically befriend them. Remember you are making a lifetime, not a one year commitment.

[PadrePioOfPietrelcino]

Indeed, thank-you for pointing out the lifetime commitment...I knew that but it is great to be reminded.

[Aragon]

My baptismal sponsor would always shout me a beer whenever we hung out. Beer is an essential part of a Catholic education, so you could try that .

[Eowyn]

I'll second the listening bit. I was a sponser a couple of years ago. It was an amesome experience. I learned a lot!!

[4588686]

I was a confirmation sponsor once. I was going to write about that. Until it clicked for me that I was thinking of Confirmation while this thread is about RCIA. Take from that what you will.

[Basilisa Marie]

Brother Adam's dead on. I'd also add that if they have a question you don't know the answer to, find out together. In my experiences as a sponsor, I've noticed that people are super-duper excited about Catholicism while they're going through the process, but after a year or so they sometimes hit a rut of spiritual dryness. I think it's really important to stay with them through that, reminding them that it's completely normal, etc.