What Does an OCIA Sponsor Do?

• Build a friendship with your catechumen or candidate.
• Attend Mass together.
• Introduce participants to parish life.

• Attend weekly OCIA sessions.
• Meet or communicate weekly with your catechumen or candidate.
• Pray for and encourage your catechumen or candidate.
• Share your experience of living the Catholic faith.
• Accompany them through the rites leading to the Sacraments of Initiation.

What Is the Time Commitment?

• Weekly OCIA sessions
  • Wednesday evenings (Catechumens)
  • Thursday evenings (Candidates)
  • 7:00–8:15 p.m.

Who Can Be a Sponsor?

A sponsor is not expected to be a teacher, theologian, or spiritual director. The sponsor’s ministry is one of faithful presence, friendship, prayer, and Christian example.

Sponsors should be:

• Fully initiated through Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist
• Not the parent of the catechumen or candidate
• Practicing Catholics in good standing with the Church
• At least 16 years old
• Willing to build a genuine relationship with an OCIA participant
• Committed to praying for and encouraging them throughout the year

Why Sponsors Matter

Our priests celebrate the sacraments. Our catechists teach the faith. Sponsors share the faith personally.

By your friendship, prayer, and example, you help someone discover what it means to live as a Catholic—not only in the classroom, but in everyday life.

Is God Calling You?

If you enjoy encouraging others, sharing your faith, and welcoming new members into the Church, we invite you to prayerfully consider becoming an OCIA sponsor.

Questions? We'd love to talk with you. If you are interested in becoming an OCIA sponsor or would like more information, reach out to our OCIA Director, Thomas Poynor, at [email protected].