RCIA Sponsor 

If you are interested in the Ministry of RCIA sponsors, please email rcia@sacredheartatlanta.org or call/text Sarah Cepeda at 404-455-8951 or Pablo Cepeda at 770-314-6157

What is the ministry of the sponsor?

  • RCIA sponsors represent the Basilica as a spiritual friend to the RCIA member and example of an ordinary and happy Catholic who lives the faith as best as they can.
  • A sponsor is not a teacher, spiritual director, nor a church teaching expert. The sponsor isn’t expected to know any more about church teaching than the average adult Catholic. He or she is there to help answer questions, and to know who to call on to find answers to questions she or he may not be able to immediately answer.
  • A sponsor accompanies and stands with the candidates and catechumens during several required Rites that are part of the preparation of candidates and catechumens for the Easter Vigil.
  • A sponsor prays for his or her candidate to God daily.

Who can be a sponsor?

  • Be a fully initiated, baptized, and confirmed Catholic who lives according to the teachings of the Church.
  • Be in full communion with the Catholic Church.
  • Regularly attend Mass on Sundays. If not registered at the Basilica, please obtain a letter from the Pastor of your home parish.
  • Be at least 17 years of age.
  • If married, sponsor must be in a sacramental marriage.

What are the responsibilities of a sponsor?

  • Attend and stand with your candidate or catechumen on the following dates:
  1. Rite of Sending on Sunday, February 19, 10am Mass at the Basilica.
  2. Rite of Election with a bishop on Saturday, February 25, 10am-11:30am at St. Philip Benizi Parish, Jonesboro, GA
  3. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Scrutiny on March 12, 19, and 26 at the 10am Mass at the Basilica
  4. Easter Vigil morning rehearsal and evening Rite 8:30pm-midnight on April 8, 2023.
  • Whenever possible, accompany the RCIA member to Mass, Sunday RCIA classes, and invite them to various parish functions
  • Witness how the RCIA member incorporates the Church’s teaching and parish activities in his/her own life.

How long will I be a sponsor for the RCIA member?

A sponsor commits to a time period from now until the April 8, 2023 Easter Vigil, but is encouraged to keep contact with the RCIA member as they become more deeply involved in the life of the Church and the Basilica parish.