Confimation for catholics?

Question

What are the rules regarding using someone of the eastern orthodox faith as a confirmation sponsor for a catholic?

Answer 1

You can but it's recommended that you use someone of the Catholic faith. However, if a person of that Eastern Orthodox, understands and accept the laws of the Catholic Church and understands how the Catholic Church is than they can be your sponsor. I had a few people that attened my RCIA class that weren't Catholics but in order for them to be a sponsors they had to take the classes. Hope this helps. I got confirmed 2 years ago. I'm sure nothing has change in that small amount of time. Good luck!

Answer 2

Here is the Canon Law pertinent to Baptism sponsors:

Can. 874 ß1 To be admitted to undertake the office of sponsor, a person must:

1ƒ be appointed by the candidate for baptism, or by the parents or whoever stands in their place, or failing these, by the parish priest or the minister; to be appointed the person must be suitable for this role and have the intention of fulfilling it;

2ƒ be not less than sixteen years of age, unless a different age has been stipulated by the diocesan Bishop, or unless the parish priest or the minister considers that there is a just reason for an exception to be made;

3ƒ be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has received the blessed Eucharist, and who lives a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken;

4ƒ not labor under a canonical penalty, whether imposed or declared;

5ƒ not be either the father or the mother of the person to be baptized.

ß2 A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community may be admitted only in company with a Catholic sponsor, and then simply as a witness to the baptism.

The statement in Canon Law regarding Confirmation sponsors is simply that they must meet the requirements stated in Canon 874 - that is, the same requirements as for baptism sponsors.

Answer 3

In summary - An Eastern Orthodox can only serve as a witness and not as the actual sponsor.