DUTIES OF A SPONSOR
Now that you have made a DeColores En Cristo weekend, you will want to share what you have experienced with someone you care for. Please take the following into consideration:
The sole purpose of the weekend is to make leaders of lay people in the home, church and community. DeColores En Cristo is a short course in Christianity and is intended to bring others to know Christ and to spread His message of love and good News.
The weekend is not or everyone. People who are having emotional problems, whether due to divorce, separation, alcohol or just problems coping with today's environment may find the weekend too overwhelming and it may contribute to their problem rather than help. On the other hand, many people with these problems have enjoyed the weekend and have found inner joy and peace. As a sponsor, you must KNOW your candidate. Only you can be the judge of where your candidate is spiritually at this time. As you well know, the pace of the weekend is very hectic. A person with a medical or physical problem may find the weekend too difficult. Again, you must use your judgment in this matter. In desiring to share your experience of the weekend with others, you must ask yourself, "Will the weekend help or hinder this person?" If you feel in your heart that it would help them, then pass it on.
If at all possible, the sponsor should get applications from both the husband and the wife at the same time. The sponsor should take responsibility for sponsoring both husband and wife even though the husband will probably feel that it is his responsibility when his wife attends.
In sponsoring a candidate for a weekend, you make yourself responsible for this person's well being before, during and after the weekend. In supporting and introducing a person to DeColores En Cristo, it is suggested that he/she be exposed to at least two activities before making the weekend. Take him/her to seasonal parties, a Holy Hour, or an Ultreya. If he/she finds these activities are overwhelming, you may want to wait before suggesting a weekend. If your candidate is ready, give him/her an application to fill out. Get it back and fill out the sponsor's recommendation. Mail it to the Pre-De Colores person.
Prepare your candidate for the wait, as there is sometimes a waiting list. When his/her name comes to the top of the list, he/she will receive an invitation. This invitation must be responded to in two weeks or it will be assumed that he/she does not want to attend. It is important that your candidate respond whether or not he/she will be attending. As a sponsor, it is your responsibility to make certain your candidate does this.
When your candidate has accepted his/her invitation to a weekend, you should discuss the DeColores En Cristo with him/her. Give them an idea of what the weekend is about and answer all questions as fully as possible. You should also suggest to your candidate what he/she should take along.
You are responsible for delivering your candidate to the weekend and help him/her in any way you can. Once your candidate arrives, support him/her with prayers and palanca. The family at home may need your help and support. Help with meals, babysitters, or transportation. If a husband is making the weekend, suggest to his wife that she go to Holy Hour. Offer to take her there. Encourage her to ask questions and try to answer any she may have.
A sponsor attends the serenade and closing. Be there to pick up your candidate and spend some time sharing the weekend. Encourage and support him/her in any Fourth Day activities. Strongly encourage him/her to go to group reunions. If necessary, help your candidate establish his/her own reunion group. Attend Ultreya with him/her, offering transportation when necessary. Sponsors may also attend the Post DeColores with them. Follow-up should continue until the candidate has had time to decide whether the DeColores method will become a part of his/her life.
DeColores En Cristo is a beautiful tool; please use it and pass it on with love.
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