Holy Communion Gift

Adrian4

What is the norm for the first communion gift?

Would a rosary beads or prayer book be ok?

or should I go down the cash route?

Lucifer MorningStar

20 notes should do the trick.

Ruu

Are they related to you? If so, a few bob and a card would suit me.

shanec1928

cash

Custardpi

A good book is usually the best option I find.

Archeron

I got a prayer book and rosary from two seperate people at mine, and I still have them. Couldn't tell you now who gave me money or how much, but I remember who gave me the book and beads.

NSAman

Since the Celtic Tiger is over, you mean the kids don't look for a weekend in New York shopping?

10 yoyos and a card is fine.

Manach

Money is always good - 20e is a reasonable amount. I remember saving up to buy a grand telescope from my own loot.

The King of Moo

Two-year indulgence.

gg2

I have 4 communions (my nieces and nephews) this month. I can't afford to give them all cash, nor do I agree with it (they are kids, money seems to be expected these days, I don't think that is right). Trying to find something nice for them, don't want to go with prayer book / beads because I'm not particularly religious myself... Hopefully there'll be some ideas on this thread!!

maryk123

How about cinema tickets and you can take them they love that

fleet_admiral

bottle of black bush and a packet of meanies

Custardpi

A can of this stuff could also be a good idea.

GarIT

You don't give them anything. They aren't doing anything worthy of receiving presents.

lavinia hathaway

gg2 wrote: »

I have 4 communions (my nieces and nephews) this month. I can't afford to give them all cash, nor do I agree with it (they are kids, money seems to be expected these days, I don't think that is right). Trying to find something nice for them, don't want to go with prayer book / beads because I'm not particularly religious myself... Hopefully there'll be some ideas on this thread!!

Just an idea, how about something with their birthstone? Not religious and suitable for all I think.

keith16

Custardpi wrote: »

A good book is usually the best option I find.

That didn't take long.

_Brian

Someone mentioned cinema vouchers which I think is a good idea.
But you'd get away with a tenner cash in a card, €10 cinema vouchers might look tight.

The_Valeyard

Amazing how quickly the anti-catholic brigades try to hijack the threads.


Cash, or voucher. (depends how close you are to them, godparents, etc)

strobe

If as an excited young seven year old, first communion done and dusted with, my eye on some sparkly nice thing if I can manage to scrape enough dough, I was presented with a set of rosary beads or a prayer book from someone, I would probably carve their name so deep into the recesses of my mind that the hate would never ever die, and make it my life's goal to ensure each and every one of their hopes and dreams went unfulfilled from that moment on, and turned to ashes in their malevolent money clenching claws.

dockleaf

Absolutely nothing wrong with 5 or 2 euro either, or even a home made gift- a cake or something like rice krispie buns brought to the house, or even a home made voucher to bring them to the park, or bring them cycling or out for a walk and an ice-cream, or like others said, to the cinema. I had a child for HC last year and another this year, and honestly if you gave 5 euro they'd be thrilled, and 2 euro they'd be delighted too. They'd love to be brought out for something like above, as well, if you had the time, instead of money.*



* Not my children, by you, obviously, you being a stranger and all that, I mean the children in your family!

GarIT

lavinia hathaway wrote: »

Just an idea, how about something with their birthstone? Not religious and suitable for all I think.

You could argue that it is religious but not Catholic/Christian. Also believing that there is a such thing as a birthstone is a sin so I wouldn't being giving that to somebody as a communion present.

Benny_Cake

GarIT wrote: »

You could argue that it is religious but not Catholic/Christian. Also believing that there is a such thing as a birthstone is a sin so I wouldn't being giving that to somebody as a communion present.

Really???

OP, a small cash gift would be appropriate, or the idea of cinema vouchers was a good one too. Rosary beads / prayer books - appropriate, but a godparent or grandparent would often get something like that. Check with the parents first perhaps?

Custardpi

GarIT wrote: »

You could argue that it is religious but not Catholic/Christian. Also believing that there is a such thing as a birthstone is a sin so I wouldn't being giving that to somebody as a communion present.

Ah but your average à la carte Catholic won't be bothered by stuff like that. They could also buy something like a pendant with their star sign on it. Sure isn't it all "spiritual"?

GarIT

Benny_Cake wrote: »

Really???

Yeah, it's the same as believing in star signs. False idols etc.

tigger123

I've next to no experience with this, and am going to a communion on Saturday for a close friends kid ... I woulda thought €50 was expected ... is €20 the going rate though?!

GarIT

Custardpi wrote: »

Ah but your average à la carte Catholic won't be bothered by stuff like that. They could also buy something like a pendant with their star sign on it. Sure isn't it all "spiritual"?

I actually laughed out loud at this.

lavinia hathaway

GarIT wrote: »

You could argue that it is religious but not Catholic/Christian. Also believing that there is a such thing as a birthstone is a sin so I wouldn't being giving that to somebody as a communion present.

As the poster stated they weren't particularly religious then the question of believing a birthstone is a sin is irrelevant. I personally don't know anyone who thinks that anyway to be honest.

Benny_Cake

GarIT wrote: »

Yeah, it's the same as believing in star signs. False idols etc.

Ah, so you think it's a sin. I can't find any reference to Catholics seeing it as a sin though, which is surely what matters in this case.

Custardpi

lavinia hathaway wrote: »

As the poster stated they weren't particularly religious then the question of believing a birthstone is a sin is irrelevant. I personally don't know anyone who thinks that anyway to be honest.

Given that the child is supposedly celebrating a religious ceremony I'd say the rules of that religion would be pretty relevant.

GarIT

lavinia hathaway wrote: »

As the poster stated they weren't particularly religious then the question of believing a birthstone is a sin is irrelevant. I personally don't know anyone who thinks that anyway to be honest.

The OP isn't religious what about the person making the communion? You don't want to offend them or anything

You don't know anybody that thinks what? Sins aren't like morals, you can't just decide which is actually a sin or not, it's set in stone (literally).

henryporter

How about promising them a euro for every time their parents bring them to mass after the first holy charade is over, should get away light that way.

shruikan2553

GarIT wrote: »

You could argue that it is religious but not Catholic/Christian. Also believing that there is a such thing as a birthstone is a sin so I wouldn't being giving that to somebody as a communion present.

They're probably doing all sorts of sinful things that day. I doubt the children or the parents even know birthstones are sinful so wouldnt matter.

AK333

Its a communion, its religious, get over it. If you don't want to get rosary beads, prayer book, crucifix, etc, €10 in a card is enough - its the child who is receiving the sacrament not you. If you are not religious, tough, its a religious sacrament - cinema tickets are a joke. Bury your own adult beliefs/non beliefs and celebrate with the child, if that's what you intend to do

GarIT

Benny_Cake wrote: »

Ah, so you think it's a sin.

No. I know it's a sin.

dockleaf

tigger123 wrote: »

I've next to no experience with this, and am going to a communion on Saturday for a close friends kid ... I woulda thought €50 was expected ... is €20 the going rate though?!

50 is a huge amount of money for an 8/9 year old. Really though, its all relative, what can you afford comfortably? Their granddad gave 50 in our house, which I thought was really generous, neighbours and friends gave 20 or 10 or a small gift. Just coming to the communion makes it special for the child, really there's no need for a gift at all and certainly not money you can't afford, if that's the case.

gg2

tigger123 wrote: »

I've next to no experience with this, and am going to a communion on Saturday for a close friends kid ... I woulda thought €50 was expected ... is €20 the going rate though?!

Its an 8 year old?? Why on earth would they expect €50?? That is the most ridicules thing I've heard today.........

keith16

Custardpi wrote: »

Given that the child is supposedly celebrating a religious ceremony I'd say the rules of that religion would be pretty relevant.

What are the rules of atheism? Ensuring the rules of all religions everywhere are upheld and adhered to at all times?

GarIT

henryporter wrote: »

How about promising them a euro for every time their parents bring them to mass after the first holy charade is over, should get away light that way.

Best idea ever. +an extra Euro for every page of the bible they can say (they don't have to get every word just a general idea.)

shruikan2553 wrote: »

They're probably doing all sorts of sinful things that day. I doubt the children or the parents even know birthstones are sinful so wouldnt matter.

I know but it's funny to point out the hypocrisy.

gg2

AK333 wrote: »

Its a communion, its religious, get over it. If you don't want to get rosary beads, prayer book, crucifix, etc, €10 in a card is enough - its the child who is receiving the sacrament not you. If you are not religious, tough, its a religious sacrament - cinema tickets are a joke. Bury your own adult beliefs/non beliefs and celebrate with the child, if that's what you intend to do

Since when has €10 or any money for that matter, been religious?
I'm not planning to force my beliefs on a child (I will be attending their mass and celebrating a beautiful day with them) but I would feel like a total hypocrite giving them a crucifix (seriously do people actually give children crucifix's?)
Your attitude is....zany.

tigger123

dockleaf wrote: »

50 is a huge amount of money for an 8/9 year old. Really though, its all relative, what can you afford comfortably? Their granddad gave 50 in our house, which I thought was really generous, neighbours and friends gave 20 or 10 or a small gift. Just coming to the communion makes it special for the child, really there's no need for a gift at all and certainly not money you can't afford, if that's the case.

Cheers! €20 it is. Must be all this talk of the recession being over, I can't wait to lose the run of meself.

Benny_Cake

GarIT wrote: »

No. I know it's a sin.

That's great, do you have a source for this?

Ihatecuddles

tigger123 wrote: »

Cheers! €20 it is. Must be all this talk of the recession being over, I can't wait to lose the run of meself.

That made me laugh

€30 if you really want to splash out! But €20 is more than enough. Sure they're what, 7/8?

GarIT

gg2 wrote: »

seriously do people actually give children crucifix's?

I got one from a rich uncle. There wasn't more anger in hell that day. Possibly why I'm so passive aggressive now.

tigger123

My own tuppence worth, communion for kids is about the money, you're too young at that age to appreciate the sacrament or religious side of things. The adults can be as pious as they want but it's a mini pay day for you and your friends.

AK333

gg2 wrote: »

Since when has €10 or any money for that matter, been religious?
I'm not planning to force my beliefs on a child (I will be attending their mass and celebrating a beautiful day with them) but I would feel like a total hypocrite giving them a crucifix (seriously do people actually give children crucifix's?
You attitude is....zany.

Its not your beliefs that the communion is about - its about the childs, well their parents really as most small children don't really understand it all. You give an appropriate gift and the most appropriate gift for a religious ceremony, is a religious gift - your the zany one. Crucifix earrings are lovely on a little girl, nothing wrong with that at all and my daughter, for her confirmation, received a Tiffany & Co Crucifix from a very kind relative - a beautiful, expensive present which she treasures.

Your the zany one. Why go to the communion if you think its a joke.

Benny_Cake

tigger123 wrote: »

My own tuppence worth, communion for kids is about the money, you're too young at that age to appreciate the sacrament or religious side of things. The adults can be as pious as they want but it's a mini pay day for you and your friends.

I was 7 when I made my communion and it was all about the religious aspect for me. It was the 1980s and I was a very strange child though, so don't give much heed to that.

My confirmation, on the other hand, was all about the money.

dockleaf

tigger123 wrote: »

My own tuppence worth, communion for kids is about the money, you're too young at that age to appreciate the sacrament or religious side of things. The adults can be as pious as they want but it's a mini pay day for you and your friends.

Not really true, they spend quite a bit of time preparing for it, being taught the meaning behind the communion and the significance of the day. They are well aware of the meaning. It's the adults who give the money on the day after all.

Custardpi

keith16 wrote: »

What are the rules of atheism? Ensuring the rules of all religions everywhere are upheld and adhered to at all times?

Given the logistical difficulties involved that's probably not completely practical. However, I'll make sure to forward your idea to the A&A synod for consideration. In the meantime there's nothing wrong with pointing out the logical inconsistencies which are so often at the heart of organised religion.

lavinia hathaway

Custardpi wrote: »

Given that the child is supposedly celebrating a religious ceremony I'd say the rules of that religion would be pretty relevant.

Agreed, but what I suggested in no way contravenes the religious rules.

GarIT

Benny_Cake wrote: »

That's great, do you have a source for this?

Giving meaning to a stone such as calling it a birthstone and claiming it is assigned to you based on your birth month is a sin. It is worshipping false idols.

ComputerKing

Op a prayer book or a nice pair of rosery beads is fine with relatives I find. What's your relation to the child as I know in my family the godparents of the child usually get them a silver crucifix necklace just something simple usually for the girls we would usually get a gold or a rose gold one not something bringing just a simple cross.