As I'm not very good in religion matters please go easy on me.
Our friends (Catholics) invited us to celebrate their child's 1st comunion. He some kind of completed 1st course in god matters and it's a big event or so, that's what I've been told. The boy is 12 years old.
My wife instructed me to wear suit and tie and present myself in best light, as restaurant has been booked and big celebrations will take place to mark that achievement.
Now, I clearly have no idea what should I do. What kind of present or anything like that is expected of me? Do I need to buy a chocolate baby Jesus or buy some kind of special books etc? Simplest way would be to put some monies in an envelope as present but would that offend those religious matters?
Still confused.
Origin of Species, Charles Darwin
Catholics? Personal attack alarm then
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bravohoteler8 has a damn fine point - buy the kid iron-clad underpants as well.
Some Discworld series books by Terry Pratchett. Wizards, witches, zombies, ghosts and all kinds of fantastical make-believe.
Catholics? Personal attack alarm then
No need - he's twelve. Far too old to interest the priest.
do you actually have to take a present?
proper communion gifts would be covered by the parents surely?
I'd just take a card.
I got given a Wisden Cricketer's Almanack for mine. From one of my mum's friends. Don't remember getting anything else.
for my first communion i think i got a rosary from my irish gran. cards from others.
What kind of present or anything like that is expected of me?
I would be very surprised if you were expected to provide a present. Although tbh I'm a little surprised that they have invited you if you're not catholic/religious. They must consider you a very good friend to be keen for you attend. And on that basis I would just bless them with your presence 🙂
Although brakes suggestion of a card would not be inappropriate imo.
Parents and god-parents usually give 'communion' presents but I'd go with the cash in card idea. I'd guess this would be more appreciative by a 12yr old.
as a lapsed "left footer" just get a keepsake that means something to a young lad.
No need for statues, rosary beads or bibles, the lad will be getting them from his family.
The guide to UK MTB trail centres might not be a bad idea.
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As godfather to my nephew I went through this a few weeks ago. You don't have to take a present. Card will do.
The boys taking communion will be dressed up very smartly and the girls will be dressed like little bridesmaids. Prepare to endure a mass where the kids do readings & 'take part', the priest goes on & on about family & the importance of bringing up the children as catholics...
Viewed from the outside it pretty much amounts to indoctrination but you'll have to endure it for the sake of your friends.
Thanks god it worked out to not be like bar mitzvah. I have seen those nice celebrations but there were some other delicate issues to consider.
Thanks for advice on -rosary- will look out for that in shops.
Flipping hell, wife still arguing about presents. Hope monies in envelope will do a trick, but not sure if it's right thing to do. Somehow it doesn't connect to such an event.
12 is far too old to be making a first communion. Are you sure it's not confirmation?
In any event, money in a card is the answer to either first communion or confirmation.
12 is far too old to be making a first communion. Are you sure it's not confirmation?
Thinking about it, my first communion was around 8? i went to a catholic primary and everyone got first communion then. Confirmation isn't until a fair bit older though 14-15 i seem to remember, I didn't bother. Only had first communion for grans sake
cash cash cash cash cash cash cash cash cash cash cash.. if you cant think of anything better cash.
the left footers lurve it. eldest daughters last year almost a grand in all in a pillow case. youngest next summer getting a bigger pillow case and got her practicing cow eyes for all the grandmas aunts second cousins etc church will be STUFFED with folk get in early if you want a seat and get to the knees up quick for a good seat ( away from the band/ stage/loos/ nusery close to bar or buffet) get bladdered ( rude not to)
the left footers lurve it.
hmm, does this count as abuse
"If you think a post is a deliberate troll, abusive, offensive or otherwise a bit naughty then don’t hesitate to email us at moderator@singletrackworld.com and we’ll have a look. We can’t guarantee we’ll agree with you but at least we’ll be aware of any infringements to other members’ sensibilities."
being as i have received two warnings for similar.
just saying like. 🙂
I've just listened to the Radio 4 programme about this very subject.
Money. End of.
Do you know the child at all? There is no need for the gift to be religious at all unless you are close. Cash is king for older kids but for a 12 year old it must be possible to come up with something a bit more concrete (catapult comes to mind 🙂 )
Reading again it sounds as though you want to buy something a bit on theme. If you can force yourself to you might try buying a copy of '[url= http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Message-Contemporary-Language-Experiencing/dp/1576834344/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339271127&sr=8-1 ]The Message[/url]' version of the Bible. It's meant to be a more natural language version that you can use alongside more 'proper' translations. It isn't very likely that someone else will get one, it can be more readable than many versions and if the child is actually trying to work out what is being said it can be helpful (or at least readable).
For the haterz - trying to find non cash, themed solutions here
I reckon it's risky getting a bible unless you can be sure that it is approved by the catholic church - after all the whole point of this event is to do with catholic tradition/beliefs.
If you [i]must[/i] get a present with a religious theme for the event then get it from a catholic source. Although I still think a present is unnecessary. IMO your choices are : 1 nothing, 2 card, 3 card and money, 4 non-religious present, 5 religious present approved by the catholic church. 1 or 2 being my most preferred choice, and 5 being my least preferred choice.
Agree with you there but this bit
seemed to suggest that 1,2 & 3 were out :(. 4 would be good if you could think of something but otherwise they would probably get off with The Message even if not approved and it would actually be useful one way or another.Flipping hell, wife still arguing about presents
...could always slip in a tenner for some condoms for a posh one as well if we are going fully non approved
+1 shooterman
My son was given cash in a card by most people which some went into his bank account and some went on what ever he liked.