PrettyInPeank
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,691 
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Post by PrettyInPeank on Apr 15, 2019 1:46:28 GMT
I'm invited to brunch by a friend who is converting to Catholicism on Easter.
Are gifts traditionally given to the new Catholic? I was going to bring flowers, but I don't want to arrive empty handed if there's usually a gift involved.
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sueg
Prolific Pea
Posts: 7,992
Location: Munich
Apr 12, 2016 12:51:01 GMT
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Post by sueg on Apr 15, 2019 1:52:06 GMT
There are many traditional religious gifts: a rosary, a Catholic bible (we use some different books, and translations), a missal (Mass book, with the readings for each day - you can get Sunday ones, or weekday ones), a crucifix. Another idea might be a medal or icon of her saint name - Catholics chose a saint's name when confirmed, which might be one of their current names, or might be a saint whose story speaks to them.
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Post by Basket1lady on Apr 15, 2019 2:36:53 GMT
There are many traditional religious gifts: a rosary, a Catholic bible (we use some different books, and translations), a missal (Mass book, with the readings for each day - you can get Sunday ones, or weekday ones), a crucifix. Another idea might be a medal or icon of her saint name - Catholics chose a saint's name when confirmed, which might be one of their current names, or might be a saint whose story speaks to them. All great gifts! But flowers are lovely, too. Some give gifts, others just come to support the newly elected. Either is just fine. |
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Post by crazy4scraps on Apr 15, 2019 3:22:46 GMT
A small pocket bible, a rosary or a crucifix charm/necklace would be appropriate. I remember when I was a kid getting first communion or confirmation I got a lot of little wooden plaques with prayers on them which wasn’t a very practical gift.
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PrettyInPeank
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,691
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Post by PrettyInPeank on Apr 15, 2019 3:41:34 GMT
So do they end up with lots of rosaries from friends and family?
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Post by Zee on Apr 15, 2019 3:43:27 GMT
A rosary and the tackiest Virgin Mary candle you can find. Well, that's what I'd appreciate, anyway. Catholic kitsch is the best!
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Post by pierkiss on Apr 15, 2019 10:51:28 GMT
So do they end up with lots of rosaries from friends and family? When our daughter had her 1st Communion last year almost everyone we invited gave her a rosary. She has 7 of them now. I expect our son will get a bunch of them in May when he has his. I do not know what one does with so many rosaries. I think bringing flowers is lovely and will stand out amongst a lot of religious gifts your friend is likely to get. |
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muggins
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,861
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Post by muggins on Apr 15, 2019 11:10:19 GMT
Sorry, couldn’t resist!  |
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Post by crazy4scraps on Apr 15, 2019 13:18:41 GMT
Sorry, couldn’t resist! There was a small Jesus one on Amazon that you could stick on your dashboard, for those times when you need Jesus to “take the wheel” LOL. I bought one for my Catholic kitsch loving friend for Christmas one year. It was hilarious and she loved it. |
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Post by shevy on Apr 15, 2019 18:02:36 GMT
So do they end up with lots of rosaries from friends and family? When our daughter had her 1st Communion last year almost everyone we invited gave her a rosary. She has 7 of them now. I expect our son will get a bunch of them in May when he has his. I do not know what one does with so many rosaries. I think bringing flowers is lovely and will stand out amongst a lot of religious gifts your friend is likely to get. I have some special rosaries hung up in my bedroom. I like seeing them because of the sentimental nature and for memories of when I received them. |
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maryannscraps
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,728
Aug 28, 2017 12:51:28 GMT
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Post by maryannscraps on Apr 15, 2019 18:08:40 GMT
I gave a friend a pretty Willow Tree figurine that meant something to her when she converted to Catholicism a few years ago. She cried, so I think I got it right. I don't think anything is expected though.
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smcast
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,294
Location: MN
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Post by smcast on Apr 15, 2019 20:25:56 GMT
A rosary is a personal item to me so I'd rather pick my own out. I'd go with a nice devotional or flowers are nice too. I'm kind of particular about jewelry too, where I like to pick my own out. My mother-in-law likes to give cross necklaces and saint charm necklaces. Not my thing to wear so sadly, they sit in the jewelry box.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 23, 2024 12:18:48 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2019 21:36:28 GMT
I remember families would go in on a really nice rosary. M
Give $15-20. Cash.
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Post by andreasmom on Apr 15, 2019 21:41:07 GMT
You can get an olivewood rosary from Bethlehem on amazon. It is quite symbolic.
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Post by 5peanutsnana on Apr 15, 2019 22:49:24 GMT
I think a "Calming Cross" or "Palm Cross" is nice, but different gift. It is appropriate for either gender or any age. As the name implies it fits in the palm of your hand and brings comfort when in prayer. It can be made from wood , metal or quartz. Most come with a poem/prayer to explain it. There are many available on Amazon, The Catholic Company and other religious stores. I have gifted them and will be giving one to my DGS for Confirmation next month. (With $...because teens can always use $.)
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PrettyInPeank
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,691
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Post by PrettyInPeank on Apr 22, 2019 22:03:52 GMT
Because I like it when people follow up on posts like this, I thought I'd share what I went with. She doesn't seem like the type to do readings or journal, so I skipped that, took the advice that she'd probably want to get her own rosary, and I try to avoid home decor because tastes can be particular. Since they have a large landscaped yard, and she is a huge animal lover (rescues dogs) who chose St. Francis as her saint (thanks for heads up to ask) I went with this garden statue. She loved it, and excitedly walked around the property to find the perfect location, settling on front and center by the entry. Thanks again, you all helped so much! |
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peasquared
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,431
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Post by peasquared on Apr 22, 2019 22:07:25 GMT
That is a lovely gift!
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Post by birukitty on Apr 22, 2019 22:09:21 GMT
Perfect gift!
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Montannie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,486
Location: Big Sky Country
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Post by Montannie on Apr 22, 2019 22:39:20 GMT
Love that statue! Good choice.
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Post by katyscrap on Apr 23, 2019 0:00:09 GMT
Perfect choice! It’s a beautiful, personal gift and I’m sure she’ll think of you whenever she sees it. I alway include “my” saint, St. Francis, in my daily prayers, too. I’m an animal lover like her.
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Post by anniefb on Apr 23, 2019 0:04:34 GMT
Love your choice!
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Post by Basket1lady on Apr 23, 2019 0:42:52 GMT
That sounds like a perfect gift! Personal and related to her saint name. Good job!
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