Warning on costs of Holy Communion [herald.ie]
- Published: 14 June 2011
Parents of youngsters celebrating their First Holy Communion spend almost 1,000 euro on the day, making the religious industry worth 57 million euro, according to a survey.
Nine and 10-year-olds who received the sacrament were earning on average 468 euro in cash gifts on the day and later spending half of it.
John Monaghan, national vice-president of the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SvP), said parents will spend because they do not want their child to stand out from others.
"Our recommendation is to put a little sanity back into it, we need some sense," he said.
"It was never right. It was never justified. It is taking away from the sacrament and focusing on the showbusiness. There are a lot of families who cannot afford to do this."
Full Story: www.herald.ie
