<p>Not to hijack the thread, but pray tell, what event is upcoming?</p>
<p>A christening later in the spring. I don’t have many details yet and am hoping to break a foot or something so I don’t have to make excuses.</p>
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<p>I don’t know exactly what Episcopalians wear in the way of vestments, but among UU ministers stoles are a very popular gift. The ministers of my acquaintance all have a number of them, many made for them by friends and congregants, or purchased from people who specialize in making such things. Many of them are quite beautiful and/or meaningful.</p>
<p>Zoos–been a long day. Thanks for the laughs!</p>
<p>OP–I think the idea of a special day is great. I am sure that will be more remembered by a 7 year old. I cherish the special times I had with aunts and uncles.</p>
<p>D’s confirmation is soon. This thread is making me nervous. Neither of her godparents could be her sponsor. I really hate imposing on other people, and even more so because we found out recently they are doing it at a church 45 minutes away…I have been wondering what, if anything, we are supposed to do to thank the sponsor.</p>
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<p>Actually, I have not yet found any First Communion card (which I’m happy to buy) that doesn’t also reference Jesus’ love or something else that I just don’t care to send. I’ve got no real issue with Jesus per se, just don’t see why all the FC cards I’ve seen have to just <em>ooze</em> religion and why there isn’t one which is just more congratulatory in nature. </p>
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<p>As someone with a Catholic mother, it wouldn’t necessarily bother me to go buy something religious - IF I thought my sister / niece wanted it. But let’s get real. These kinds of occasions tend to bring out cheesy taste (no matter what the religion), and I’m sure my niece will get enough Precious Moments figurines and crosses and personalized frames to decorate her room; I see no need to pile on and provide yet another.</p>
<p>The reason first communion cards reference Jesus is because for Catholics, communion IS an encounter with Jesus. A big one! Catholics believe the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus and He becomes a part of us (on a cellular level) through communion. The first time a child receives communion, it is after a long wait and much anticipation for this big day. The young ladies wear white gowns and veils, the boys dark suits and ties. (I love the idea of the American Girl Doll in a first communion dress). Catholics traditionally love all the medals and crosses, they are usually very sentimental about religious goods. Most kids can’t get enough of various religious items. Visit any Catholic bookstore and you will see what I mean. By the way, another great gift idea is a Saints medal with the child’s patron saint. They are not too expensive and both my son’s wore theirs for many years. They each still carry rosaries in their back packs and religious medals in their wallets. This may seem odd for people outside the faith, but as a convert I have learned all this by observing my Catholic brothers and sisters over the years. I didn’t get it at first either. A few years ago, I started making rosaries myself and every time I give one away to a friend or family member, the gesture is met with extreme joy, no matter how many rosaries the recipient already has. (Catholics like bling, what can I say? 
Although if you are not comfortable with religious goods, I might recommend an inspirational book, maybe a biography of a holy person (Mother Teresa or Pope John Paul II) or a book about spirituality. Again a Catholic bookstore is a great resource, they will have many suggestions.</p>
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<p>This was the exact opposite of my experience in 9 years of Catholic school. None of the kids much cared for the religious items. I wonder if anyone else thinks this (my school may have been an anomaly- I don’t know. I wasn’t raised around the faith other than school.)</p>
<p>HeartArt- I think you are sort of missing the point of where the OP is coming from.</p>
<p>At our local,catholic church, the first communion recipients wear church gowns…sot of like little choir robes. They went to this for,at MANY years ago due to the competition for dresses. They did not want the focus to be on the clothing…and also did not want to price the event out of reach of some families.</p>
<p>Agreed with MOWC…re the OPs purpose.</p>
<p>We have.a saints medal here collecting dust.</p>
<p>PG…The Hallmark website will let you personalize a card…</p>
<p>For instance, this HC card isn’t too religious and you can change the wording. In the example it says, “God daughter,” but you could put “niece” or her actual name…the rest of the card may be what you have in mind. If not, browse around and see if something can work or be made to work with a change or two.</p>
<p>[Your</a> Little Light Shines | Personalized Greeting Card from Hallmark](<a href=“http://www.hallmark.com/Product/ProductDetails/1PGC3557_DK]Your”>http://www.hallmark.com/Product/ProductDetails/1PGC3557_DK)</p>
<p>"The reason first communion cards reference Jesus is because for Catholics, communion IS an encounter with Jesus. A big one! Catholics believe the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus and He becomes a part of us (on a cellular level) through communion. The first time a child receives communion, it is after a long wait and much anticipation for this big day. "</p>
<p>HeartArt, my mother was Catholic, as I’ve said. I was baptized and know my patron saint. I went to Catholic school as a young girl. If I visit my grandmother, I accompany her to church. I know what First Communion is and what it represents.</p>
<p>I was raised in a household with a non-practicing Catholic mother and a non-practicing Jewish father, and my sister and I were raised with a strong skepticism of organized religion. I married a Jewish man and raised the kids Jewish more because it was important to him than it was to me. My sister married a Catholic man and is raising her daughter Catholic more because it’s important to my BIL than it is to her. While she’s fine with it, that doesn’t mean she wants to take it over the top. I find it hard to believe that “most kids can’t get enough of various religious items.” I’m sure that’s what my BIL’s family will want to believe based on all the religious stuff they showered on my niece when she was born, but my niece is a normal 7 yo girl, and while this is a big, exciting day for her, I doubt she’d jump for joy to get a biography of Mother Theresa or the Pope. My mother did get her a First Communion style dress for her American Girl doll to match her dress and she liked that - but not because it’s religious, but because she’s a 7 yo girl and likes AG dolls. </p>
<p>Your handmade rosaries sound lovely - of course people are delighted by the thoughtfulness of a homemade special gift - but I reject the idea that “kids can’t get enough of religious goods.” How many religious goods can they get, that they REALLY want or will appreciate? Let the side of her family to whom that is important cover that.</p>
<p>mom2college kids - thanks! That’s the tonality I’m looking for - the cards in my local store were just more heavy-handed.</p>
<p>MOWC–when a good friend was ordained, we got him a stole to use at Christmas and Easter. He loved it. He got many for ordinary days but none for the holiday services. If friends don’t want to go the religious route, I would suggest gas gift cards as she will be doing a LOT of driving. I would assume she will eventually be reimbursed but as gas prices climb, the gift cards would be welcome I am sure.</p>
<p>I don’t know if you have a Papyrus nearby, but I saw several very low key communion cards there a few days ago.</p>
<p>Thanks, all. She doesn’t drive all that much, but not sure what the future holds. She is a hospital chaplain (for now) and assists on Sunday at a church not far from her home. Both subject to change. The holiday stole is a great idea. She also said James Avery gift certificates, mani/pedi, restaurant cards etc.</p>
<p>HeartArt, my experience during my Catholic childhood was the exact reverse of what you describe. No gifts, no religious stuff around the house, no bling. FHC was not, frankly, that big a deal, although we did have the white dress and veil. I seem to recall owning a scapular, but I don’t think I ever owned rosary beads, and I know for a fact that I never said a rosary in my life. Never owned or displayed a cross of any kind that I can recall.</p>
<p>There are many varieties of Catholic.</p>
<p>In my area and part of my family, First Holy Communion is the precursor to the blowout sweet 16 with attendants in that the party is often held in a catering hall with music, favors and all the trappings. Religion is only incidental to showing up everyone else.</p>
<p>Consolation, my mother grew up in a very Catholic household and like what you described, while there was a “quiet crucifix” in each bedroom, and rosaries were used, there weren’t all these kitschy picture frames and figurines and what-not.</p>
<p>In agreement with Jonri post 52</p>
<p>As a child, I didn’t even know I would receive any presents. I remember it as a perfect day with perfect weather and a party in the backyard.</p>
<p>Just cards are fine. Maybe Grandparents or Godparents do something special.</p>