In parishes across the country, children are being prepared to receive their next Sacrament of Initiation into the Catholic Church: First Communion.
The Sacrament of Holy Communion is the pinnacle of our sacramental life where children receive for the very first time the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is the most precious encounter with Christ imaginable!
Read next: Why a Child’s First Holy Communion is a Big Deal
So, needless to say, this is a very special day, and it should be turned into an occasion for the whole family to celebrate together. While giving the First Communicant gifts is customary, many ask what kind of gifts? Are both religious and non-religious gifts appropriate?
Unlike money and other non-religious "neutral" gifts, a religious gift can act as a permanent sacramental in the child’s life.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) teaches that sacramentals (sacred signs such as rosaries, crucifixes, and medals) "prepare us to receive grace and dispose us to cooperate with it" (CCC 1670).
Another common question is how much to spend on a first communion gift. Many beautiful and meaningful gifts do not cost a lot. The cost of the item might also reflect the relationship with the First Communicant. At The Catholic Company, gifts come in all shapes, sizes, and costs.
