Church says that emphasis should be on Spiritual Preparation for Sacraments not expensive externals

The Church in Ireland  has rowed into the debate over the exorbitant costs families with children preparing for the sacraments face, by warning that the emphasis should not be on expensive externals but rather on the spiritual significance of the sacrament itself.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Catholic Communications Office said bishops, priests and schools are very concerned about the cost issue.

The statement followed news that Department of Social Protection's payouts to families on social welfare to help them meet the cost of First Holy Communions and Confirmations is to be slashed from €242 to €110.  The Exceptional Needs Payment was made to 14,000 families last year.

The Department of Social Protection has instructed Welfare Officers that they must achieve reductions of €8.5m in the overall €63m being paid out annually through the Exceptional Need Payments scheme.

In its statement, the Church said that the primary focus of First Holy Communion is the reception of the Body of Christ by the child for the first time and on the continued growth of the spiritual life of the child.

“The First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies are important days - landmark days - and should be memorable, proud and happy occasions for the child, her/his parents, grandparents, sponsor, brothers, sisters, classmates and school,” the Catholic Communications Office stated.

It acknowledged that all the pressure of trying to make these sacramental days special for the child can cause parents a lot of stress.  Bishops, priests and schools have discussed the matter in parishes because of their concern over the cost issue facing parents, the CCO added.

“If the emphasis for sacramental preparation is placed on commercially related concerns, rather than on the spiritual significance of the sacrament, then it is not a good preparation for Catholic children,” the Church statement warned.

The statement also underlined that the Church’s role is limited to sacramental preparation and that responsibility relating to social celebrations rests with parents.  The Church calls on parents to ensure that those celebratory aspects that take place outside of the sacramental ceremonies are balanced and appropriate for the occasion.

“In this regard the Church continues our long tradition of encouraging parishes to provide, for example, after the First Holy Communion Mass, a locally organised and modest gathering so that the faith community can together celebrate this special day in the lives of children and of their families,” the CCO suggests.

The statement concludes by highlighting how such modest parish-based initiatives help move the emphasis away from the commercial focus.  “Simplicity ought to characterise the social celebration of these sacramental occasions so that their faith significance is not lost.”

The cost of providing a white dress, a matching veil, shoes and handbag for a girl making her Communion can run to hundreds of euros.  Some parents insist on additional expenses such as professional hair-dos, make-up, spray tan and fake nails, though the child may be only eight or nine.

The cumulative costs can force some parents to seek loans from moneylenders in order to pay for the day.