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."
A survey of First Communion habits
found spending on the day down 17%, from 1,165 euro to 967 euro over the
past two years, while the amount of cash youngsters collected was down
18%, from 574 euro over the same period.
In the years before the
recession it was not unusual for parents to hire limousines and bouncy
castles, and shell out on expensive dresses, suits, make-up and spray
tans.
The study of 1,000 people at the end of May and start of
June by Millward Brown Lansdowne for Ulster Bank found children in
Dublin earned most, 533 euro, while First Communicants in Munster got
519 euro.
Those in Ulster and Connacht were least well-off, getting 369
euro.
A spokesman for the Catholic Church in Ireland said focusing
on money and gifts rather than the spiritual side of a sacrament is not
good preparation.
"The First Holy Communion and Confirmation
ceremonies are important days - landmark days - and should be memorable,
proud and happy occasions," he said.