Need Gift ideas for someone going into the Priesthood

[BILLVACK]

This is a first for us....
We were invited to the ordination into the priesthood of a friend of ours. More of an aquaintance, then a friend. The invite was for the church ceremony and the celebration afterwards. We have no idea what to give as a gift. I think most of the religious gifts would be given by family etc. Any suggestions ?
Thanks

 

[Eileen A.]

Hi,

Priests live on fairly small income. I would consider a check with a note stating please use as he sees fit. The priest may end up donating the cash gifts to his church or use it to help someone in need.

I would not think he would need any "items". My uncle was a priest and although he died when I was a child, my Dad was in touch with other priests from his order. My dad would always give them cash gifts to use as they saw fit.

I'll be interested to see if anyone has other thoughts.

Eileen

 

[laxmom]

How about a gift to his childhood parish in his name. Most have a benevolence fund. There is also Catholic Charities USA which has been very active in response to disasters such as Katrina and the tornado in Kansas. Having chosen the priesthood, he would probably rather have a gift benefit others than himself. Just a thought...

 

[johnmfaeth]

I would get a visa gift card, he can then spend it or use it to donate as he likes.

 

[ausman]

I would equate the ordination to a wedding in a sense but agree with others that a gift card or similar is appropriate for your situation.

A Nun in the family.

 

[ctreelmom]

I agree that the monetary gifts are appropriate, but to add a spiritual component, you could get a mass card from your parish (I'm assuming you're Catholic, too) or from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy (Marian Fathers) they have lovely bound mass cards that would make nice keepsakes.

 

[Don]

If you wish to get him something personal, how about a very nice rosary or missal.