Appropriate Gift for a Priest?

[Charbeau]

My children and I entered the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil in April. I would like to send something to my priest to show my thanks for his guidance to our RCIA class and for convalidating my marriage, baptizing my children and confirming me.

What is appropriate?

 

[kage_ar]

A gift card for something he likes or needs - a round of golf, dinner at his favorite eatery, movie tickets, sports event tickets, spa day or even a gas card!

 

[Leticia]

Perpetual Masses said for him.

 

[Mrs_V]

We usually go with gift cards to a bookstore or restaurant. We’ve recently learned from a religious that cash is very appreciated as well so we might consider that in the future.

 

[AshleyBelle]

You reminded me of a funny story

The priest who helped my husband and I through RCIA and our journey into the Church, was from an Itallian family. On our first visit to his office for an inquiry session, we were a little startled to discover his office FULL of gargoyles! Those things seriously used to creep me out

When I asked about them… he said that he had taken a personal vacation a few years ago to visit his family’s hometown in Italy, and study the records to learn about his geneology. He had picked up a small gargoyle statue at a gift store, and set it in his office when he returned from the trip.

Soon, whenever a parishioner visited his office, they would ask about the small gargoyle statue. Then, people decided that he must be an avid collector of gargoyle statues… And whenever somebody wanted to give him a gift, they gave a new statue for his “collection!” The result was an office full of gargoyles

 

[Mrs_V]

You reminded me of a funny story

The priest who helped my husband and I through RCIA and our journey into the Church, was from an Itallian family. On our first visit to his office for an inquiry session, we were a little startled to discover his office FULL of gargoyles! Those things seriously used to creep me out

When I asked about them… he said that he had taken a personal vacation a few years ago to visit his family’s hometown in Italy, and study the records to learn about his geneology. He had picked up a small gargoyle statue at a gift store, and set it in his office when he returned from the trip.

Soon, whenever a parishioner visited his office, they would ask about the small gargoyle statue. Then, people decided that he must be an avid collector of gargoyle statues… And whenever somebody wanted to give him a gift, they gave a new statue for his “collection!” The result was an office full of gargoyles

Oh my!! I think i’d have to start finding a new home for some of them.

 

[Nanny_PK]

I usually give a very nice card (at Christmas) with a gift card in it. I usually choose a store like Target since they have a huge selection of items and Father can get what he wants/needs. But since this is something special since he helped you with RCIA, I like the idea of a card to one of his favorite restaurants or golf game. I would do something like that for my priest if I knew which were his favorite restraunts or a specific hobby. But since I don’t, Target is a good catch-all.

 

[churchsecretary]

The priests I work for like different things–but one thing I can say, is don’t get him a religious statue, picture, etc., unless you know for certain it’s something he’s been wanting! They usually are overloaded with that sort of thing.

I agree that Mass cards are always nice & needed, & they always seem to appreciate those. Also, gift cards for the things others have named work out well. Cash may be nice for those religious in orders but know that one of our (diocesan) priests would just turn around & give it away anyway. Diocesan priests are provided with a stipend, along with room & board, insurance, and so many weeks of required paid vacation. They are required to own their own car for their own personal use, so a gas card would be good. If the priest has a pet, they like things for the pet! They like to go out to eat, so maybe some sleuthing (ask the parish secretary! ) would help you to find out which restaurants he likes.

Also, a personal note thanking him means an awful lot!