Gifts for clergy

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what would be an appropriate gift for a priest who is leaving our parish after several years with us:confused:
 
Take him out for a nice dinner or a beer.

Don’t get him a Bible, a rosary, or other such items, I’m sure he has more than he knows what to do with!

BTW, what part of So. Carolina are you in? I have family in the upstate area.
 
If I may be so bold and ask if it would be for Father Tomlinson? If it is, man, am I am going to miss him!!!
 
Is the priest a Diocesan priest or from a religious order?

Diocesan priests to not take the vow of poverty - priests from religious orders do. Any money the order priest would be given has to be turned over to the order. I know of Diocesan priests that are able to save a good amount of money since they do not have to pay for their room and board.

I always give a Spiritual Bouquet (promised prayers for his intentions) or make a donation in his name to his favorite charity.
 
I don’t know how many people out there would agree with me, but I always found baking the Priest his favorite baked good is always a good idea! I baked cookies for my Priest before he left, and he was so surprised and thankful. Most times, from what I’ve seen, Priests don’t receive baked goods unless it’s a holiday season. But, that’s only from what I’ve seen, and I won’t speak for others. Whatever you decide on, I am positive that he will love it 🙂
 
jenreg said:
what would be an appropriate gift for a priest who is leaving our parish after several years with us:confused:
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If you happen to be handy with a needle and thread, a reversible stole might be nice. Not a “ribbon stole” but I mean a real one, white on one side and violet on the other. It’s not a complicated garment, and it should be easy enough to borrow one for a pattern. Otherwise, perhaps a gift certificate (gift card) to a clerical supply house? As others have said, just about anything will be appreciated, but IMO it’s always nice to add a “personal touch” so-to-speak. 🙂
 
A heartfelt letter telling him how he helped you to grow, pray, whatever is always appreciated. When our last pastor left we phoned his new parish and asked the secretary the name of a good (reasonable) eatery in his new neighborhood and got him a gift card for that place.
 
PietroPaolo said:
Take him out for a nice dinner or a beer.

Don’t get him a Bible, a rosary, or other such items, I’m sure he has more than he knows what to do with!

BTW, what part of So. Carolina are you in? I have family in the upstate area.
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The parish I used belong to was two blocks from an EO church that had a gift shop; so, when the pastor’s came around, I got him a woven book mark ( woven by some EO nuns) and a key chain that had an Icon on it. 🙂
 
Gift cards are always nice. If he’s into digital music, there are things like iTunes gift cards. Or a gasoline gift card. Those are very practical. Or an Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card - there’s always a need for more books.
 
I think you need to think of practicality what he will be able to use and then consider where he is going to. For example when my pastor left, I gave him a laptop stand because he had recently bought a new laptop and I knew he would need it for his next adventure. Gift cards you have to be careful especially if he will be moving out of town because that state or province will not necessarily have the same stores. Even a gift cards to Itunes and amazon are good but it will depend on it he is technologically inclined.

Money is always good with a card and a note saying how much he meant to you and other handmade gifts such as bookmarks, homemade bread etc generally work (provided the priest isn’t on a diet or diabetic) I agree with one of the people on this thread, I would avoid purchasing any type of religious object because chances are he has plenty. A gift of money to the parish in his name would also be a good idea. What you do really depends on your relationship with him. If you were close, maybe an ornament could work.

I suggest that you pray and ask God for guidance and see what God guides you to purchase.
 
thequietsinger said:
I don’t know how many people out there would agree with me, but I always found baking the Priest his favorite baked good is always a good idea! I baked cookies for my Priest before he left, and he was so surprised and thankful. Most times, from what I’ve seen, Priests don’t receive baked goods unless it’s a holiday season. But, that’s only from what I’ve seen, and I won’t speak for others. Whatever you decide on, I am positive that he will love it 🙂
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I don’t know about your parish but gifts of baked goods to the priests always ends up in the staff kitchen. I gained 20 pounds since working there.
 
When our priest left I had a novena of Masses said for him.
 
We always gift wine, good cheeses and/or a gift card to Starbucks, depending upon whether it’s our pastor (wine and cheeses), our rotation of priests assigned to our parish (wine), or our pastor emeritus (wine and Starbucks). We pretty much do wine, sometimes with additional items, haha!

Did I mention wine?..
 
Gift cards to restaurants are always good. It can be hard for priests to find time alone and they’d definitely appreciate a meal alone courtesy of someone else.

If you want to do something else for him too, he’d probably appreciate a bottle of whiskey or a jar of homemade jam or honey from a local beekeeper.

Avoid giving him books- especially about church. Trust me, he’s got plenty.
 
If he doesn’t have one, a nice, sturdy garment bag has been a popular gift my Dad has given to the recently ordained. (Dad’s a deacon, too.) And quite a few of his sturdy upholstery fabric garment bags turn up at Archdiocesan functions. Each unique, yet each so similar. a bit wide, to accommodate the fullness of vestments. A little extra length, too.

Dad also monograms them.
 
FreciaMarie said:
We always gift wine, good cheeses and/or a gift card to Starbucks, depending upon whether it’s our pastor (wine and cheeses), our rotation of priests assigned to our parish (wine), or our pastor emeritus (wine and Starbucks). We pretty much do wine, sometimes with additional items, haha!

Did I mention wine?..
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Just so you know, Starbucks is a big supporter for same sex “marriage”. My friend is a priest and won’t step inside the place.
 
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