Unless you know the priest’s desires, personal spirituality, and personal tastes VERY well, don’t give religious articles, books, clothing or vestments. Several clergy I know have shelves of gift Bibles and devotional books that are inscribed so they can’t even re-gift them to persons they know could use them. For their own use they prefer their old, well thumbed, Bibles and worn, familiar rosaries, etc. Clergy shirts may look generic, but every priest has his own favorite brand and style. Ditto for cassocks, etc. Books can scream the giver’s personal agenda rather than the priest’s own spirituality, if the donor doesn’t know the priest well.
A gift certificate to the the mail order vestment or religious suppy company he regularly uses would be nice (the parish secretary can help you there.) A gift in his name to a pet project of his (again, the parish secretary can help you there, or listen closely to him to find out where his heart is in terms of charitable contributions). A gift certificate at a truly favorite restaurant is nice. A gift certificate to a good bookstore is nice. A gift certificate to a local mall or food store is great – gives him his choice!. Unless you are able to do something to a specialized men’s store in an amount that will cover at least a basic pair of pants, he won’t have the $$$ on his own to make up the difference to purchase anything but black socks.
A bottle of his favorite liquor or wine is nice. But find out what his real favorite is – A priest walks into a dinner at a parishioner’s home and is offered a drink – he notes that the supply of, say, scotch, seems abundant to his hosts, and says, scotch. Word gets out, “Father loves scotch” when, in reality, he’s only requested it because it’s the least objectional thing the hosts seem have in abundance, and he doesn’t want to put them out. So, EVERYWHERE he goes, he’s offered Scotch whiskey, and takes it out of politeness. Bottom line, observe what he orders for himself at an open bar event, or at a restaurant, and give him a bottle of that, rather than the stuff the rumor mill says he likes.
Save the homemade candies and cookies for another time of year – an unexpected batch of cookies or a pie or even a fruit cake is more appreciated in spring, summer or fall than the fifth batch of cookies received in the fourth week of December. Remember, especially if he is older, he may have dietetic restricions like diabetes. One priest I know loves it when he gets a special treat baked with Splenda instead of sugar.
Give with sincerity and love, and especially let your priest know that you appreciate him and are praying for him and supporting him. Kind words and especially a kind note are always appreciated.
:twocents:
