I must be the tightest person in Ireland because I have never given any money to anyone doing communion or confirmation!
My own god-daughter had her communion last week and didn't get a penny from me.
Although last year i did give €300 to my god-daughters mother ( my best friend ) for her son's communion but, this was to pay for the meal afterwards because she and her husband were going through a very rough patch. But i dont class this as giving to her son's communion, I was helping out a very good friend.
I'm not tight really i just dont believe in giving money, it's meant to be about more than that.
I have decided than both my children will not be doing either their communion or confirmation because of this. I never step foot in a church unless it is a communion, wedding, funeral ect. I just dont believe in any of it, although i am very respectful when i'm in a church, and i respect that for some people it is a very important day.
My son is not bothered about this at all and said he doesn't even want to do it. He's 9 now so should of made his communion last year.
My daughter (6) on the other hand has said that she does want to do it...and doesn't want to get any money. She wants to do it more to get all dressed up.
Not sure if i will let her do it... i think i probably will but the rules are still the same, she's not allowed to accept any money from anyone, and she'll be wearing all my god-daughters outfit from this year. This outfit brand new worn only for a few hours came to €800!!!! I nearly fell off my chair when her mum told me what the total cost was.
I will never spend €800 on one outfit that wont be worn again for my 8 year old.
And i wont be spending 100's on a meal afterwards...few drinks and maybe a bbq afterwards and that will be it.