When my father died, three of my Baltimore cousins teamed up to create a poster full of snapshots of Dad through the years.
It arrived just in time for Dad’s funeral reception, where everyone said how much my sons look like him.
The poster remains in a place of honor at the entry to our home and Dad’s always with us during family celebrations.
A comforting, thoughtful gift, the poster cost time, energy, and effort rather than much money — but it acknowledges how much Dad means to our family.
As a gift associated with a Catholic sacrament goes, it’s one of my most memorable and cherished.
OCCASIONS FOR CATHOLIC GIFTS
Gift-giving is a wonderful way to honor a child’s Baptism, Confession, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation and a loving way to commemorate a couple’s wedding, a priest’s ordination, and a loved one’s passing.
Today, one can choose from wide selection of Catholic gifts for sacramental occasions. And access is easier than ever with the addition of the Christ Cathedral Shop on the Garden Grove campus and the many items available online with a simple click.
ST. JOSEPH HONORS FATHERS AND HUSBANDS
Wall hangings and statues picturing beloved St. Joseph are selling like the proverbial hotcakes at the Christ Cathedral Shop, according to owner Steve Peters, as we commemorate the Year of St. Joseph as declared by Pope Francis.
St. Joseph — a loving and protective young father — is a perfect saint to watch over babies and children. A holy card or other item featuring him is a fine gift to acknowledge a baby’s Baptism or a child’s First Holy Communion.
Items with the Holy Family remind newly married couples of their vows to love one another, as St. Joseph and our Blessed Virgin Mary were devoted to each other and to their son.
KEEPSAKES ARE CHERISHED FOREVER
Beyond flowers and sympathy cards, Catholics wishing to send prayers to the bereaved can, for a small donation, have Mass celebrated in memory of the deceased. Mass cards are a kind way to remind the grieving that their loved one is missed.
Whether it’s for a newly confirmed teen or a future heirloom for a newlywed couple, a keepsake Bible is always a thoughtful Catholic gift.
There are many versions of accessible Catholic Bibles at various prices, available in paperback or leather, in large or small versions, with and without footnotes.
Picture books are a fine way for godparents to honor a child’s Baptism or First Holy Communion.
ICONIC CATHOLIC GIFTS KEEP GIVING
Perhaps the most iconic gift, appropriate for boys and girls, men and women of all ages is the rosary. It’s the perfect present in honor of a Confirmation or Communion, and a thoughtful addition to a bride’s bouquet or a groom’s coat pocket.
Spiritual and prayer books are thoughtful gifts for a new priest or any Catholic who wants to learn more or engage deeply with one’s faith.
WHERE TO SHOP
In addition to personally visiting the Christ Cathedral Shop, Catholic gifts can be ordered through christcathedralshop.com.
The best gifts are those that last. Thoughtful Catholic gift-giving, then, extends through the generations and touches a family forever.