Mullahoran priest Fr Joe McGrath says he is in favour of the celebrations that have become popular with families following a child's Holy Communion and Confirmation. And, the parish administrator for Mullahoran / Loughduff says that as every diocese "works its socks off to keep the spark of faith alive" he is certain that most agree with the idea of a celebration after the sacraments.
As Holy Communion season is underway, Fr McGrath was invited on to the Joe Finnegan Show to discuss elaborate parties, cash gifts for children and the general expense of taking the sacraments in Ireland today. He said he is always delighted to receive invitations from parishioners for barbecues and meals after celebrating First Holy Communion.
And he said as schools and clergy work hard to keep the sacraments relevant for young people in today's world, celebrating afterwards is all part of the day. But, he had a suggestion for what children could do with some of their First Holy Communion money (listen below):
