My sister is converting to catholocism. She is completing classes right now and has a baptism ceremony scheduled for the first part of February. I plan to attend and wanted to get her a gift to commemorate this event, but have no idea what an appropriate gift might be. I'm not catholic myself. Any suggestions?? Do people normally recieve gifts for this type of thing? I guess I'm thinking I want it to be faith-based. I appreciate any help!

By Reds9298 on Friday, December 9, 2005 - 08:12 pm:

sorry.. should be 'receive'...oops.

By Heaventree on Friday, December 9, 2005 - 09:41 pm:

You know that's a tough one, when Matthew was baptized we got things like picture frames, a bible for children, angel statues etc. Why don't you go to a Christian store and see what they have, you might be inspired by something you see.

I'm not sure if adults get gifts for this or not, children usually do. You could just get her a card.

I guess the standards would be bibles, cross necklace, rosary, a cross, a prayer book.

Sorry, I'm not sure if that was helpful or not.

By Tink on Friday, December 9, 2005 - 10:14 pm:

Maybe a devotional book that pertains to something in her life? Bibles, crosses, etc. are the norm for baby baptisms. A beautiful notebook and pen for taking notes during sermons or devotional time?

By Amecmom on Friday, December 9, 2005 - 10:49 pm:

If she is converting to RC, is she into the Marian aspect of RC? If so, you could get her a really nice rosary. A dear friend of mine gave my daughter a sterling silver rosary for her baptism that she will have her entire life. It was really special.
Ame

By Kernkate on Friday, December 9, 2005 - 11:55 pm:

I also thought of a nice set of rosary beads( as we call them) and I am catholic. Its something you will have forever. And then (not meaning to be out of line) when she passes away they can bury them with her. Most Roman Catholics have Rosaries in their hands when they are viewed for their funeral.
I bought a rosary when my Grandma was very ill for her to pray with, when she passed on they were used for her viewing then my cousin insisted she not be buried with them that I keep them for rememberance, I did and when my Mom passed away I used them for her funeral. I still have those rosary in rememberance of all the prayers that were said on them. Just a thought.

By Reds9298 on Saturday, December 10, 2005 - 02:19 pm:

I appreciate the GREAT ideas!! I knew you guys would be a big help. I would love to give her a rosary, but I want to make sure it won't be given by someone else. I'm afraid her husband's family (who is Catholic) will give her something like that. I'll check and thank you a lot everyone! All really good suggestions.

By Mommmie on Saturday, December 10, 2005 - 02:24 pm:

When I converted to RC I had someone send me flowers that day and I thought that was very nice.

If you have a Catholic bookstore in your town you can get ideas there. Catholics use a slightly different Bible than Protestants, so if you give a Bible make sure it's a Catholic one.

You might do an internet search on Catholic gifts and see what kinds of things come up.

By Missbookworm on Saturday, December 10, 2005 - 03:24 pm:

My first thought was a beautiful rosary too, or a nice new bible.

Me being the way I am I'd love one in wood beads if you could find it but that's a personal preference. I'm into wood and "natural/recycled" everything as much as possible.

By Amecmom on Saturday, December 10, 2005 - 05:21 pm:

Does she have a good gold cross? I have several, but my childrens' godparents gave them gold crosses for thier baptisms that are beautiful and will be a constant reminder of their faith when they are older.
Also, should you get her a cross, it does not have to be a plain cross. We Roman Catholics use the plain cross as well a a cross with a figure of Christ.
Ame

By Paulas on Saturday, December 10, 2005 - 07:02 pm:

I think you have been given some wonderful suggestions. I particularly like the rosary beads, devotional book or a very nice bible.

By Missmudd on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 11:28 am:

I agree with the above, all good suggestions. Even if the family is giving a rosary as long as it isnt the same one, I dont see a problem. If you go with the same idea as if you were buying her a piece of jewelry that you wanted her to remember you by, that she would keep forever, and suits her you should do great. You may want to stop by your local church and have the priest bless it, it is just a quickie, or on the day of the baptism.