Holy Communion cost warning

PARENTS of youngsters celebrating their First Holy Communion spend almost €1,000 on the day, making the religious industry worth €57 million, according to a survey.

Nine and 10-year-olds who received the sacrament were earning on average €468 in cash gifts on the day, and later spending half of it.

John Monaghan, national vice-president of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, said parents will spend because they do not want their child to stand out from others.