Catholics/gift to priest

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Expert: Fr. Timothy Johnson - 7/10/2008


Question
Hello Fr. Timothy,

I have an unusual question to ask. My mother was invited to Rome this December for the ceremony to witness one of our family friends become a catholic priest. Unfortunately she cannot attend but was wondering what would be appropriate to give as a gift for such an extraordinary occasion. It is not everyday that you get an invite like this. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thank you for your time, Alicia

Answer
Hello, Alicia:
Thanks for the question, but wow - that is a real stumper in many ways for me, too.
I know that it probably sounds unedifying, or somewhat worldly or something, but I have heard it said that one of the best gifts to give a newly ordained is cash!  From personal experience, I can say that over the years, during the time of study in Seminary, many of us who are now Priests bought for ourselves, or were given as gifts, many, many different kinds of pious objects, books, etc., etc.  There came a point for me where I was getting a lot of pious type of religious things (which are good things in themselves - don't get me wrong), and so many accumulated that I found myself just wanting the joy of giving many things away to others who would find them to be inspirational in their own devotional life, and could enjoy their newness for themselves.
I suspect that most Seminarians, however, have not already accumulated much, if anything at all, in the way of Priestly Vestments in particular, or sacred vessels such as paten and chalice for Mass, etc.
Depending on the "budget" being looked at for this type of a gift, one could get a Priest a stole and chasuble (perhaps even with matching maniple, chalice veil, and burse); or an Alb with amice and cinctures (various colors for different occasions; or a Priests "Sick Call Kit" that would have things to administer the Sacraments to the sick, including a small stole, oil stock (holder), pyx, and other things, depending on the type of "kit."
Certain top of the line reference books are great, provided the Priest has not already got them: e.g. Breviary set (usually 4-volumes); Roman Missal (English or Latin?); Code of Canon Law with commentary; Catechism (CCC); big study Bible, etc.
These are all things one could look into.  I hope that I have provided some helpful ideas, or springboards into other appropriate ideas.  + God bless you!

Fr. Timothy Johnson

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Fr. Timothy Johnson

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A Traditional Catholic Priest, validly and licitly ordained, incardinated legally and canonically in the Diocese of Fargo, and in good-standing with my Local Ordinary (Bishop) on active assignment at a rural Tri-Parish. I can provide honest and balanced answers to questions on topics pertaining to Traditional Roman Catholicism of the Latin Church (Councils of Trent and Vatican II)and a lot about the Eastern Catholic Churches, including the Sacred Liturgy, Sacred Scripture, Church History, the use of the Latin language, the tradition of Sacred Music, and current events in the Catholic Church from a traditional, historical and balanced perspective.

Experience

I have been ordained a Roman Catholic Priest since June 2001.

Organizations
Knights of Columbus; Church Music Association of America (CMAA)

Education/Credentials
Ordained Priest, 02 JUN 2001; Ordained Deacon, 27 JAN 2001; MA - Dogmatic/Systematic Theology; MDiv - Professional Degree from Seminary; 2-Years formation with Canons Regular of Premontre including studies and experience in Sacred Liturgy, Chant, Latin, Sacraments, Spirituality. BA - Scholastic/Thomistic Philosophy; BA - Liberal Arts; AA - General Studies.

Past/Present Clients
I serve 3-small, rural Parish Communities in Easter North Dakota
I converted to the Roman Catholic Church in 1981, at the age of 15. Over the years I have done work as an organist, cantor, and choir director for the Latin Rite (English & Latin) Mass (Liturgy of the Eucharist), and even for the Hours of the Divine Office. I have worked as a cantor for a Melkite Byzantine Catholic Church. Presently my pastoral and administrative duties as a Catholic Priest do not allow me as much time as I used to have to devote to Sacred Music; but for my weekend Masses and Solemnities within my Tri-Parish, I offer High Sung Mass in English. Weekday Mass is typically Low Mass (recited Mass) in English, though on occasion I will offer the "Tridentine Mass" in Latin, which I usually offer on my "Day Off", as well. And now, in light of the "Motu Proprio" by his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI placing the extraordinary usage of the Roman Rite back into the mainstream of the Catholic Church, I have been offering a regularly scheduled SUN, 2:00 PM Tridentine Latin Mass with a community of the faithful that has a stable existence.

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