'A Wholly Affordable Holy Communion'. is an initiative being launched by transition year students in Breffni College. The students have organised a Communion Fair which wil take place in Breffni College on Satuday 3rd March where previously owned Communion Wear will be on sale at very reso

Communion Fair with a difference

A startling €1,500 was the most splashed out on Holy Communion celebrations according to a survey carried out by transition year students in Breifne College. While some parents spent as little as €200, the average was around €800. Prompted by the survey results, 19 pupils will stage a 'Communion Fair' on Saturday, March 3 in the college. Communion dresses, suits, shoes, handbags, veils, tiaras and gloves will be among the bargains on offer. Cost saving ideas will be available, and local catering companies will be on hand to discuss reasonably priced, delicious menus. Some of the home economics teachers will be in attendance to impart knowledge on how to cook simple, mouth-watering, yet affordable meals at home, even for large numbers. Aileen Connolly McGettigan, who teaches 'personal development' to transition year said the project stemmed from their participation in the 'Young Social Innovators' national competition where the students picked a social issue of concern to them, with a view to raising awareness. The idea surfaced last October when a discussion on the recession revolved around the cost to parents of Holy Communion, Confirmation and debs. "We decided to focus on Holy Communion and endeavoured to ascertain how expensive it is currently, in comparison to years ago," said Aileen, who, together with colleague James Sherry, co-ordinates activities during the TY term. "Was it putting big pressure on families and parents?" All 19 students in transition year immediately got cracking on the initiative, carried out some detailed research and decided that they would hold a 'Communion Fair' in Breifne College. They sent out questionnaires to seven primary schools to be completed by parents. The highest amount spent on Holy Communion by any parents on the day was €1,500. That included the entertainment, food and the child's outfit for the day. This did not count the cost of the outfits for the parents. According to the survey the lowest sum any parent in Cavan spent on Holy Communion was €200, but the average expenditure was in the €800-900 bracket. The survey also asked, if cost cutting measures had been available, would they have availed of them? The majority of parents responded yes. A large majority also revealed that they would be amenable to selling on their dresses and suits to those making communion the following year. A minority said they wished to keep them for sentimental value or pass them onto a young sibling. That feedback gave the group the impetus to go ahead with the Communion Fair and raise awareness. A number of the students spoke to The Anglo-Celt about their experience and their hopes for the fair. Emma Gilsenan explained that they contacted 15 primary schools and they carried their research in seven. She argues that it should be more child focused, with more emphasis placed on the religious element of the day. Rachel Reilly and Laura Doonan worked on producing the fliers while Eimhan Gaynor, Odhran O'Brien, Alan Watters and Darren Smith were tasked with making contact with the catering companies. Dervla McBreen feels that parents should not have to spend so much on Communions, considering the outlay is for one day only. Thanks is extended to Sr Rita who helps out with communion classes in various schools and the pastoral assistant Jenny Harte for their help and advice along the way. Wanted: For the Communion Fair to be a success, they urgently require second hand dresses and suits and accessories. The community has the opportunity to drop in items on Friday, February 24 at Breifne College from 8.30am-5pm. The the fair will run on Saturday, March 3, from 11am-4pm. See www.tycommunion.com or contact info@tycommunionfair.com for more information.