News RSS Feed


Church accused of 'ripping off' children

3:23pm Saturday 17th November 2007

comment Comments (27)   Have your say »


A church has been accused of "ripping off" children who are preparing for their first Holy Communion.

Seven and eight-year-olds attending St Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Surrenden Road, Brighton, are being charged £25 for their first communion booklets.

Parents are angry at the fee and say nearby churches charge much less.

But the parish priest denied the church was overcharging youngsters.

First communion is received by children around the age of seven or eight, when they have reached the "age of reason".

The rite of passage means youngsters can take mass and is seen as an important part of their religious development.

The children and parent's booklets are produced to guide parishioners thorough the process and are later treasured as a keepsake.

One 33-year-old parent, who did not want to be named, said: "The church should not be making a profit out of these books. The priest says it is to cover administration charges but other churches don't charge this much.

"I just think it is exploiting the parents. I know a lot of people are angry about it. It's a rip off."

Father Oliver Heaney, St Mary's parish priest, said: "I'm not sure what this fuss is all about. A couple of parents have mentioned it but on the whole they are generally very supportive.

"The books are lovely. We get them for £6.50 and that is a reduced price. The £25 covers both books, and ten small commemorative books for family members.

"It also takes into account all our administration costs such as photocopying and paper, pens and crayons we need to buy.

"They don't have to buy the books from us of course. This is a storm in a teacup."

First communion is traditionally an important festive occasion for Catholic families, with large gatherings and parties held to celebrate.

Father John Hull, priest at the St Thomas More church in nearby Braybon Avenue, said he prices booklets at £5 each and the parish picks up the cost if parents cannot afford to pay.

He added: "We charge £5 for the children's book and the same for the parents' book. Charging £25 does seem a little high, but there may well be other costs taken into account. It is a matter for each church to decide."

How much have you paid for the first communion booklets? Tell us below.

Print article » Email to a friend »

Your Say YourThe Argus

BAN, RELIGION says...
4:58pm Sat 17 Nov 07

The Church rips EVERYONE off everyday by filling them with false hopes about a better life after this one.

The fact is, the Church is a business only out for itself.

Report this post »

Dave, Wivelsfield says...
5:27pm Sat 17 Nov 07

If the church confined its activities to ripping off children then the world would be a better place. The problem seems to be all the other things its "leaders" or "representatives" seem to be doing to children - as several recent custodial sentances prove. Bless you my son!

Report this post »

Jojo, Brighton says...
5:40pm Sat 17 Nov 07

Children don't 'take mass', they receive communion. Anyone can go to mass. Only a priest can 'say mass'.

If you're going to write a story make sure it makes sense, then people might take the Argus more seriously as a newspaper.

Report this post »

Silly, Religion says...
5:42pm Sat 17 Nov 07

Jojo wrote:
Children don't 'take mass', they receive communion. Anyone can go to mass. Only a priest can 'say mass'.

If you're going to write a story make sure it makes sense, then people might take the Argus more seriously as a newspaper.
I'm sure if anyone cared enough about the Church they would have researched it. The church has no place in the 21st century.

Report this post »

John, Cyberspace says...
6:02pm Sat 17 Nov 07

"age of reason".
"their religious development."
Sorry. I don't see the connection.

Report this post »

J C, Haywards Heath says...
6:23pm Sat 17 Nov 07

Clearly, Brighton is a sea of intolerance and ignorance as the article and the comments illustrate. Religion is relevant although those running religions are usually a bit too detached. Religion is inconvenient for a lot of people who usually believe that they have all the answers that suit their point of view. Challenges are unwelcome and religions challenge us in what course we might like to take in life. So, rather than face the challenge people try to rubbish it in order to duck important issues which they are faced with. If people had a higher set of moral values this country would be a better place.

In another context, people seem to have no problem spending silly money to get to a football match or a pop concert or to buy a trivial birthday present but somehow baulk at a relatively modest fee towards a celebration of reaching the age of reason. Of course, if the parents involved themselves a bit more in the childrens development and education then this surprise wouldn't have come about because they would have discussed the matter with the clergy, wouldn't they?

Report this post »

NO MORE, RELIGION says...
9:47pm Sat 17 Nov 07

J C wrote:
Clearly, Brighton is a sea of intolerance and ignorance as the article and the comments illustrate. Religion is relevant although those running religions are usually a bit too detached. Religion is inconvenient for a lot of people who usually believe that they have all the answers that suit their point of view. Challenges are unwelcome and religions challenge us in what course we might like to take in life. So, rather than face the challenge people try to rubbish it in order to duck important issues which they are faced with. If people had a higher set of moral values this country would be a better place.

In another context, people seem to have no problem spending silly money to get to a football match or a pop concert or to buy a trivial birthday present but somehow baulk at a relatively modest fee towards a celebration of reaching the age of reason. Of course, if the parents involved themselves a bit more in the childrens development and education then this surprise wouldn\'t have come about because they would have discussed the matter with the clergy, wouldn\'t they?
Religion IS a waste of time and is NOT relevant in the 21st century! However, many religious VALUES are. I do not see why people have to justify a way of life by claiming it to be the way of "god". Why cant it just be that we all live by and for good values, respecting each other? why does it HAVE to labeled by something so ridiculous and fictional?

Report this post »

Rick, Rolling says...
10:26pm Sat 17 Nov 07

Quite true, and for more information you should read http://smouch.net/lo
l

Report this post »

Open your mind, says...
11:31pm Sat 17 Nov 07

Religion IS a waste of time and is NOT relevant in the 21st century! However, many religious VALUES are. I do not see why people have to justify a way of life by claiming it to be the way of "god". Why cant it just be that we all live by and for good values, respecting each other? why does it HAVE to labeled by something so ridiculous and fictional?

Sounds like you have had a bad experience. That is a shame, but please remember that some people are quite happy with their 'religion'. What ever happened to 'freedom of choice'. I don't think you should dismiss religion completely. If it helps people, then that can only be a good thing, if you decide its not for you, then thats your choice. I respect you for that, but please allow everyone to have the choice!!
If this lady feels agrieved about the price of the book, I would hope that she has brought it to the attention of the PP. The PP should have made allowances for those who find it too much to pay out. Saying this is a storm in a tea cup seems a little bit of a cop-out. He should go back to this parishoners and address the matter if he has not already done so.

Report this post »

Sue, Hove says...
8:29am Sun 18 Nov 07

I wonder how much she paid for the communion dress from a business - I am sure that was a rip off. I wonder how many other things she buys for her children that have a much higher profit. Does she complain about those - NO. This is a non-story.

Report this post »

Martin, The Lawn says...
11:48am Sun 18 Nov 07

More tea Vicar!

Report this post »

Telscombe Cliffy, Telscombe City says...
12:03pm Sun 18 Nov 07

'Church accused of ripping off children' What? Off their bikes as they ride by? or what? Sounds from the headline that the church are desperate for new young recruits.

Report this post »

H&S Vicar, Empty church says...
12:09pm Sun 18 Nov 07

Jojo wrote:
Children don't 'take mass', they receive communion. Anyone can go to mass. Only a priest can 'say mass'. If you're going to write a story make sure it makes sense, then people might take the Argus more seriously as a newspaper.
I agree children should not take too much mass as they are not strong enough at that age. Could strain their back or something. Also, I myself can say 'mass' but today can only write it here to prove it.

Report this post »

ac, b&h says...
12:30pm Sun 18 Nov 07

Some years ago I took my children to church to learn about christianity; the priest told my children that if they are not baptised they will go to hell, and talked against muslims, so I have to say him my family came from a calvinist tradition as well. Churches as given the wrong messages and should be teaching universal values.

Report this post »

Erid G'Od, Heaven says...
1:48pm Sun 18 Nov 07

Religion is the easiest way to make money. First of all you scare the cr8p out of people and then when they are down on their knees praying for redemption you sneak around behind them and nick their wallets.

Report this post »

Tony G, Hove says...
8:27pm Sun 18 Nov 07

I have been a devout Catholic since a child. Having taken my Holy Communion aged seven, I can assure you Jojo you can take mass. Mass is the act of taking the body and blood of christ. I'm sorry to embarrass you but you are incorrect.

Report this post »

Arguswatcher, Darkest Hove says...
9:35am Mon 19 Nov 07

Well for many of the parents First Communion is just something they have to do to get their lttle middle class darlings in to Cardinal Newman.

If we got rid of faith schools and educated all our chuildren together that would leave church going for those with true religious beliefs and most of these parents would not bother, such is their religious faith.

In the C19 the Catholic Church in Britain supported non denominational state schooling. It was opposition from the Anglicans and dissenters who didn't want the working classes contmained with mixing with the Irish which set us on the path of segregation. What a pity.

I hope the whingers of St Mary's will not be spending a fortune on the frippery of frocks, veils and gloves and parties that usually accompany the First Holy Communion by comparison to which 25 pounds is a drop in the ocean. Still it will buy an extra bottle of champagne.

Oh and the Argus could you look for some real stories.



Report this post »

Chris, says...
1:07pm Mon 19 Nov 07

First communion is received by children around the age of seven or eight, when they have reached the "age of reason".

I don't think any reasonable person would think that a child of seven or eight has reached the "age of reason".

However, it's the ideal age to indoctrinate them with irrational superstitious beliefs!

Report this post »

Alan C., Shetland says...
3:29pm Mon 19 Nov 07

God wants your cash, with the dramatically reduced number of sheeple attending church and putting money in the collection box, well he had to come up with a cunning plan to make up the shortfall.
He's got his fiscal head screwed on, that god guy.

Report this post »

d p barber, Germany says...
4:28pm Mon 19 Nov 07

The people (including the parents) who persuade children to participate in the depravity of symbolic cannibalism should be prosecuted for
psychological child abuse.

Report this post »

ac, b&h says...
4:38pm Mon 19 Nov 07

Alan C, the plan it's already here the collection box has been moved to schools; the new churches.

Report this post »

Tim, Brighton says...
11:39pm Mon 19 Nov 07

If God was so clever he would magiv up some money for the church! Hah.

Report this post »

JB, Brighton says...
1:30pm Wed 21 Nov 07

They have to add a extra charge to cover the cost of having a priest molest them.

Report this post »

VC, Brighton says...
10:04pm Sat 24 Nov 07

What about the people who give up their time at the weekends for the communion classes? They dont get paid. The money is for books and the reason that is more expensive than other churches is so that they can have commemrative books/booklets if there was any problem the priest is very approachable and if financial issues were to arise they would be solved with minimun fuss and understanding. I think its rediculous that the argus had printed this story. I would just like to know if the parents broached this topic with the parish priest. Before they bad mouthed the religion that they are choosing to bring their child up in. Makes you wonder how loyal they are.

Report this post »

VC, Brighton says...
10:06pm Sat 24 Nov 07

What about the people who give up their time at the weekends for the communion classes? They dont get paid. The money is for books and the reason that is more expensive than other churches is so that they can have commemrative books/booklets if there was any problem the priest is very approachable and if financial issues were to arise they would be solved with minimun fuss and understanding. I think its rediculous that the argus had printed this story. I would just like to know if the parents broached this topic with the parish priest. Before they bad mouthed the religion that they are choosing to bring their child up in. Makes you wonder how loyal they are.

Report this post »

VC, Brighton says...
10:06pm Sat 24 Nov 07

What about the people who give up their time at the weekends for the communion classes? They dont get paid. The money is for books and the reason that is more expensive than other churches is so that they can have commemrative books/booklets if there was any problem the priest is very approachable and if financial issues were to arise they would be solved with minimun fuss and understanding. I think its rediculous that the argus had printed this story. I would just like to know if the parents broached this topic with the parish priest. Before they bad mouthed the religion that they are choosing to bring their child up in. Makes you wonder how loyal they are.

Report this post »

SJP, Brighton says...
9:41pm Fri 30 Nov 07

I am saddened, really saddened, by some of the remarks made by readers. From reading the report it is obvious that some of the 'Church-goers' are more intersted in the photos/memories of a "Special day" than they are of helping support the religion (and its local branch)that is able to provide such a SPECIAL privilege. As for remarks made by such as JB of Brighton, I quote the bible; "let he who is without sin cast the first stone".

Report this post »

Comments are closed on this article.

In this section

Essential Links

Sponsored Links



Local Advertisers


Local Information

Enter your postcode, town or place name

House prices »   Schools »   Crime »   Hospitals »