There is someone I know who will be entering a convent soon and a group of us are gathering to give her a party before she leaves. I want to get a cake and/or a gift of some sort. What would be appropriate to write on a cake/card etc or what gift would be appreciated for this occasion?
We had a lovely gathering with family and friends, watched old videos, visited and had cake (Best Wishes and a cross were the decorations in pastel colors). There were a lot of questions and she told us a lot about the new chapter in her life she was so looking forward to. Flowers, cards, stationary, note cards and forever stamps were the bulk of the gifts. It is a cloistered convent and she leaves this week. She is an exceptionally spiritual and mature person for her age and is embracing this calm, simple, non-complicated life she has ahead. We will miss her and glad we gave her a nice send off. Thank you for all your ideas!
I know it sounds old fashioned, but what about stationary and postage? A really nice journal? A pencil/pen set (possibly engraved)?
As far as a message...congratulate her for knowing what she wants to do with her life and how blessed society is for people like her who choose this way of life. They are an asset to society as a whole.
Hope this helps!
Most convents restrict what a candidate bring when they first enter so you should check. There is usually a list of things they are told to bring and perhaps you could find that out and supply some of her needs. If she is going into the convent she is not materialistic so a gift as such is not realistic. She will need warm sweaters and gloves but they probably will have to be black. To enter the convent you are usually asked to give up all of your worldly possessions. Perhaps a contribution to the order in her name, or into an account to meet her personal needs might be appropriate. Regarding the cake: "Into God's Hands"
Hi J.,
For the cake you could write simply PEACE, or our Prayers Are With You. As far as a gift it depends on what order she is going into..you could call and see what is allowed. Hope this helps.
B.
I really like the idea of stationary, envelopes and stamps (the "forever" ones!). I also agree you need to call to find out what's permitted.
As a person of faith who followed a vocation to serve God, I would have found it meaningful to put a Bible verse on the cake. Perhaps a favorite of hers or some such. There are many good ones to choose from! :-)
I'm eager to hear what you ended up doing. God bless you for blessing her sending!
I am by no means an expert on the Catholic church, but I am pretty sure that some convents still require a vow of poverty - giving up all personal posessions. In that case, the nicest gift would be an offer to help her do whatever she plans to do with all of her stuff. If she is allowed to take personal belongings, a journal might be a nice gift.
As far as a cake goes, I would probably stick to one with just flowers on it. If you wanted to write something, "Best Wishes" would be appropriate. I don't know that they have cards for this occasion, but a Catholic bookstore might. You could look up a local one on the internet.
As far as writing a personal note on a card, if it was me, I would just wish her well. If you admire her for the step she is taking, let her know. If you wanted an appropriate scripture to quote, Matt 19:21 & 29, Matt 22:37-39, and Mark 1:15-18 are all fitting for the occasion. More than anything, she will probably just really appreciate your friendship and support.
S.
A nice leather-bound journal. She will likely not have a lot of social contact at first, and may have a lot of thoughts and things to process. She might also be really reflective, and journaling record those thoughts. She might look back years later on her recollections of her early days in the convent, and really appreciate them.
a book of meaningful quotes?
I love the idea of stationary and stamps or a journal. Nice cover/case for a bible? Mount Blanc pen? "God Bless" for on the cake.
Is there a Christian bookstore near you? If so, I'd start there!
I like the idea of a journal or bible cover with her monogram on the corner-this can be done at most book stores. I also often give a patron saint medal and engrave the date and/or initials on it. You may want to buy the medal on-line at the Leaflet Missial Company or St. Patrick's Guild (around $35) and have it engraved at your local jewlery store (less than $5).
Just because someone takes a vow of poverty does not mean they can not wear jewlery.
Get her a nice bible with a nice bible cover. Or a simple wooden cross. As for the cake, say something like - May God continue to bless you on your journey.
I would say - go with your heart on this one. Are you buying the gift?
I'm sure your friend isn't expecting it, so you don't have high expectations.
I would put on the cake:
"May your life journey bring you joy" (something to that affect, anyway... nothing to serious but still positive and full of hope and blessing)
For the gift, I would get whatever her interest is. It doesn't have to be religious or spiritual... She is bound to have other interests. Get her something to remind her of her life before, but that would be a joyful reminder.
Just my thoughts~
