Communion clothing range rolled out

Discount stores Lidl and Dunnes Stores have rolled out their new communion clothing range, with Lidl offering a dress at €34.99, blazers at €14.99 and pants for just €8.99.

Communion dresses at Dunnes Stores start at €80, but offer shoes at €30, capes at €25, and cardigans at €20. The chain offers a range of accessories for €20 euro and under.

Last year, the Ulster Bank Communion Survey found that parents spend an average of €162 on outfits for their children.

A total of 53 percent of parents said that they felt pressured to spend as much as others on Holy Communion.

“We deal with the sacramental side of things and we haven’t picked up on any competitiveness here,” said Collette from Our Lady of Dolours Parish in Glasnevin.

“As a mum, I think it’s great if you could buy a cheaper dress. There’s more choice for people too”.

The clothing range at Dunnes Stores contains “superior quality satins, appliqués and lace, and beaded details,” according to their website. Boys shoes are made of leather.

Three designs are available for the girls’ communion range at Lidl in Omni Park Shopping Centre.

“We used to have to go to fancy shops for our communion, and then keep the clothes for future occasions,” said Sean who comes from a Catholic background.

“I’m shocked that places like Lidl and Dunnes Stores are releasing clothes for communion… I think nowadays there’s more variety available too”.

Dunnes Stores and Lidl were contacted but did not comment.

By Sabrine Donohoe