Madam, - The added extras surrounding first Holy Communions know no limits. Up to this year it was the stretch limousine, but the latest fad is the hiring of a helicopter to bring communicants to and from the church.
Where are the limits to such extravagance surrounding what is, after all, a religious occasion. It seems that nouveau riche parents are using their children to exhibit their new status.This practice accentuates the social and economic divisions in our society - divisions that should not be accepted or condoned in Christian churches where the dignity of the person is not dependent on the ostentatious use of wealth and privilege.
The immediate measure needed is for churches to refuse any landing rights for helicopters in their grounds and for all children to wear their school uniforms at sacramental occasions. Otherwise the Church of Christ is blessing social divisions that have no place in the equality of all the children of God. - Yours, etc,
BRENDAN BUTLER, Malahide, Co Dublin.