[jeck]

I am not catholic and I know that our foster family are. They are very religious and love their religion.

We are going to visit next week and I would love to get them something that pertains to their faith.

Is there a particular gift that you can suggest that would be meaningful??

Thanks for your help!!!

[jules17]

We are Catholic...you could get a small crucifix, rosary beads, anything with the Virgin Mary...

Another thought is something with Saint Thomas More...he is the patron saint of adoption and adopted children.

You can Google Catholic gifts...

Good luck - that is very thoughtful of you and I am sure they will appreciate it!

[Hartclan]

I know one of the things I want to buy in Guatemala is a nativity set. Maybe a small nativity set from the US would be a good idea. They also have small children's rosaries made from wood in bright colors, that might be a good gift if they have young children.

[joepegcamp]

Devout Catholic here. I recommend a Rosary. You can go to any Catholic store and purchase one. Some of the fancier ones look like jewelry and are precious.

I would also think about an image of the Divine Mercy. (Google it.) Some come framed, others don't. This is appropriate especially since the Divine Mercy Sunday is the Sunday after Easter.

Nativity scenes are also popular.

If all else fails, a statue of the Virgin Mary is also a winner.

[jeck]

Thanks Jules!!

Duh... catholic gifts!! LOL!!! I was trying to google just the religion!! Thanks for pulling my head out of the mudd!

[krafmatic]

I'm Catholic, but not as consevative as your foster family most likely is. I do know that Latin American Catholics (in general) have a particularly close relationship with Mary. Anything to do with Mary, a statue for instance, would be nice.

I hope this helps. Have a great trip!

[jeck]

Ok I am all excited now thanks ladies, keep the ideas coming!!!

Yes they have 2 children: 13yr boy and 11yr girl!!!

[jillbee]

If you are thinking of taking something to the kids--what about a t-shirt from a Catholic university? Boston College, Notre Dame, Loyola, Marquette, Creighton, St John's, De Paul.....

Jill

[keirasmom]

You can also check with local catholic churches in your area who may have gift items like replica's of their church, magnets, plates etc. Our church has things like this. Most Catholic Schools sell t shirts etc too. This may be nice as it will give them something that will remind them of where your child lives. Any of the large cathedrals have gift shops such as St. Patrick's in NYC and the cathedrals in Washington DC and Philly. You can also contact your local diocese (check the phonebook) I bet they will have more ideas. You can also get mass cards to have a mass said for the family. How cool would that be for them to know that there is a churchful of Catholics praying for them here.

PS. Love the idea about St. Thomas More.

Good Luck, I think it is a wonderful way to honor the foster family.

[monksmom]

I'm a devout Catholic as well. A crucifix to hang on the wall (maybe 12in. or so), a Divine Mercy picture, rosaries (would be fine for the children too), a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a statue of St. Joseph holding the Lord. There are some good on-line stores - PM me for the link if you like. Your thoughtfulness will mean so much to them!

[DPline]

Lots of wonderful ideas! I got our daughter's foster mother a beautiful leather-bound spanish bible.

[AngelsMama]

I found this on an encyclopedia website....... "Burning the Devil Celebrations (La Quema del Diablo)
7 Dec 2007 (annual)
By 6pm the piles are set alight and throngs of onlookers gather round to celebrate an ancient tradition called La Quema del Diablo (The Burning of the Devil). Guatemalans strongly believe that by burning the rubbish they are purging their homes and towns of evil.

This fire and brimstone ritual is interestingly a throwback to 18th century Catholic folkore and represents the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception's merciless struggle with the devil. The Virgin is a very special saint for Guatemala - she was declared patron Saint of Guatemala City as early as 1738, and patron Saint of the Americas by Charles III in 1756.

Today the nation's capital honours long-standing traditions as men dress up as devils and give chase to local children, while Antigua's Convent of Conception erects an effigy of Lucifer himself, which is also set ablaze. You'll never see clergy in the same light ever again..." ...

So maybe a statue or picture of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception. Hope this helps.

[Kaz99]

Rosary made of something from US. Like quartz, etc. Or anything hand made, a lot of Easter craft fairs are on now and you can get some beautiful hand made crafts at local churches.
Religious medals that they can wear as a necklace or bracelet too.
Good luck
-Ran

[CurlysGirly]

I am agreeing with the people here that said a rosary would be a great idea. Like the others said, something with the Virgin Mary would be really nice as well because she is the Patron Saint of The Americas. Also look for Mary of Guadalupe in a google search. It portrays Mary when she appeared in Mexico and is a very celebrated event in Guatemala. My other suggestion would be to get something for the saint that your Foster Mom was named for. You can find jewelry, art, etc with different saints.

For our Foster Mom, we once sent down a gold necklace with a Madonna (Mary) and Child. Have fun shopping. I am sure she will appreciate the kindness and thought that you are putting into her gift

[busterleroy]

Rosary and image of Divine Mercy are really great suggestions, you might wantto see if they have the Chaplet of Divine Mercy prayer card in Spanish. I also suggest myabe a gold crucifix necklace. They don't like to wear jewelry when they are out and about but when they have parties or family gatherings they do wear jewelry and that would be really nice. Or, if none of these seem right, you can always get a gift card with the image of the Blessed Mother and write a nice note, and include cash, which is always their favorite gift!!

Whatever you get her will be appreciated, best to you!