Catholic parents are being asked to cut out lavish spending when it comes to the first Holy Communion of their children.

The Archbishop of Dublin Dr. Diarmuid Martin says extravagant spending is wrong and communion should be kept simple.

A new policy is being launched by the Dublin archdiocese today.

It means parents will also have to attend a number of Sunday Masses during the year before their children can receive the sacrament.

It is also aimed at cutting costs and simplifying first holy communion day.

The Archbishop says excessive spending to cover the cost of first Holy Communion is wrong.

He says he no longer wants to see families get into debt to pay for their children’s first holy communion.

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