The Godchild's Cross

Is the 45 cm chain of The Godchild's Cross right for a teenager?

Yes. At 45 cm (18 in), the cross sits just below the collarbone on a teenager or an adult.

Does The Godchild's Cross have any engraving or stones?

No. It is a plain, smooth Latin cross in polished gold-plated brass, with softly rounded edges.

Is it a good first communion gift from a godparent?

Yes. A plain cross is the most traditional godparent gift, and this one stays simple enough to keep wearing for years.

Is it suitable for a baby's baptism?

It is better kept for an older child: necklaces are not recommended for babies. For a baptism, it can be given as a keepsake for later.

Will pool chlorine wear the plating of The Godchild's Cross?

It can. Water, soap and chlorine slowly wear the gold plating on brass, so take the cross off before showering or swimming.

Can The Godchild's Cross be given by a Protestant godparent?

Yes. It is a plain Latin cross with no figure, the sign every Christian receives at baptism, whatever the church.

Small cross necklace for a child

A first cross is a big moment for a small person, and for the adult who chooses it. Small and simple is usually right, and a necklace is for a child old enough to wear one safely, under the eye of a parent; younger children can keep it for later. The Godchild's Cross is a plain Latin cross on a 45 cm chain, gold-plated brass. The Simple Cross is small and flat, with nothing added. A first prayer to go with it: the Sign of the Cross. See First Communion Gifts.

What is the meaning of giving a cross at baptism?

At baptism the priest or minister traces the sign of the cross on the child, and the cross you give repeats that gesture for life: this one belongs to Christ. It is the central sign of the faith, his death and his resurrection, and every Christian shares it. Giving it says, here is what you were marked with, before you could choose it, and may you choose it one day. The Godchild's Cross is a plain Latin cross, marking a life placed under Christ. More for that day: Baptism Gifts.

What is the difference between a Catholic cross and a Christian cross?

There is no separate Catholic cross; the plain cross belongs to all Christians. What differs is emphasis. Catholics, like Orthodox Christians, also wear the crucifix, with Christ's body and often the INRI plaque, meaning Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, as well as saint and Marian medals. If you are choosing for someone, ask which they grew up with. The Steadfast Cross is a plain Latin cross. The Calvary Crucifix is a traditional crucifix. Catholic pieces: Catholic Necklaces.

My sister asked me to be godfather to her baby boy. I'm flattered but I don't really know what a godfather is supposed to do, besides show up.

Showing up is more of the job than you'd think, and she asked you because she has seen you do it. At the font, you'll promise to help him grow in the faith, which in practice means praying for him, going to his first communion, and being the adult he can call when he can't call his parents. The Godchild's Cross is a plain Latin cross, for a life placed under Christ. On baptism day, a promise. Years later, a cross to keep that promise in sight. Write him a note to open when he's older: I said yes for you the day you were baptized. Call me anytime. I mean it.