After servicing our customers for over 24 years, as well as being a “cradle Catholic,” I have seen how traditions keep our Catholic faith alive from generation to generation. To encourage those traditions, I usually suggest several gifts which can “grow with” Catholics as they receive sacraments throughout their life.
First, I always suggest a baby pin as a Baptism gift for a baby or young toddler. The pins, which come in either gold or sterling silver, can be placed on the child’s baptismal outfit and be blessed during the Order of Baptism ritual. Many parents then place the pin in a safe spot on the child’s car seat or even on a ribbon in their bedroom. I find these practices are a way to ask our Lord to safeguard and keep the child safe in those places.
The pin can be used through several sacraments, first by removing the medal from the pin and adding it to a chain to wear as a necklace at the young Catholic’s First Communion. Further, the pin could be placed on a wedding gown for her special day. The pin can also be gifted to future generations for use in their sacraments!
A nativity set by Fontanini Nativity is another great gift for a young Catholic. Beginning with a starter set for baby’s first Christmas, the set can be expanded each year with a seemingly endless number of figurines featured in Fontanini’s storied line. The annual gift of a new figurine structures a tradition to grow with the child. Young Catholic can spend time playing with the figurines, and when they grow to adults, the nativity set can feature in their first home. Nativity sets also make great wedding gifts for couples establishing their new home together with their own traditions.
Fontanini nativities are painted in the hills of Italy and are virtually unbreakable – perfect for little hands while children spend time with the Holy Family at Christmas. In most sets, the infant Jesus is removeable from the crib, creating the opportunity to tell the story of Christmas as He is added to the manger on Christmas Eve.
I remind engaged couples about Catholic marriage traditions as well, including intertwining her First Communion rosary around the bridal bouquet, as well as bringing to the reception a family Bible, which everyone sign. Those names prove a great reminder of the support of their marriage and the love from their families.
Small gestures or gifts, such as the ones described, are so meaningful and can bolster our faith through the Generations.
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