Crucifix

The crucifix is a cross bearing an image of Christ. It must be on or near the altar, clearly visible to the Assembly, for the crucifix calls to mind the saving Passion of the Lord during the celebration of the Mass, "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26). Indeed, the image of the crucifix should remain near the altar even outside of liturgical celebrations. Our crucifix was used in the now closed parish of St. Bernadine of Siena. Refurbished and mounted over our altar in the fall of 2011, it reminds us that we should each "lift high the cross" and proclaim the sacrificial love of Christ to the entire world.

We also have a processional crucifix, used at the beginning and end of Mass to lead the ministers into and out of the church. Using the crucifix in these processions reminds us that only united with Christ and His Cross can we find salvation, and find meaning to our suffering and the reality of death. The use of the processional crucifix also reminds us that we have to follow where Christ leads, that is, to carry the Good News of the crucified and risen Christ into the world so that all might undergo conversion (cf. John 12:32).