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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Cross in the sanctuary Ruthven E Jackie Saturday, August 2, 2008

Question:

Hello,

Peace for the heart!

I recently read in the GIRM that there should only be one cross in the sanctuary either on the Altar or next to it but I noticed that some churches have two during Mass (one on the altar as well as the processional cross). Can you explain why for me please?

In addition, how does this instruction in the missal affect the huge cross on the wall of the sanctuary?

Shalom,
Mr. Ruthven Jackie.
Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Ruthven,

In the edition of the GIRM used immediately prior to our current GIRM, there was an appendix for use in the United States.  N.270 of the appendix stated that only one cross was to be used in the procession. Is this possibly what you have read?

I just went through our current GIRM (from 2000) and didn't notice any instruction that there is to be only one cross present in the sanctuary.  In fact n. 350 makes a reference to BOTH the altar cross and the cross used in procession, stating that since they are directly associated with the altar that they are to be taken with respect.

A related instruction is found in n.318 that states that there is to be only one image of any given saint.  There is no mention of the cross or crucifix in this instruction.

Mr. Slavek
Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers.

(b) There is no such Mass called the Novus Ordo. The Current Mass is the Roman Missal of 2000, or the Oridinary Form of the Mass. The Tridentine Mass is the Roman Missal of 1962, or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Please refrain from using the term, Novus Ordo. Thanks.

(c) The titles of Acolyte and Lector belong exclusively to the Installed Offices of Acolyte and Lector, who are men (only) appointed by the Bishop. These roles performed by others are Altar Servers and Readers, respectively.