Crosses in Liturgy

[SentLarry]

I have a three part question:

1. 
   *]Where does it show about using only one cross in the Mass?
   *]Is it ok for two crosses if one is a plain cross, and one is a Crucifix?
   *]If the plain cross is used at Lent for Entrance and exit; should the Crucifix be covered up, or should the plain cross be removed?

 

[palmas85]

SentLarry:

I have a three part question:

1. 
   *]Where does it show about using only one cross in the Mass?
   *]Is it ok for two crosses if one is a plain cross, and one is a Crucifix?
   *]If the plain cross is used at Lent for Entrance and exit; should the Crucifix be covered up, or should the plain cross be removed?

1. 
   All I know is that the rubrics require a crucifix on or near the altar, within the sanctuary area. I don’t know what you mean by a plain cross.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

SentLarry:

I have a three part question:

1. 
   *]Where does it show about using only one cross in the Mass?
   *]Is it ok for two crosses if one is a plain cross, and one is a Crucifix?
   *]If the plain cross is used at Lent for Entrance and exit; should the Crucifix be covered up, or should the plain cross be removed?

1. 
   In my opinion the plain cross has no place in Catholic Eucharistic liturgy. Second the Crucifix is not covered before Holy week and maybe not until Holy Thursday in some diocese.
   
   The GIRM requires a crucifix on or near the altar for Mass, not a covered crucifix. The only two days there is no Mass allowed to be celebrated are Good Friday and Holy Saturday before sundown.
   
   The GIRM may also say that the processional cross must have a corpus.

 

[John_Lilburne]

SentLarry:

I have a three part question:

1. 
   *]Where does it show about using only one cross in the Mass?
   *]Is it ok for two crosses if one is a plain cross, and one is a Crucifix?
   *]If the plain cross is used at Lent for Entrance and exit; should the Crucifix be covered up, or should the plain cross be removed?

1. 1. At 2002 General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM):
   "122. On reaching the altar, the priest and ministers make a profound bow.
   
   “The cross adorned with a figure of Christ crucified and perhaps carried in procession may be placed next to the altar to serve as the altar cross, in which case it ought to be the only cross used; otherwise it is put away in a dignified place.”
   1. No, there is a specification for only one cross, and for that to the figure of Christ crucified on it.
   2. A plain cross (without the figure of Christ crucified) should not be used. On Good Friday, at the beginning of the ceremony: “The altar should be completely bare, without cloths, candles or cross.” Later in the ceremony, there are two forms of showing the cross: bringing it out veiled or uncovered.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

For my RCIA classes I use two crosses during lent. One has a corpus; the other is bare.

Copying from the Eastern Churches and the Carmelites, the bare cross is not the cross of the Risen Christ. It is fresh - no nail holes, no blood - it has never been used. It stands there waiting for the penitent to pick it up and follow Jesus. To hold this inspiration the RCIA participants are given a small bare cross to wear throughout lent.