Rood in the St. Joseph Church

If you haven't noticed, the iconic Crucifix that was usually seen hanging in the santuray (where the baptismal was formally located) is now back in the sanctuary, only this time, it hangs in a different loaction - rooftop, on the entrance to the sanctuary. This Crucifix is officially called a 'Rood' and according to Wikipedia, a Rood 'was originally the only Old English word for the instrument of Jesus' death'.
This Crucifix or Rood is one of the many iconic symbols which are featured in our Historic church. In the church's earliest days, this Crucifix was erected in this same position (rooftop of the sanctuary) but after some changes came, it was reloacted at various points throughout the church. It was once erected towards the back of the church and its recent location was in the sanctuary where the baptismal font was located. Now, the baptismal font has been omitted from the santuary and the Patronal statue of St. Joseph rests comfortably in its place.
The Rood is a life-like replica of the image of Jesus hanging on a cross and it is usually placed on the central axis of the church. Roods are tradionally placed on partition-like surface called a Rood Screen. Roods Screens are not commonly found in this region but it is still present in the European churches. The Rood which hangs in St. Joseph does not have a Rood Screen. Here is what a Rood Screen looks like, which is usually found in the European churches:

 

The cross is a symbol of unity and by Jesus hanging on the cross, it serves as a reminder of the greatest love that was shown to us by the greatest man of all. Here is a current look at where our parish's Rood is located:

--B.Durham, 2014