Transition of the Crucifer

5/5/2021

In the Episcopal Church and in Episcopal schools, the Crucifer tends to the altar and carries the cross, leading the procession into the chapel and the recession out into the world again. The symbolism of this act is significant in that it is hoped that experiences in Chapel inform and inspire experiences out of Chapel.

At Chatham Hall, the Crucifer is second in status only to the Council President. It is a position of public leadership meant to convey the values of the Purple and Golden Rule and St. Mary’s Chapel to our entire community. It is also an appointed versus an elected position, based on a student’s respect for and participation in the Chapel Program during her time at Chatham Hall.

Of the qualifications, Chaplain Barksdale shared, “the Crucifer understands the role of Chapel in the life of the School and hopes to see it grow in respect and influence. The appointed Crucifer finds deep personal meaning in our programs and has a vision that students from various traditions will participate in and lead services.”

In a recent moving Chapel service, Crucifer Hannah Faison ’21 officially transitioned the role to newly appointed Virginia Grace Jones ’22.

For Faison, preparing for and taking part in three Chapel services per week in addition to Spiritual Life League events has kept her schedule full.

“It has been very meaningful to me to serve our community in this way, she said. “Chapel is a time where the whole community comes together. The only other time this happens is during assemblies. So, making sure that Chapel is special, from a student’s perspective, really matters. Offering students opportunities to be involved is also important. I see Chatham Hall in a different perspective now because I’ve learned a lot about what it means to serve.

“It also requires a lot of organization. You get to work with Chaplain Barksdale and Mother Becky on all aspects of a chapel program. You have the responsibility to light all of the candles, to make sure the paraments reflect the right season, and to tend to other fine details. You schedule the Acolytes and oversee the Altar Guild which we reinstituted this year. With our focus on spiritual wellness, it’s been great to also team with Libby Murphy who heads Spiritual Life, to make sure every voice is heard.”

In the transition of the Crucifer, Faison gave the crucifix she wore as Crucifer to Jones at the altar. Jones then led the recessional at the end of the service. Faison also offered some wisdom from her experience to Jones.

“Enjoy it. Take it all in because it’s a really special position at Chatham Hall. Reach out to younger students and make sure that everyone feels welcome to take part in and serve in Chapel.”

Barksdale complimented both students on their contributions.

“Hannah has served with grace, poise, and reverence and has illuminated the role of the Crucifer for our community. As my first year as Chatham Hall chaplain, I will always be inspired by her light. Grace’s spiritual journey has led to her appointment as this year’s Crucifer. She is steadfast, reliable, humble, and trustworthy and will lead us with dignity, honor, and respect.”

Photos from this year’s Transition of the Crucifer and other Chapel services can be found on the Chatham Hall SmugMug account.

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