Sudbury Brass
Sudbury IHS Polished Brass Altar Cross, 24 in
Solid polished brass altar cross 24 inches high with a traditional IHS emblem and a 6.5-inch square base, item YC502-24.
Sacred Vessels & Metalware
Altar & Processional Crosses
An altar cross or crucifix stands on or beside the altar as the visible sign of the sacrifice of the Mass. A processional cross leads the entrance and recessional. Standing altar crosses here are 24 inches tall on 6.5 to 8 inch bases, in polished brass or brass on hardwood. Processional crucifixes stand 77 to 85 inches on their own bases. Finishes are polished or lacquered brass, with corpus figures in silver plate on the crucifix models.
Choose a plain cross with the IHS emblem or a crucifix with a corpus according to parish tradition and diocesan norms. The Sudbury IHS crosses pair with Sudbury candlesticks, and the Roma series crucifix matches the Roma paschal and altar candlesticks listed elsewhere on this site. A processional crucifix should be tall enough to be seen over a standing congregation; both here exceed six feet. A small Byzantine standing cross suits a side altar.
6 altar & processional crosses
The six items below include two 24 inch altar crosses, a 24 inch altar crucifix, two processional crucifixes and a small Byzantine standing cross.
Sudbury Brass
Sudbury IHS Brass Altar Cross on Hardwood Base, 24 in
Polished brass cross with IHS emblem mounted on a solid hardwood base, 24 inches high with a 6.5-inch square footprint.
Sudbury Brass
Sudbury Roma Series Brass Altar Crucifix, 24 in
Gothic style all-brass altar crucifix 24 inches tall on an 8-inch pedestal base, with a 7 1/2 by 9 inch silver plated corpus.
San Pietro Collection
San Pietro Polished Brass Processional Crucifix, 85 in
Polished brass processional crucifix 85 inches tall with a 13 1/2 inch base and an 18 by 12 3/4 inch crucifix head.
Haolin
Haolin Brass Processional Cross with Corpus, 77.6 in
Gold tone brass processional crucifix with corpus standing 77.6 inches on a 9.9-inch base, model DX-009, from a line of ten designs.
BlessedMart
BlessedMart Byzantine Brass Standing Cross, 8.27 in
Handmade solid brass standing cross in Byzantine style, 21 cm or 8.27 inches tall, sized for a side altar or blessing table.
Side by side
The specifications the makers publish, in one table.
| Product | Size | Color | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sudbury IHS Polished Brass Altar Cross, 24 in Sudbury Brass | 24" High | Classic Polished Brass | Check availability |
| Sudbury IHS Brass Altar Cross on Hardwood Base, 24 in Sudbury Brass | 24"L x 6.5"W | Chapel Brass & Wood | Check availability |
| Sudbury Roma Series Brass Altar Crucifix, 24 in Sudbury Brass | 24"L x 8.5"W | — | Check availability |
| San Pietro Polished Brass Processional Crucifix, 85 in San Pietro Collection | 85"L x 13.5"W | Gold | Check availability |
| Haolin Brass Processional Cross with Corpus, 77.6 in Haolin | 77.6"L x 9.9"W | gold | Check availability |
| BlessedMart Byzantine Brass Standing Cross, 8.27 in BlessedMart | 8.3"L x 8.3"W | Gold | Check availability |
Questions before you order
What height should an altar cross be?
A 24 inch cross is the common size for a parish altar or communion table; it is seen from the nave without blocking the celebrant. Chapels and side altars often use 12 to 18 inches. Base width matters as much as height, since a 6.5 to 8 inch base keeps the cross stable.
Cross or crucifix: which belongs on a Catholic altar?
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal calls for a cross with the figure of Christ crucified on or near the altar. A plain cross with IHS emblem is common in Protestant and Anglican churches. Many Catholic parishes use a crucifix on the altar and a plain cross elsewhere.
How is a processional cross stored between Masses?
Both processional crucifixes here come with their own base, so the cross stands in the sanctuary or sacristy when not carried. Check that the staff joint is tight before each procession. Keep the base on a level floor and away from aisles where it could be knocked over.
How should polished brass crosses be cleaned?
Dust weekly with a soft cloth. Most new brass altar appointments are lacquered, so brass polish is not needed and can cloud the finish. Fingerprints wipe off with a slightly damp cloth followed by a dry one. Silver plated corpus figures should be wiped with a silver cloth only.