Using a crucifix with these symbols is a way for us to brand our parish community and recognize that all four churches in Holy Family Parishes. are "united under the Cross of Christ."   It seems appropriate that we use an image of His Cross with symbols that represents each of our churches and connects them all as one -- since soon we will be!  These symbols signify that we are united by Christ crucified and depict our parish's vision to be a "catholic community of like-minded believers striving to be one parish."  

So, what are the symbols in this crucifix? 

• At the top is the universal symbol of the Most Holy Trinity:  three individual triangles interconnected, showing that all three Divine Persons are equal and separate but unified as the One God.

• At the bottom is an anchor:  a traditional symbol used to depict Saint Philomena. Tradition holds that an anchor was placed around her neck and was thrown into the water... sadly not an uncommon practice in the ancient world to kill Christians.

• On the left is a symbol of a golden crown for Saint Louis, who is often depicted as offering Jesus his gold crown in exchange for Jesus' crown of thorns, denoting how he followed Jesus as his true King and Lord.

• On the right is a heart surrounding a capital A to remind us of the love of Saint Ann not only for her daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, but also for all of us as our spiritual mother. The heart is a universal symbol for love.

As pastor, I hope this image will help to bring us more closely together as we accept the future of being one parish... and that over time, this image will identify the Holy Family Parishes community of churches not just for our own members, but also for other parishes in our Archdiocese. 

Father Thomas McCarthy
Pastor, Holy Family Parishes
 Beacons of Light Community - SE5