Our Art Reflects our Roots

Sacred Art, Sacred Space, Sacred Music

Liturgy is “the participation of the People of God in ‘the work of God’ … (the) exercise of the priestly office of Jesus” in which God is worshiped and adored and people are made holy. God begins the work of sanctifying people in time and space and brings that work to completion. Those who respond to God in worship and in service are given the privilege of becoming co-workers in the divine plan. — from Built of Living Stones, via the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"The Church provides multiple resources to assist those who prepare for and participate in the liturgical worship. Sacred art and sacred music are among those resources. 

"Sacred art is true and beautiful when its form corresponds to its particular vocation: evoking and glorifying, in faith and adoration, the transcendent mystery of God—the surpassing invisible beauty of truth and love visible in Christ, who "reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature," in whom "the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily." This spiritual beauty of God is reflected in the most holy Virgin Mother of God, the angels, and saints. Genuine sacred art draws man to adoration, to prayer, and to the love of God, Creator and Savior, the Holy One and Sanctifier." – Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2502

Art reflects who we are as individuals and as a community. Religious art goes beyond that, to both tell the story of our faith and provide a point of focus for our prayer and reflection. At Holy Cross, religious art reflects our history as a parish that was originally established to provide a place of worship and spiritual growth for Black Catholics in Durham.  It represents the strength that comes from living lives rooted in deep faith in God and united in worship.

Take a ‘tour’ of the sacred art at Holy Cross, and consider adding your voice to the sacred music that lifts our worship, whether in the choir or in the pew.

Explore our Sacred Art, Sacred Space 

Acacia Tree Stained Glass Window

ACACIA STAINED GLASS WINDOW


The stained glass window at the entrance to the church depicts the Acacia Tree, a tree that is native to Africa. Its deep roots allow it to survive through drought and famine. A strong tree, it provides shelter, food and nourishment. Since Biblical times, the Acacia Tree has been a symbol of stability and resilience. The Acacia was chosen to depict the mission and spirit of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Durham, N.C. The Holy Cross logo at the top of this website includes a graphic depiction of the Acacia Tree together with the cross of Christ.
Our Sacred Art reflects our roots.

Our Cross and Corpus 


A focal point in our sanctuary is the crucifix above our altar. Commissioned when our parish moved to our current location on South Alston Avenue, it was carved by an artisan in Tanzania to grace the sanctuary when our new church was built.


The Hillsborough Stone in the wall behind the crucifix provides a timeless connection between our present and our foundational years, when Holy Cross was established on property in Durham purchased by the Jesuits, to serve the Black Catholic population in the area. Over time, the Jesuits sold portions of the property for construction of what is now North Carolina Central University in Durham. Stones from one wall of the initial church were used to create the stone wall at the back of our altar.
Cross on exterior East Wall of Holy Cross Church.

Our church also has a brick cross embedded in the exterior East wall of the sanctuary.  You know you’re in the right place when you see this cross on the exterior as you approach the church parking lot from Alston Avenue.
Stations of the Cross

Polish sculptor Victor Szostalo, who created the Stations of the Cross displayed on the north and south walls of our sanctuary,  said he “wanted the set to be an important voice in the discussion about redemption, race, Black suffering, and the human condition in general.” 


Holy Cross prays the Stations at 7 PM each Friday during Lent. All are welcome to walk the journey and reflect any time the church is open (after COVID restrictions are lifted). We also have a video of our stations, for those who would like to reflect and pray at home. Click the image to start the video. 

This pair of carved wooden statues of St. Mary and St. Joseph were in the original Holy Cross Church, and now are installed on the south and north walls of our current church. 
Sacred Oils located in ambry at entrance to the sanctuary.

These three holy oils: the oil of the sick, the oil of the catechumens and the holy chrism oil are used when administrating the sacraments of the Catholic  church. The first two are blessed by the priest,, and the bishop consecrates the third, ordinarily during the annual Chrism Mass The ambry holding our vessels of sacred oils is located at the entrance to our sanctuary, near our Baptismal font. You can read about the oils in this Simply Catholic article.
Kente Cloth banners

If you look up above the main doors in our sanctuary, you will see a display of banners with the pattern shown in the photo to the left and near the top of our website's home page. The banners were installed to help with acoustics in our sanctuary. 


The banners also carry a message of our parish's diverse cultural heritage. The kente cloth used in making our banners was hand-woven in Kenya, and was purchased at an Archbishop Lyke Conference attended by members of our choir. You can read about kente cloth – its historic meaning and current use – in this NPR Goats and Soda global health and development blog. 
Votive Candles at Holy Cross

Votive candles are a common sight in most Catholic churches.  While not sacred art, the votive candle stand is a sacred space. Lighting a candle for someone is a way to both extend our prayers and show solidarity with the person for whom we are praying. The faithful also light candles as a sign of gratitude to God for answered prayers.


At Holy Cross, we have flameless (electronic) candles in a devotion stand with a kneeler to the right of the altar. These electric candles are safer and easier to maintain than wax candles. 


To light a small votive candle, simply press the white button in front of it. The candle will remain lit for about 15 minutes. You are welcome to use the kneeler adjacent to the candle stand, or to kneel in a near-by pew as you pray for your intention. A small donation, to help with maintenance costs, may be placed in the donation slot on the stand. 


The row of tall perpetual candles in the back row of the stand remain lit for one year from the date on which you make a donation and start your prayer. A $200 annual tax-deductible donation is requested for each perpetual candle being lit, which covers the service cost for programming the perpetual candles and related maintenance expenses for the candle station. Donations exceeding maintenance costs are applied to the parish's College Scholarship Fund. Contact the parish's finance administrator to schedule your lighting of a perpetual candle.
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