Some questions have come up recently about when during weekend events the community should wear their Emmaus Cross. Since there was some confusion, we reached out to The Upper Room for guidance. The Upper Room is the governing body that assures a consistent Emmaus experience across the country. Here is what we were told.
• Crosses should not be worn to Send Off since it creates an unnecessary separation between the team, community and pilgrims.
• The wearing of an Emmaus cross to candlelight is completely up to each individual community member. There is no rule regarding the wearing of crosses at Candlelight. However, wearing the Emmaus cross and name tag does create a convenient reminder for community members who may not see each other often.
• Team members should not wear their crosses during the weekend until the Pilgrims receive their cross at the closing. (An exception is made for speakers who want to wear their cross while giving their talks.)
• Sponsors and community members who attend the closing ceremony are encouraged to wear their crosses. Since the Pilgrims receive their crosses just before the community arrives, wearing your cross enhances the spirit of community.
Wearing our Emmaus crosses is a special reminder that Christ is counting on each of us.