Holy Cross Chapel can be found in the Parish Ministries Building. This building was built in 1928 as the convent for the Sisters of St. Dominic who staffed both the St. Agnes Elementary School and High School.

In 2000 the convent, no longer needed by the nuns of the parish who had found alternate housing, underwent a major renovation.

As part of this renovation, which converted the first two floors for use by the many parish ministries, the chapel was restored to its original grandeur. The chapel was renamed the Chapel of the Holy Cross in honor of the Amityville Sisters of St. Dominic, Congregation of the Holy Cross.

Although small in size, with seating for approximately 50 people, it is a gem within the cathedral complex. Today it is used for Eucharistic Adoration, special masses and prayer services.

Altar

The original marble altar with wooden screen and tabernacle rests against the back wall on a raised platform of the sanctuary. The tabernacle is surmounted by a bronze crucifix covered by an ornate canopy.

The entire sanctuary is surrounded with beautiful raised oak paneling that is similar to the paneling found in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the Cathedral.

Above the altar is a stained glass window showing the Agony in the Garden modeled after the painting Christ in Gethsemane by E. Goodman.

Angels

Angels are a prominent feature of Holy Cross Chapel. Angels appear in paintings, statues and stained glass windows within the chapel.

Paintings of angels can be found on either side of the chapel surrounded by oak paneling.

Two angels carved in wood stand guard on either side of the crucifix atop the tabernacle. The angel Gabriel visits Mary in a stained glass version of the Annunciation.

Oil paintings of angels adorn the ceiling above the stained glass windows that line the nave of the chapel as well as on either side of the sanctuary.

Art

Several paintings can be found in the chapel. Like the Stations of the Cross these paintings are oil on canvas affixed to oak paneling. Each is framed in oak and are topped by a wooden canopy. Colorful and decorative tiles surround the framing. The two shown here are located at the rear of the chapel.

The first shows St. Dominic at the foot of a crucifix. The second shows St. Dominic kneeling in front of the Blessed Mother who is holding the baby Jesus. St. Catherine of Siena is seen standing nearby.

Ceiling

The arched ceiling high above the floor of the chapel is framed in oak. Smaller decorated rectangle panels run along the sides of the arch. The center panel which runs the length of the chapel’s nave features a cross. A decorative pattern that compliments the side panels fills the perimeter of the main section.

Sanctuary Arch

The entrance to the sanctuary is surrounded by a two story arch, of which the inside top edge is embellished with an intricate plaster design.

A highly decorated beam topped with a cross spans the arch. The Latin phrase “Sursum Corda” in gold lettering can be found on the front of the beam. This phrase translates into “Lift up your hearts” and is part of the Preface to the Eucharistic Prayer.

Stained Glass Windows

Although small in size, Holy Cross Chapel has magnificent stained glass windows on both sides of the chapel. A smaller window showing the Agony in the Garden graces the wall behind the altar. The larger side windows show scenes from the Joyous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary.

Annunciation
Nativity
Crucifixion
Resurrection
Ascension
Pentecost
(Descent of the Holy Spirit)

Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross are found on the walls of the chapel’s nave. Each of the stations is an oil painting on canvas affixed to the oak paneling that lines the chapel.

Several of these stations required extensive restoration work during the renovations to the Ministries Building.