crucifer

thumb|A crucifer, in the center, carrying a cross

A crucifer or cross-bearer is, in some Christian churches (particularly the Catholic Church, Lutheran Churches, Anglican Communion, and Methodist Churches), a person appointed to carry the church's processional cross, a cross or crucifix with a long staff, during processions at the beginning and end of the service. In these Christian denominations, the crucifer is a role assigned to a certain acolyte or altar server.