The “Nave” of the church is the area reserved for the laity.  It is here that parishioners and others find a place to congregate and worship.  The nave extends from the narthex or vestibule up to the sanctuary.  The form of the nave is extended by the extra space offered by the flaring out of the side walls that form the hexagonal shape discussed earlier.  The word “Nave” comes from the Latin “navis” which means “ship”.  This is the same root as seen in words such as “naval” and “navigate”.  The ship is an ancient symbol of the Christian church.  From being called the “Barque (ship) of Peter” to the imagery of Noah’s Ark, the church is the vehicle which carries its people to eternal salvation.  During the days of persecution, the sign of the cross was often hidden as part of a ships mast.  As a reflection of this, our church’s cupola, topped with a cross, rises mast-like above the roof of nave. 

At the back of nave, just past the doors connecting to the narthex are two doors leading to confessionals or reconciliation rooms.  Each confessional offers the penitent the choice of receiving the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation either face-to-face or behind a privacy screen.  A brass plate above the door, with a cross shaped indicator light announces if a priest is currently occupied with a penitent.  The placement of the confessionals close to the entry doors of the church remind us that in order to properly participate in the Eucharistic Celebration we must be free of mortal sin and in full communion with the teaching and doctrines of the church.  Confession offers us the chance to have our sins absolved by a priest through the authority of Christ.  By designing the confessional as a room flooded with light, instead of the old darker style booth, the desired level of privacy can be maintained in a more congenial setting.  Each confessional has a smaller stained glass window depicting a heavenly hand extending an olive branch, the symbol for extending an offer of peace.  Before entering the confessional there is a great burden on the heart, mind and soul.  After confronting and repenting ones sins before Christ’s representative and the completion of the prescribed penance, the burdens of sin are lifted by the grace of our Lord.  The penitent is left with a sense of peace and a firmer commitment to follow Christ’s example.  During services, privacy curtains covering the large windows facing the altar can be opened allowing the confessionals to double as “crying rooms” for the very youngest of our parishioners.

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