Turning to face the sanctuary, we bow to the altar or genuflect to the tabernacle to show our reverence and respect.  We see a white marble platform shaped as a half octagon that is raised above the church floor by four steps.  A great number of furnishings are distributed around the outer edges and in the center.  On the outer edges are the baptismal font, the ambo or main lecturn, the cantor’s lecturn, the ambry, the sanctuary light, the processional cross and the presider’s chairs.  Every item has a distinct function in the celebration of the Mass or in the receiving of the sacraments. 

Our first step into the church and a life in Christ is through the Sacrament of Baptism.  So it is fitting that on the first step up to the Sanctuary we have the baptismal font.  Off to the right side of the Sanctuary (all directions are from the perspective of Jesus on the altar cross,) it has an oak pedestal topped with a white marble basin that has an overflow “waterfall” feature that drops to a floor level shallow pool.  Babies can be baptized in the top font, while children and adults can stand in the lower pool and be baptized by the pouring of water over the head from a large sea shell reserved for that purpose.  St. Patrick’s is very proud of the fact that the baptismal font has both hot and cold running water resulting in happier and calmer babies.

Close to the baptismal font is the “Pascal Candle.” This is a very large candle on a great candle stand.  Renewed every year on the Easter Vigil, the pascal candle is blessed using the baptismal waters.  Grains of incense, one each for the 5 wounds of Christ, are embedded in the candle along with symbols for the Alpha and Omega and the current year.  The candle is often lit for Baptisms and Funerals symbolizing our death and resurrection through Christ.  It is three steps upwards from the Baptismal Font to the Sanctuary.  We are baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 

Beyond the Baptismal Font are the two lecterns.  There is a smaller lectern close to the choir section.  It is used by the cantor to lead the parish in song and for announcements.  The main lectern or “Ambo” is used during the “Liturgy of the Word” for the readings from Scripture found in the Lectionary (Book of Readings), and the proclamation of the Gospel.  The ambo introduces a unifying design theme of solid oak construction, with supporting white marble columns and a white marble top which is consistent with other furnishings in the Sanctuary.

Just inside the Sanctuary, is the Ambry.  It is an oak framed arched niche with glass doors, a mirrored inside and three glass shelves holding crystal vials of the sacred oils of the sacraments.  These are the “Oil of the Catacumens” used in the Sacrament of Baptism, the “Oil of the Sick” used in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and the “Sacred Chrism” used in the Sacraments of Confirmation, Baptism, and Holy Orders.

At the foot of the right side of the Sanctuary, is the processional cross.  A crucifix mounted on top of a long staff, it is used during the various processions during the Mass and other services including the Entrance, Offertory and Recessional Processions.  The processional cross is usually carried by altar servers who head the processions.  Moving up the steps, hanging on the wall, is the sanctuary lamp.  The sanctuary lamp which can be identified by its red glass chimney, is always lit when the Sacred Host is reserved inside the tabernacle.  At the top of the steps on the right side are two chairs, the presider’s chair for the priest celebrating the Mass and a smaller chair for the deacon or other ministers.  The presider’s chair is on the right and is distinguished by the higher supporting columnar front legs and armrests.

<<<PREVIOUS   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   NEXT>>>