In the center of the Sanctuary is the altar.  The altar is the center of the Liturgy of Eucharist, the second part of the Mass.  The altar, usually covered by a white, linen altar cloth, is representative of Christ and acts as the banquet table of sacrifice.  Upon this holy table, the bread and wine are changed into the “body, blood, soul and divinity,” the real presence, of Christ our Saviour.  This miraculous process is known as ’Transubstantiation.’  A dark oak pedestal, with four marble pillars supporting the white marble table top form the altar.  Supporting the center of Catholic worship, the four pillars can be thought to represent the ’Four Marks’ of the Church – ’One,’ ’Holy,’ ’Catholic,’ and ’Apostolic.’  The altar is flanked by candle stands on either side.  These candles, are carried by the altar servers, along with the processional cross as the celebrants enter and exit the Mass, and are placed flanking the altar.  There are typically an odd number of candles burning during the Mass.  At St Patrick’s there are three, the two altar candles and the Sanctuary Light.  The altar is also used for other services such as exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance.  When approaching the altar, it is customary to bow one’s head as a sign of respect and veneration.

During construction and installation of the altar, our parishioners were able to personalize their relationship to our Lord’s sacrifice.  Parishioners placed stones with their names written on them in the foundation of the altar and sanctuary.  Just before the altar installation was completed, they placed certificates with their family names in the altar.  Each time Mass is offered, their names will be a part of that sacrifice.  In addition a customary saintly relic resides within the altar.  The altar was completed with the installation of the table which has five crosses, symbolizing the five wounds of Jesus, etched in the top.  An in-depth discussion of the history of the church and parish can be found here.

Behind the altar, is the tabernacle.  The tabernacle is used to reserve or store any of the consecrated hosts not immediately consumed.  The hosts are kept in small dishes called ciborium, and the true presence of our Lord is marked by the burning sanctuary lamp.  The Precious Blood can not be reserved and must be consumed during the Mass.  During parts of the triduum, Holy Thursday to the Easter Vigil, the tabernacle is kept empty, the doors are kept open to symbolize Christ’s death and our waiting for his return and resurrection.  At this time on Good Friday the light of the sanctuary lamp is extinguished and then relighted on the Easter Vigil to mark His return.  Our Lord is due all respect and worship, and it is customary to genuflect whenever passing before the tabernacle.

Presiding over the altar and tabernacle is the great crucifix or altar cross, which was brought over from the old church.  This is another prime example of St. Patrick s commitment to respect the continuity of the past, while always looking towards the future.  In Church tradition, a crucifix must always be prominently displayed either on or in close relation to the altar.  The cross keeps in mind the central mystery of the Christian faith - the sacrifice, death and resurrection of Christ.  It strengthens our faith in the Holy Eucharist.

The reredos – the decoration on the screen or wall behind the altar – has the same clean design style as the rest of the church.  Centered midway up the wall, hanging above the Tabernacle and Altar, is a large crucifix, the “Altar Cross.”  Painted golden lines radiate out from the figure, implying, that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross reaches out to all the world.  This is all framed within a stylized canopy.  The canopy was traditional in older churches and was used as a protective covering for the altar.  The stylized canopy at St. Patrick’s is an applied sweeping curved architectural pediment trim molding which is supported by two marbleized columns.  The canopy is broken or interrupted in the middle.  This serves to draw our eyes up to the round stained glass window depicting the empty tomb of the risen Christ and the fulfillment of his promise to those who come to follow his example with faith and love.

There is a distinct theme or message present in the form, furnishings and decorations of the sanctuary area.  This message embraces the promise of the “Good News” of the Gospel that can be summarized in the following Bible passage:

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

Working up one step from the main floor, is the level of the baptismal font, the first step into the body of Christ’s Church.  The following three steps lift us closer to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Moving forward we pass the Ambo.  We hear the Word of God and listen to the teachings offered in the Homily.  The road leading to His redemptive sacrifice was begun with Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, celebrated on Palm Sunday.  We mark this with the potted palm plants that typically flank the tabernacle.  The Altar in front of us is the table of the last supper, upon which we observe the command “Do this in memory of me.” The Holy Eucharist, consecrated through the priesthood, on the Altar of the Body of Christ, offers us the graces of being in full communion with the body of his Church.  That He is always with us is evidenced by the true presence, in the tabernacle.  We remember His death through His anguished form on the altar cross that hangs above us.  We are lifted by the light streaming through the round window above the sanctuary to the empty tomb of the resurrection.  We receive and acknowledge his promise of eternal salvation.

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