June 29 & July 6, 2008...

The altar in a Catholic Church is the center of our attention because of what is celebrated there and in the main body of the Church, during our public prayer together. The Tabernacle on the other hand is the focus of attention in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, the place of reservation for the purposes of private prayer and communion to the sick.

When we rededicated the Co-Cathedral eight years ago, the Bishop anointed the altar with the Chrism – lavishly soaking the wood – anointing it as the place where Christ’s self offering is continued in every Eucharist.

The Bishop prayed: “..here the sacrifice of Christ is offered in mystery, perfect praise is given and our redemption is made continually present…here your people become…a living altar.”

As members of the assembly, you and I are called to participate fully and actively by our own self offering with Christ. We are to be one with Christ in our willingness to give of ourselves. We become the body of Christ. When you go to Mass are you entering fully and actively into the celebration? Is your heart becoming a living altar for Him? Jesus asks us to “do this” in his memory. It is the high point of our faith.

The altar at St. Patrick’s reflects the gothic style of the Church. It is raised up on a platform of granite and marble tiles. It is made of quarter sawn red oak and black walnut. The top of the altar is inlaid with five marks in the sign of a cross which represent the five glorious wounds of Christ. The altar has three arches facing in four directions, a reminder of the twelve gates of the heavenly Jerusalem.

Take time to examine the altar, its symbolisms and their meaning for your life. I hope you are having a good summer. Bye for now!

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