Tour of the Church

The architecture of a Catholic Church is rich in symbols that lead us into the Paschal mystery of Christ (His passion, death, resurrection, and ascension) and express the beauty, truth, and goodness of Christ through the liturgy. It is important to be familiar with the elements of the church and where things are. As an altar server you are expected to know where things are and what they mean.


The Sanctuary. Notice there is the first set of stairs, a landing, and a second set of stairs. The landing is called the celebrant's step. This step symbolizes moving into the throneroom of Heaven to join with the angels and saints as stated in Revelations. When you step on those stairs you are joining the saints and angles in their praise in the throneroom of God.


Main Altar – This is the large, high table located in the middle of the sanctuary where most of the Liturgy of the Eucharist takes place. In ancient times, the altar was the place where a sacrifice was offered to God; therefore, it is at the Altar where the sacrifice of the mass takes place. The liturgical colors are often draped across the altar.


Ambo (Pulpit/Lectern) This is the place from which the sacred readings and homily are given. It is the special place set aside for Sacred Scripture, teaching, and speaking.


Tabernacle – This is the ornate place where the Eucharist is reserved.  Hosts are taken out and returned to the Tabernacle at communion time. Proper reverence by genuflection is to be given to the Tabernacle at all times when the Sanctuary light is lit. Altar servers will genuflect when they pass in front of the tabernacle the first time and then bow at all other times during mass.


Sanctuary Light - The Sanctuary Light is a candle in a red holder that is lit when the Blessed Sacrament is present within the Tabernacle.


Paschal Candle – The Paschal Candle, used during the mass from the Easter Vigil through Pentecost, is placed in the left forefront of the Sanctuary next to the Ambo. The candle is to be lit before mass to commemorate the Risen Christ among us. After Pentecost, it remains at the baptismal font and is not lit during mass.


Credence Table(s) This area directly behind the altar is used for the purpose of holding the cruets, bowl, Roman Missal, chalice, ciboria and other items required for the celebration of the mass. We have two credence tables. The other is located on the side where the cruets, Bowl and Finger towel are placed.


Cruet, Bowl (lavabo) and Finger Towel – The cruet (pitcher-like vessel containing water), the bowl, and finger towel are to be used during the Preparation of the Gifts. These are kept on the side credence table. 


Presider’s Chair – The chair from which the priest leads the prayers and rites of the church. The adjacent chairs are for deacons or concelebrants. 


Bells – The bells are to be rung at the consecration during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The bells are located on a cushion that can be brought near the kneeler towards the outside of the altar server pew. The server ringing the bells should be seated on the outside. 


Candles and Cross   There are four candles, two located at each front corner of the main altar.  The two used for the processional are located in the altar server room.  The cross is also located in the altar server room and is then placed on a stand near the second credence table. Altar servers are NOT to light the candles. When done GENTLY blow out the candles to avoid spraying the wax.


Baptismal font – The baptismal font is located at the back of the church. This is where the priest will conduct the sacrament of baptism.


Ambry with Holy Oils – A consecrated mixture of olive oil and balsam, blessed by the bishop and used by the priest or bishop for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Anointing of the Sick.

• OI - oleum infirmorum - oil of the sick using in the Sacrament of Healing.
• OC - oleum catechumenorum (sometimes OS for oleum sanctum) - Oil of the catechumens. This oil is probably used less commonly, but it is traditionally associated with the anointing of a baptismal candidate, and it occurs within the baptismal rite itself, at the Presentation and Examination of the Candidates and before the actual water bath. Its origins can be traced back to anointing while saying a prayer of exorcism immediately before the baptism with water. 
• SC - sacrum chrisma or sanctum chrisma - Chrism oil used for confirmation by the bishop

Holy Water Font– Water that has been blessed by a priest or bishop for the purposes of spiritual cleansing. Our church has a vessel containing holy water at all entrances into the sanctuary.