Altar
by Paul Turner

The altar is traditionally made of stone, but it may be constructed of another solid, well-crafted material which establishes its beauty and dignity. Its rectangular shape suited the liturgy before the Second Vatican Council, when the Scriptures were read from the sides of the altar. Today’s altar is often more square to accommodate the priest, the bread and the wine. But it should always be clear among church furnishings that the altar is the center of focus.

When the altar of a church is consecrated, the bishop anoints its top with chrism. Chrism is the perfumed oil we reserve for the sacraments which are celebrated only once in one’s lifetime: baptism, confirmation and ordination. The consecration of an altar sets it apart permanently for its sacred purpose. In conjunction with this anointing, the altar also represents Jesus, whose title “Christ” means “anointed.” The proper reverence upon entering a church is to bow to the altar, unless the tabernacle is centrally located, in which case one genuflects to the tabernacle.

In the past, the altar was located against the rear wall and the priest celebrated Mass with his back to the people. Additional altars were often located in chapels around the church, permitting other priests to celebrate separate Masses at the same time. Today a church should have one altar, freestanding so the priest may walk completely around it. It should be permanently fixed to reflect the stability of our faith.

What do YOU Think?
Send an e-mail to ML Editor
or post an entry on the ML Current Issue Discussion Board. (All submissions become the property of RPI and may be edited for length.) 

Copyright © 1999, Resource Publications, Inc. 160 E. Virginia St. #290, San Jose, CA 95112, (408) 286-8505. This article may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher.  For permission e-mail info@rpinet.com.
Paul Turner, pastor of St. Munchin Parish in Cameron, MO, holds a doctorate in sacramental theology from Sant' Anselmo University in Rome.