Altar, Ambo, Presider’s chair and Assembly

Central to the celebration of every Mass is the Altar, Ambo and assembly seating. The altar and ambo are the “Table of the Eucharist” and the “Table of the Word”. The Eucharist is the Sacrament in which Christ is made physically present to the Church in the forms of bread (hosts) and wine. Through the proclamation of Sacred Scripture and the Homily we believe that Jesus speaks to those who listen. In the person of the presider (usually the Rector when the Bishop is not present) the assembly is led in worship of God and Jesus’ presence is revealed. Jesus is also present in the community that gathers to fill the church and live the message of the Word and power of the Eucharist out in their daily lives.