Sunday Letter

Life-Giving Liturgy

A Look Inside…

On the inside, Catholic church buildings look different from one another, but they have many common features. On walking through the doors of a church, you should be able to notice several things.

Vestibule: Many churches bring you first into a vestibule or gathering area (also called a narthex). Here you are greeted and can meet other people, and encounter opportunities to get involved in the activities of the parish. Some of the ministers who will serve at Mass gather here. Our vestibule at St. Joseph’s is linked to the rest of the church interior by a passageway we call “the tunnel,” where there may be seasonal decoration, photos of those preparing for sacraments, or displays illustrating parish activities.

Nave: The body of the church is the nave. The word is related to “navy” because a church interior somewhat resembles a ship. The congregation assembles in the nave, where our attention is drawn toward the sanctuary. The semicircular design of St. Joseph’s also calls our attention to the faces of our sisters and brothers who have gathered with us at worship.

Sanctuary: The place where most of the action takes place is the sanctuary, and its name comes from the Latin sanctus, “holy.” It is set apart from the nave by its height and spaciousness. The three principal furnishings of the sanctuary are the chair, where the priest stands to begin the service; the ambo, where the Liturgy of the Word unfolds; and the altar, the center of the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Choir: There may be another area designated for musicians. In older churches, musicians entered a loft behind the congregation because they created music to be heard, not shared. Today a choir or music area is more commonly visible to the entire assembly, so the musicians can better lead everyone in singing.

Sacristy: The vessels, vestments, and other items needed for Mass are stored in the sacristy, and here the priest and other ministers vest for Mass. This space is not readily visible when you enter a church, but it is essential for the smooth flow of worship.

Other items: Statues, Stations of the Cross, stained glass windows, tabernacle, baptismal font, votive candles, and other items may also be seen in the church. In some cases these occupy devotional areas that are not essential for the celebration of Mass, but they are a part of the environment one customarily sees on entering a Catholic church.