The Altar
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The altar, the symbol of Christ, is the center of our worship. Here the people of God are called together to share in the Eucharistic banquet. Here the community of the baptized is given a foretaste of the eternal banquet of the kingdom of God.Our altar is crafted from mahogany wood. Its cruciform base underscores the altar table as the symbol of Christ. The rounded top is meant to signify the unity of the community gathered around the Lord's table. The four crosses on the sides of the altar, like points of a compass, remind us of the heavenly banquet that awaits us.
"And people will come from East and West
and from North and South, and will recline at the table
in the kingdom of heaven." (Luke 13, 29)
Our Christian ancestors often celebrated the liturgy over the graves of martyrs and saints. This practice was meant to signify that the whole household of faith is united in the Eucharist. While Christ who suffered for all was upon the altar those already redeemed by his suffering were under the altar, while those yet traveling on their earthly pilgrimage gather around the altar. Thus the Eucharist connects the whole body of Christ!We have continued this ancient tradition by placing the relics of saints in the floor beneath our altar. (A purple cross marks the spot). Enclosed are the remains of St. George, a 2nd century martyr, unknown martyrs taken from the altar stones of previous altars, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (1821), the first American-born saint.
Father, make this altar a table of joy,
where the friends of Christ may hasten to cast upon you
their burdens and cares and take up life's journey restored.
Make it a place of communion and peace,
so that those who share the body and blood of your son
may be filled with his spirit and grow in your life of love.
Make it the center of our praise and thanksgiving
until we arrive at that heavenly banquet
where, together with Christ, high priest and living altar,
we will offer you an everlasting sacrifice of praise.