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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Placement of the Tabernacle May Friday, August 27, 2004

Question:

Hello,

I've been trying to figure out why some parishes place the tabernacle at the altar, while other newer ones (parishes) have the tabernacle off to the side in a separate room. It seems more logical to have it located at the altar (which is the focal point, the center), since that is the focus of the Mass. Whereas, placement in a separate room causes the focus on the tabernacle to be lost "off to the side," so to speak, even though it might seem as if the side room is "special" place for people to privately worship. I'd like to learn more about the reasoning behind all this and if you'd kindly elaborate.

Thanks and God bless,

May

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear May,

I believe that the idea for this started as a way to allow people to pray in quiet with the Blessed Sacrament in large famous churches which had great artwork that attracted many tourists/visitors.

However this is not a problem for most small local parishes and so we should be seeing these "Blessed Sacrament chapels" rarely if at all.

Also, I agree completely with all your other comments.

Mr. Slavek
Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers.

(b) There is no such Mass called the Novus Ordo. The Current Mass is the Roman Missal of 2000, or the Oridinary Form of the Mass. The Tridentine Mass is the Roman Missal of 1962, or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Please refrain from using the term, Novus Ordo. Thanks.

(c) The titles of Acolyte and Lector belong exclusively to the Installed Offices of Acolyte and Lector, who are men (only) appointed by the Bishop. These roles performed by others are Altar Servers and Readers, respectively.