The sanctuary is the focal point of the church. Here, Christ, through the ministry of the priest, offers Himself in an unbloody manner under the appearances of bread and wine in each Mass.
The word sanctuary is derived from the Latin word for "holy". The most important feature of the sanctuary is the altar. In Old Testament times, an altar was the slab on which sacrifices would be killed or burned as an offering to God. Our altar is an altar of sacrifice, but also reminds us of the table where Jesus shared his Last Supper with His apostles, and gave us the Eucharist.
The Trinity is portrayed on the wall behind the altar. For the first time, the mural in the dome is tied in theme to the rest of the sanctuary. God the Father looks down on His crucified Son, and on us, too. The Holy Spirit, depicted as a dove, is pictured with seven rays, symbolizing the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.) Below the Holy Spirit, our attention is drawn to the crucifix bearing Jesus, the Son of God, offering Himself in the sacrifice which each Mass recreates.
The tabernacle is where consecrated hosts are kept between Masses. Since we believe that Jesus is present under the appearance of bread, the tabernacle is treated with great respect. To the right of the tabernacle hangs the sanctuary lamp, which holds a candle that is lit whenever the Eucharist is in the tabernacle. We show our respect for the Eucharist by genuflecting when we pass in front of the tabernacle, and by talking in hushed tones when we are in church.
The Mary and Joseph side altars, which existed in earlier times, are now suggested by simple ledges. The images of the Holy Family lie in a horizontal plane, with our crucified Lord in the middle.
Two generations ago, the side altars were just that: altars at which Mass could be said. In what seems strange today, two priests might say Masses simultaneously at the different altars. We have to remember that the Mass prior to 1960 presented little opportunity for participation by the laity.
We now take for granted lay participation in the liturgy with lectors, extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, and congregational singing and responses. None of this occurred to any great extent until 35 years ago. Then, Mass was said in Latin, with the altar against the sanctuary wall, and the priest's back to the people. Even the readings were in Latin, and repeated in English if there were a sermon. The people followed along in their English missals. Responses (in Latin) were the responsibility of the altar boys. Boys studied the responses and detailed actions for months before being allowed to assist at Mass.
Without turning the calendar back liturgically, we can appreciate something of the atmosphere intended by the original decor.
Click here to see older versions of the sanctuary.