A Walk through our Chapel
Ambo
As you look at the altar, the ambo (meaning “raised table”) is to your left. This is where the lectors the deacon and priest proclaim the Word of God. Holy Spirit follows a cycle of readings in the Liturgy called the Revised Common Lectionary (complementary cycle). Every Sunday we read from the Hebrew Scriptures, the Christian Testament and the Holy Gospel. The lectionary is a cycle or calendar of readings that goes through much of the Bible in a three year period. Beginning December 2020 and continuing through 2021 we are in Year B. The ambo is also the place where the cantor can proclaim the psalm in song.
Altar
The table of the Lord is where we celebrate the Eucharist. Our altar is built following the custom of the eastern churches in that it is closely the same in height, length and width. We offer our gifts of bread and wine. Through consecration, they become the Body and Blood of Jesus. When you share in the Eucharist, you are sharing in Jesus’ Body and Blood.
Chair
Near the front of the chapel is a unique chair reserved for the bishop. When the bishop is the presider, the pastoral staff or "crosier" is attached to its side. The bishop sits in this chair of wisdom - traditionally called the "cathedra." From that chair, the bishop teaches the Gospel - the excellence of which far exceeds the wisdom of this world. The bishop's wisdom comes from the life of prayer and contemplation of the mysteries of the Gospel in the face of human suffering and joy. The chair is shared with priests when the bishop is not the presider.
Tabernacle
The Eucharist, referred to as the Blessed Sacrament, is kept in the tabernacle. The tabernacle is the veiled furnishing on the pedestal to the left of the altar. It is veiled with the liturgical color of the season or special feast. People are encouraged to come and pray quietly before the Liturgy or during times that the parish center is open.
The candle mounted on the wall above the tabernacle is lit to honor the Holy Eucharist when it is present. The only days the candle is not lit is Good Friday and Holy Saturday. On all other days, we profoundly bow our head or genuflect at the knee to show reverence and respect for the Eucharist … the Real Presence of Jesus.
Marian Shrine
Life seems to require times of waiting. In hope or fear, of not knowing what may come next. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, is our waiting companion through this life. One time of unknowing in her life was after she held the body of her dead son in her lap and buried him. Yet she has experienced a deeper way of knowing: trust in God’s abiding love and mercy, and Resurrection.
There were other times of waiting: as a Jewish woman awaiting the Messiah, as a mother awaiting the birth of her child, and as an older woman awaiting the fullness of the life-giving Spirit at Pentecost. She waits with us in our moments of unknowing, a companion of compassion, assurance and hope—Our Mother of hope and consolation.
Candles and Votives
The light of fire, penetrating darkness, is a symbol for the Trinity. He is "the Light of the world," as St. John tells us, and "in Him there is no darkness." (1 John 1:5) The word "votive" comes from the Latin "votum" meaning "vow," and these candles when lit, are used to symbolize our prayers, vows of prayer, special devotions, intentions or simply our honoring God or one of His Saints. We light the candle while praying for our intention or offering our thanks and then leave the flame burning as signs of our prayers. The candles are a beautiful way to honor an anniversary, baptism, birthday or in remembrance.
Music Space
Lifting our hearts and voices to the Mystery of God, the true purpose of sacred music is the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful. Our music space encourages full and active participation of all. Acoustic quality ensures that prayer, preaching, song, and instrumentation (organ, piano, guitar, and other) are primary in liturgical celebrations. In Catholic liturgy, music is essential to the prayerfulness of the Mass and so is not about center-stage or performance.
Baptism Font Area
The font at the right front of the chapel reminds us of the gift of our baptismal re-birth in water. Experiencing the "living and flowing" water in baptism reminds us to be “living and flowing” water for others. Water is used as a sign of new life.
Next to the font is the paschal candle, a special candle that is blessed and lit from the new fire at each Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday evening. This candle is used at the beginning and end of a Christian’s life, reminding us that Christ is our Light.
Above the font on the wall is the ambry, a small wooden box, containing the three sacred oils of the Catholic community of faith: the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of Sacred Chrism, and the Oil of the Sick. Our particular ambry was given to our community by a retired bishop who specifically ministered to marginalized Catholics in the 1930’s and 1940’s in Atlanta and Washington, DC.
Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross hang on the wall on north and south walls of the chapel. They are made of clay, and depict fourteen events in the suffering and death of Jesus. The Stations of the Cross are a prayerful journey where we can join with Christ in thought and prayer as He walked toward His death. The Stations of the Cross are prayed often, most especially during the season of Lent and on Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ death.
Sacristy
This is the room at the rear of our chapel that is essentially a preparation and vesting space for our parish liturgies. Here are stored the vessels and vestments used in our celebrations and it is the place where the acolyte, lector and clergy assemble to prepare for the Liturgy.
As you look at the altar, the ambo (meaning “raised table”) is to your left. This is where the lectors the deacon and priest proclaim the Word of God. Holy Spirit follows a cycle of readings in the Liturgy called the Revised Common Lectionary (complementary cycle). Every Sunday we read from the Hebrew Scriptures, the Christian Testament and the Holy Gospel. The lectionary is a cycle or calendar of readings that goes through much of the Bible in a three year period. Beginning December 2020 and continuing through 2021 we are in Year B. The ambo is also the place where the cantor can proclaim the psalm in song.
Altar
The table of the Lord is where we celebrate the Eucharist. Our altar is built following the custom of the eastern churches in that it is closely the same in height, length and width. We offer our gifts of bread and wine. Through consecration, they become the Body and Blood of Jesus. When you share in the Eucharist, you are sharing in Jesus’ Body and Blood.
Chair
Near the front of the chapel is a unique chair reserved for the bishop. When the bishop is the presider, the pastoral staff or "crosier" is attached to its side. The bishop sits in this chair of wisdom - traditionally called the "cathedra." From that chair, the bishop teaches the Gospel - the excellence of which far exceeds the wisdom of this world. The bishop's wisdom comes from the life of prayer and contemplation of the mysteries of the Gospel in the face of human suffering and joy. The chair is shared with priests when the bishop is not the presider.
Tabernacle
The Eucharist, referred to as the Blessed Sacrament, is kept in the tabernacle. The tabernacle is the veiled furnishing on the pedestal to the left of the altar. It is veiled with the liturgical color of the season or special feast. People are encouraged to come and pray quietly before the Liturgy or during times that the parish center is open.
The candle mounted on the wall above the tabernacle is lit to honor the Holy Eucharist when it is present. The only days the candle is not lit is Good Friday and Holy Saturday. On all other days, we profoundly bow our head or genuflect at the knee to show reverence and respect for the Eucharist … the Real Presence of Jesus.
Marian Shrine
Life seems to require times of waiting. In hope or fear, of not knowing what may come next. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, is our waiting companion through this life. One time of unknowing in her life was after she held the body of her dead son in her lap and buried him. Yet she has experienced a deeper way of knowing: trust in God’s abiding love and mercy, and Resurrection.
There were other times of waiting: as a Jewish woman awaiting the Messiah, as a mother awaiting the birth of her child, and as an older woman awaiting the fullness of the life-giving Spirit at Pentecost. She waits with us in our moments of unknowing, a companion of compassion, assurance and hope—Our Mother of hope and consolation.
Candles and Votives
The light of fire, penetrating darkness, is a symbol for the Trinity. He is "the Light of the world," as St. John tells us, and "in Him there is no darkness." (1 John 1:5) The word "votive" comes from the Latin "votum" meaning "vow," and these candles when lit, are used to symbolize our prayers, vows of prayer, special devotions, intentions or simply our honoring God or one of His Saints. We light the candle while praying for our intention or offering our thanks and then leave the flame burning as signs of our prayers. The candles are a beautiful way to honor an anniversary, baptism, birthday or in remembrance.
Music Space
Lifting our hearts and voices to the Mystery of God, the true purpose of sacred music is the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful. Our music space encourages full and active participation of all. Acoustic quality ensures that prayer, preaching, song, and instrumentation (organ, piano, guitar, and other) are primary in liturgical celebrations. In Catholic liturgy, music is essential to the prayerfulness of the Mass and so is not about center-stage or performance.
Baptism Font Area
The font at the right front of the chapel reminds us of the gift of our baptismal re-birth in water. Experiencing the "living and flowing" water in baptism reminds us to be “living and flowing” water for others. Water is used as a sign of new life.
Next to the font is the paschal candle, a special candle that is blessed and lit from the new fire at each Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday evening. This candle is used at the beginning and end of a Christian’s life, reminding us that Christ is our Light.
Above the font on the wall is the ambry, a small wooden box, containing the three sacred oils of the Catholic community of faith: the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of Sacred Chrism, and the Oil of the Sick. Our particular ambry was given to our community by a retired bishop who specifically ministered to marginalized Catholics in the 1930’s and 1940’s in Atlanta and Washington, DC.
Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross hang on the wall on north and south walls of the chapel. They are made of clay, and depict fourteen events in the suffering and death of Jesus. The Stations of the Cross are a prayerful journey where we can join with Christ in thought and prayer as He walked toward His death. The Stations of the Cross are prayed often, most especially during the season of Lent and on Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ death.
Sacristy
This is the room at the rear of our chapel that is essentially a preparation and vesting space for our parish liturgies. Here are stored the vessels and vestments used in our celebrations and it is the place where the acolyte, lector and clergy assemble to prepare for the Liturgy.