YOUCAT: The central places of a house of God are the altar with the crucifix, the tabernacle, the celebrant’s chair, the ambo, the baptismal font, and the confessional. [1182-1185]
The altar is the central point in the church building. This is where the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross is made present through the sacrament of Eucharist. I once heard a national speaker say that it is on the altar where “heaven touches earth.”
In the tabernacle we place the Blessed Sacrament, the real presence of Christ.
The celebrant’s chair expresses his office of presiding over the assembly, of leading the community in prayer. The Greek word “ambo” means “to climb up.” The assembly’s attention can be easily directed to Word of God when proclaimed from the ambo.
We become a member of the church through our Baptism. Holy water fosters a remembrance of our baptismal promises. We’re all sinners; the confessional is a space where we can express our repentance and receive forgiveness.
*Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church
Lisa Gomes is the director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry