For the season of Lent, we will be “touring” St. Anthony on the Lake and learning the proper names for things you have seen in church. This week we will learn about:
The Narthex is the gathering space in a church building. Centuries ago, the purpose of the narthex was to allow those not eligible for admittance into the general congregation to hear and partake in the service. Today, it’s a great place to gather and visit with fellow parishioners and visitors.
The Nave is the main body of the church building.
The Baptistry is the area of the church where baptisms take place. We bless ourselves with holy water from the font when we enter and leave the church.
The Altar is the table in a Christian church at which the bread and wine are consecrated. Our altar is a custom designed piece with intricate carvings of grapes and wheat, representing bread and wine.
The Sanctuary is the area which the priest and ministers use like a “stage” during Mass.
Reredos is a large altarpiece, a screen, or decoration placed behind the altar in a church. It often includes religious images. In our church, the beautiful bronze image of Jesus on the cross represents his crucifixion, and the moment when he delivered his spirit into his Father’s hands. It was designed and created by Wanner studios in Milwaukee, David Wanner was a parish member whose artwork is known internationally. He passed away in April, 2017.