St. Basil Catholic Church Brecksville Podcast

2018-12-30.  The Ambry is a compartment in the sanctuary that contains the 3 sacred oils.  These oils are used in a variety of sacraments.  The ambry is a visible reminder of the connection we have with those we love who are not at Mass because we are connected through the sacraments we both received that made us part of God's family - the Body of Christ.  

2018-12-23.  The ambo is the structure in the sanctuary from which the Biblical readings are proclaimed.  Like the altar, it is also a table.  Whereas the altar feeds us the Bread of Life, the ambo feeds us the word of life.  We need both.  Before the Gospel is proclaimed, we make a triple sign of the cross on our foreheads, lips, and hearts.  The prayer we can pray at that time is "May the word o...

2018-12-16.  The Altar is (1) a symbol of Christ, (2) a table for a meal, and (3) an altar for sacrifice.  We bow and the priest kisses the altar because it's a symbol of Christ.  It's a table just like Jesus had at the Last Supper when He instituted the Eucharist.  It's an altar for sacrifice where we place our whole selves to offer to God in union with Jesus' sacrifice to the Father.  

2018-12-9.  The Sanctuary is the place that is (1) set apart, (2) holy, and (3) where God dwells.  This floorplan of our church tells the story of the Christian faith and of our lives since we start with separation but then move into union. 

There are a lot of reasons we come to Mass, but God has a reason why we're here too.  2018-12-2