|
IV. ALTAR
259. At the altar the sacrifice of the cross is made present under
sacramental signs. It is also the table of the Lord and the people of God are
called together to share in it. The altar is, as well, the center of the
thanksgiving that the eucharist accomplishes.80
260.
In a place of worship, the celebration of the eucharist must be on an altar,
either fixed or movable. Outside a place of worship, especially if the
celebration is only for a single occasion, a suitable table may be used, but
always with a cloth and corporal.
261.
A fixed altar is one attached to the floor so that it cannot be moved; a
movable altar is one that can be transferred from place to place.
262.
The main altar should be freestanding to allow the ministers to walk around it
easily and Mass to be celebrated facing the people. It should be so placed as
to be a focal point on which the attention of the whole congregation centers
naturally.81 The main altar should ordinarily be a fixed, consecrated
altar.
263.
According to the Church's traditional practice and the altar's symbolism, the
table of a fixed altar should be of stone and indeed of natural stone. But at
the discretion of the conference of bishops some other solid, becoming, and
well - crafted material may be used.
The
pedestal or base of the table may be of any sort of material, as long as it is
becoming and solid.
264.
A movable altar may be constructed of any becoming, solid material suited to
liturgical use, according to the traditions and customs of different regions.
265.
Altars both fixed and movable are consecrated according to the rite described in
the liturgical books; but movable altars may simply be blessed. There is no
obligation to have a consecrated stone in a movable altar or on the table where
the eucharist is celebrated outside a place of worship (see no. 260).
266.
It is fitting to maintain the practice of enclosing in the altar or of placing
under the altar relics of saints, even of nonmartyrs. Care must be taken to
have solid evidence of the authenticity of such relics.
267.
Minor altars should be fewer in number. In new churches they should be placed
in chapels separated in some way from the body of the church.82
|