St Stephen's Church, Skipton

Virtual Tour - Tabernacle

The tabernacle is a locked metal safe that contains the most precious treasure within a Catholic church - the Body and Blood of Christ. The word 'tabernacle' comes from the Latin for a 'tent' and it calls to mind the nomadic people of Israel who built a tent for God's holy presence in their very midst. Similarly, John's Prologue speaks of the Word who took flesh and, literally, "pitched his tent" among us. In like manner, Jesus Christ still pitches his tent among the People of God and dwells within the tabernacle.

The tabernacle in St Stephen's Church has a polished brass door which is normally hidden from view by a veil. Interior veils of white silk further hide the Blessed Sacrament from view. The tabernacle is surrounded a stone canopy in the Gothic style. The carved leaves are an indication of life and fecundity which flows from the Lord of Life dwelling within the tabernacle.