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St Stephen's Church, Skipton Virtual Tour - Sanctuary |
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>> Introduction > Exterior > Nave & Gallery > Sanctuary > Side chapel > Convent <<
The sanctuary is without a doubt the focus of any church for it is here on the Altar that the Eucharistic Sacrifice is celebrated day after day. The Mass is the 'source and summit' of the Christian life so it is from the Altar that Christians receive the strength and grace they need to witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The sanctuary is decked out for Fr Peter Dawber's Silver Jubilee (24 June 2003) in the photograph above. The sanctuary was one of the main additions to the church in 1853 when the church was extended. The Tempest family vault was also dug out under the new Altar. The sanctuary was re-ordered in 1975 chiefly by bringing the Altar forward. This was to fulfill the decree of the Second Vatican Council requiring altars to be free standing so that Mass may be said versus populum. Until then the Altar was joined to the Reredos which is the carved screen behind the tabernacle. On either side of the Altar are two intricately carved shrines to Our Lady and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Both of these are not altars (because Mass is not celebrated on them) but elaborate devotional structures. The wooden altar rails can also be seen in the photograph and they adopt the dog-tooth motif that is evident in the church building. The Altar and altar furnishings were given by Monica Tempest in 1853. More recent gifts include the Celebrant's chair from Hugh and Frances Fattorini and the lectern and tabernacle veil from the legacy of Joyce Hutchinson.
For Catholics, another vital focus on the sanctuary is the tabernacle where the Eucharist is reserved for the communion of the sick and for adoration. We adore the Eucharist (consecrated Host) because the constant Tradition of the Church and Christian faith from the time of the apostles has taught that Jesus Christ is truly present - Blood, Body, Soul and Divinity - under the appearance of Bread (and Wine). The sanctuary lamp on the far right of the photograph above burns in honour of this holy presence and is an indication to believers of the very presence of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God in this church. The tabernacle has a small stone canopy over it and is veiled to further emphasise its importance.
Fr Richard Sharp's memorial brass is on the North wall of the Sanctuary. This was erected in 1939 by the parishioners of the church in thanksgiving of his forty years of ministry. Fr Sharp is depicted in Gothic vestments and holding a chalice, a posture that imitates older medieval depictions of priests.
On the left of the Altar is the Shrine of Our Lady which has a marble Madonna and Child in a pose reminiscent of the statute of Our Lady of Help in Ushaw College. This shrine was paid for by subscription from parishioners and erected in 1900. The East window of the church was
given by Monica Tempest in 1853 and has three panels. Their narrow and
pointed forms, like lances are characteristic of the early English style.
The three panels form a Rood scene showing Christ on the Cross ministered
by angels with Our Lady on the left and St John the Evangelist on the
right. This grouping was favoured by the medieval Church. Its presence
above the Altar is a reminder that the Mass makes Present for all time the
Sacrifice of Calvary and allows us to participate in Christ's "hour of
glory". The North and South windows on the sanctuary depict St Stephen (seen on the index page of this website) and St Elizabeth with the young St John the Baptist. He is of course Christ's cousin as well as his herald and fore-runner.
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