St Francis de Sales Church

Don’t forget, pot luck dinner today after 5:30 mass. Bring something to share or just come as you are, there is always plenty to go around. See you there!

Steward Saint: St. Ephrem (306 - 373)
Feast Day: June 9
Described as the greatest Christian poet of the early Church, St. Ephrem used his poetic gift to preach against the heresies of his
day. Using the songs of heretical groups and writing orthodox Christian words for those melodies, he became one of the first to introduce singing into the public worship of the Church. His songs became a means to teach doctrine to people who had no formal education. St. Ephrem was also a deacon who served by helping to distribute to the poor the donations of the wealthy during a famine in 373. Clearly, here was a good steward who used his gifts of time and talent in the service of others.

Do you know that our tile floors were produced by Rookwood pottery, and do you know where these markers are located?

Steward Saint: St. Norbert (1080 - 1134)
Feast Day: June 6
Born of a noble family, St. Norbert lived a life of wealth and privilege until a near-death experience during a thunderstorm led to his conversion. He was ordained a priest in 1115, and retired to the Premontré valley in northern France where he founded a religious order (the Premonstatensians). Later made
an archbishop, he enlisted the aid of his brothers in the Order to help reform the Church.
The summary of the US bishops’ pastoral on stewardship says “Christian disciples experience conversion - life-shaping changes of mind and heart - and commit their very selves to
the Lord.” That’s the foundational definition of good stewards and a pretty accurate description of St. Norbert, too.

WHAT ARE THE PARTS OF THE ALTAR?
Understanding the Heart of Catholic Worship

“At every Mass, the altar stands at the center of Catholic worship. Yet many Catholics do not realize that even the altar itself contains rich symbolism and sacred meaning.”

Every Catholic has seen the altar.

It is the focal point of the celebration of the Holy Mass, the place where the Eucharistic sacrifice is offered and where heaven and earth meet in worship.

Yet many Catholics know surprisingly little about the altar itself.

In Catholic tradition, the altar is not simply a table. It is one of the most sacred furnishings within a church because it represents Christ Himself and serves as the place where the sacrifice of the Cross is made present sacramentally during the Mass.

Understanding its parts helps Catholics appreciate both its beauty and its profound spiritual significance.

1. WHAT IS THE ALTAR?
The altar is the sacred table upon which the Eucharistic sacrifice is celebrated.

From the earliest centuries of Christianity, the altar has been regarded as the center of liturgical worship.

It is here that bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
For this reason, the Church requires that the altar be treated with great reverence and dignity.

Before Mass, the altar is prepared.
During Mass, it becomes the center of the Eucharistic celebration.

After Mass, it remains a sacred reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and presence.

2. THE ALTAR MENSA
The mensa is the flat upper surface of the altar.
The word mensa comes from the Latin word for “table.”

This is the part upon which:
* the corporal is placed
* the chalice rests
* the gifts are presented
* and the Eucharistic sacrifice is celebrated

Because of its sacred purpose, the mensa is treated with particular reverence.

3. THE ALTAR BASE OR SUPPORT
Beneath the mensa is the altar’s supporting structure.

Depending on the church, this may consist of:
* pillars
* solid stone supports
* carved wood
* or other dignified materials
Its purpose is both practical and symbolic.

Just as Christ is the foundation of the Church, the altar stands firmly upon its base.

4. THE ALTAR CLOTH
The altar cloth is the white cloth placed upon the altar.

The Church requires that at least one white altar cloth cover the mensa during the celebration of Mass.
The cloth serves both practical and symbolic purposes.

It reflects the dignity of the altar and recalls the linen cloths associated with Christ’s burial.

5. THE RELICS OF SAINTS
In many churches, relics of saints are placed beneath or within the altar.
This ancient Christian practice dates back to the early Church, when Mass was often celebrated over the tombs of martyrs.

The presence of relics reminds Catholics of the communion of saints and the witness of those who gave their lives for Christ.

6. THE ALTAR CROSS
Near or upon the altar is a crucifix or altar cross.

The cross reminds worshippers that every Mass makes present the one sacrifice of Christ on Calvary.
The Eucharist and the Cross can never be separated.

The altar cross helps keep this truth before the eyes of the faithful.

7. THE ALTAR CANDLES
Candles are placed upon or near the altar during Mass.

They symbolize:
* Christ the Light of the World
* reverence
* prayer
* and the sacredness of the liturgical celebration

The number of candles used may vary depending on the liturgical occasion.

8. THE ALTAR STEPS (WHERE PRESENT)
In some churches, the altar is elevated by one or more steps.

These steps help distinguish the sanctuary from the nave and emphasize the importance of the altar as the center of worship.

They also remind believers that the liturgy draws them toward heavenly realities.

IN SUMMARY: THE HEART OF CATHOLIC WORSHIP
The altar is far more than a piece of church furniture.

It is the sacred place where Christ’s sacrifice is sacramentally made present and where the faithful gather around the Eucharistic mystery.

Its various parts; the mensa, base, altar cloth, relics, altar cross, candles, and steps, each contribute to its beauty, dignity, and spiritual meaning.

Every time Catholics attend Mass, the altar quietly proclaims the central mystery of the Christian faith:
Christ died, Christ is risen, and Christ remains present among His people.

Today, reflect:
When I look at the altar during Mass, do I recognize it as the sacred center of Catholic worship?

“The altar is the table of sacrifice, the table of the Lord, and the heart of the church’s liturgical life.”

If this helped you understand your Catholic faith better, share it and tell us:
Which sacred object or place in the Church would you like us to explain next?

SOURCE:
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1182)
General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM 296–308)
Dedication of a Church and an Altar
Code of Canon Law
Church Teaching on Sacred Liturgy

Be Prayerful. Be Inspired
©Catholic Dailies

Fr. Augustus Tolton’s life is a “rags-to-riches” story, but not in the classic way. He was born into slavery but baptized in the Church. Though he never accumulated financial wealth, he died a spiritually wealthy man, leaving a powerful legacy of service and trust in God’s goodness.
In 1862, his mother, Martha Jane, escaped with Augustus, then about eight years old, and his two siblings to Quincy, Illinois. Although the family was now free, mistreatment persisted. But Augustus, hungry for God and for education, also persisted. His aptitude and servant’s heart guided him on the path to become America’s first black diocesan priest.
⁣
Read his full story from The Catholic Telegraph thecatholictelegraph.com/venerable-fr-augustus-tolton

Come experience the end of a most magnificent chapter!

Steward Saint: St. Boniface
Feast Day: June 5
Born in England, but widely revered as the apostle to the
Germans. After his first missionary journey to Germany in 719, he reported to the Pope that many Christian communities there had lapsed back into paganism. He re-evangelized and reformed the German Church, as well establishing many Benedictine monasteries throughout the region. A bishop, then an archbishop, St. Boniface and fifty-three companions were eventually martyred in Frisia as he prepared to confirm a group of converts. St. Boniface, pray for us, that we, too, may be loyal to our faith and good stewards of our Christian heritage.

"Go forth and cook. Do your utmost." Listen or read Archbishop Casey's homily from the Ordination to the Priesthood which took place on May 6, 2026 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains. Nine men were ordained to be priests in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
thecatholictelegraph.com/go-forth-and-cook