Futurgical Observation Report

Based on my two observations of St. More Catholic Community, I found a variety of liturgical objects used during Mass. The signal for the start of Mass comes the ringing of the bell. The Sanctus Bell’s sole purpose is to inform the parish the beginning of Mass, which the parish responds by standing when the bell first rings (Papillo). So, this object’s use is practical as it initiates the beginning of Mass and acts as a signal to the faithful. Although I cannot directly see the ringing of the bell, the priest does proceed to enter and moves toward the altar after the ringing, so a server might be used to ring the bell as the priest moves forward to the altar.

The most apparent liturgical object is the altar that is covered in a white linen with two sets of candles on each end of the altar. During the Eucharistic celebration, the altar is the location where Jesus Christ’s body and blood are consecrated (Papillo). The only person allowed at the altar is the presiding priest. While preparing the Eucharist, some other objects are placed on the altar. The

This podium is known as an ambo, which is Greek signifying mountain or elevation, as it is a raised platform (Papillo). In addition, a woman from the parish steps forward to the ambo to deliver a reading from the Old Testament. She has been the same woman for the past two weeks that I have visited St. More Catholic Community to do this duty. These reading stands possibly could have been found in the first Christian communities as households gathered for worship (Hoden 1). An object that I had to identify through further research was the book placed on the ambo. Based on my findings, it is the Evangeliary, which is the Gospel containing a collection of religious texts centered around the life of Jesus Christ that are arranged according to the liturgical year