Our Altar

Have you ever wondered what each of the icons around our crucifix symbolizes? A *reredos* (pronounced “rare’-rahdos”) is a screen or decoration behind the altar in a church, depicting religious symbols or icons, woven in a tapestry, or carved in stone or wood. In ancient times, especially in homes and tabernacles, some kind of flat surface was set up back of the altar to help direct the smoke to an opening in the roof. Since smoke has long been considered the symbol of prayer, you may look upon the reredos as the symbol of prayer ascending to God. At a time in history when the general populace had limited education, and limited literacy, these symbols - like the statues and stained glass windows found in the great cathedrals - told the story of faith, sacrifice and redemption.
	The Hand symbolizes the Hand of God	The Bible symbolizes the Word of God
	The Ten Commandments	The Three Fishes symbolizes the Holy Trinity
	The rock symbolizes the Rock of Salvation	The Ark of the Covenant symbolizes the Old Testament
	The Phoenix (Sphinx) symbolizes Resurrection	The Pelican symbolizes Atonement, a Eucharistic symbol
	The Anchor symbolizes Faith or Hope	The Star of the Epiphany symbolizes the Three Wise Men
	The Font symbolizes Baptism	The Clasped Hands symbolizes Matrimony, Prayer
	The Dove symbolizes Confirmation	The "M" Monogram of the Blessed Virgin Mary
	The Whip symbolizes Penance	The Stole symbolizes Holy Orders
	The Chalice symbolizes the Holy Eucharist	The Vessel of Oil symbolizes Anointing of the Sick
On the bottom front of the Altar we see A mother pelican that will peck herself until she bleeds, so that her chicks will have nourishment if food is scarce. She willingly sacrifices herself so that her little ones will live. The pelican symbolizes Jesus Christ~ self giving.			….Jerusalem, Jerusalem,...how many times I yearned to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her young under her wings, but you were unwilling! (Matt 23.37b)