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445 Fifth Avenue

River Edge, New Jersey

(201) 261-3366

Ambo or Pulpit

Made at the same time as the altar (in 1967) of the same Brazilian rosewood, the ambo (more commonly called the pulpit) is referred to in Church documents as “the table of God’s word.” From the ambo the Scriptures are proclaimed during the Mass and all liturgical services that occur in church, and from here the priest or deacon preaches the homily (explanation of the scriptural passages) and prayers are offered for the Church and the world. Every celebration of a sacrament contains a proclamation of the Word of God. Our ambo has recently been enhanced by the addition of marble panels, to highlight the dignity of the Word of God in the Bible that is proclaimed here.

Presidential Chair

A single, large chair in the sanctuary is the seat of the presiding minister, usually one of the priests of the parish, who leads the liturgical celebration. The presidential chair, along with the altar and the ambo, symbolizes the presence of Jesus in the liturgy, for he comes to be present in the Assembly, in the Word, in the Sacrament and in the ordained priest celebrant. The ordained minister is, at it were, an “icon” of Christ the Priest.

Music Ministry

If you are standing in front of the sanctuary platform, the area to the left of the sanctuary is the area reserved for the Music Ministry. Saint Peter’s currently boasts two adult and one children’s choir. The parish recently purchased a new three-manual Allen electronic organ.

In the renovation of 1968, the organ console and music ministry were moved from the choir loft to this area. After Vatican Council II, music became far more integral to Catholic liturgy and musicians needed to be in front of the people to fulfill their leadership function. The choir loft, now called the Upper Gallery, is used for overflow seating.

In the area behind the sanctuary and Blessed Sacrament Chapel is a Choir Practice Room and the Music Minister’s Office, as well as the sacristy that services the sanctuary.

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