The Choir

The Choir is located in the large gallery at the west end of the Nave.  It may be reached via stairs through either of the exit doors near the Reconciliation Chapels, or by elavator from the Narthex.

The arrangement and furnishings in the Choir are temporary, awaiting the eventual design and installation of a permanent organ. In the meantime, the Brombaugh organ stands in the center of the gallery with pews on either side arranged in two "antiphonal" choirs.  On one hand, these sections of seating could be seen as the ends of an imaginary semi-circle.  On the other hand, an antiphonal arrangement is traditional, and suggests another dimension of the Choir as a liturgical space. 

While the singing of the choir supports and enhances the celebration of the Mass and the Sacraments, the choral singing of the praise of God is the rite itself in the Liturgy of the Hours, the communal daily prayer of the Church.

Just as the Sanctuary is reserved for the celebration and reservation of the Holy Eucharist, the Baptistery is dedicated to the Sacrament of Baptism, the Reconciliation Chapels are set asided for the Sacrament of Penance, so too the Choir might be seen as the sacred space set apart for the Liturgy of the Hours.  The Choir gallery and the choir of "living stones" it houses symbolize an aspect of our heavenly destiny singing with the heavenly choir before the throne of the Lamb.