Altar rails

In most churches you will find altar rails which separate the sanctuary from the chancel and at which the people kneel to make their Communion.  They were first put into churches in the 17th century in order to protect the altar from irreverence, because the Puritans used to stand their tall, black hats on it during service time.

The Blessed Sacrament

It is in the sanctuary that the Blessed Sacrament is usually kept or, as we say, reserved.  The Blessed Sacrament is Our Lord’s Ascended Body which we receive under the forms of Bread and Wine when we make our Communion at the Eucharist.  Only the consecrated Bread is reserved.  It is kept in some churches in a safe, called a tabernacle, at the back of the altar.  In others the Blessed Sacrament is kept in a safe or aumbry in one of the side walls of the sanctuary, or in a side chapel.  But in any case, a white light burns nearby day and night as a sign that the Blessed Sacrament is there.  For where the Blessed Sacrament is, there is Jesus himself in his Ascended Body.

You may notice a red lamp hanging in the sanctuary.  This is a reminder to us of the Presence of God the Holy Spirit in the Church.  By seeing that the lamp is kept alight we also show him that we do not forget his Presence (cf. 1 Samuel 3:3; Revelation 4:5).