On each side of the sanctuary are two wide openings that lead to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. The tabernacle is the original one from the old church. It is triangular in shape, as that was the shape of the Parish Center when it was built in 1972. The sanctuary lamp hangs on the wall at each opening so that visitors will know where to find this chapel. The Eucharist which is left over from the previous Mass is kept in the tabernacle and is available for priests, deacons, and eucharistic ministers to bring to people who are sick. People come to make a visit throughout the day to pray to Jesus. Some spend time here after Mass in prayer too. It is a beautiful place for quiet prayer.
Sometimes people ask why new churches are being built with these special chapels. Many people who grew up on the north east of the United States were used to the tabernacles being located either in the center of the sanctuary or at a side altar. But it turns out that this was a local phenomenon. As our pastor Father Walden discovered when he visited Rome and Father Ralph discovered when he visited the Holy Land in Israel, Catholic churches throughout the world have honored Jesus in the Eucharist in these chapels. Visitors who come from other countries have remarked at how our new church with this chapel makes them feel like they are home again, since this is the arrangement with which they are so familiar. Why is this arrangement most suitable? Here is what the teaching of the church is:
"The celebration of the eucharist is the focus of the normal Sunday assembly. As such, the major space of a church is designed for this action. Beyond the celebration of the eucharist, the Church has had a most ancient tradition of reserving the eucharistic bread. The purpose of this reservation is to bring communion to the sick and to be the object of private devotion. Most appropriately, this reservation should be designated in a space designed for individual devotion. A room or chapel specifically designed and separated from the major space is important so that no confusion take place between the celebration of the eucharist and reservation. Active and static aspects of the same reality cannot claim the same human attention at the same time. Having eucharist reserved in place set apart does not mean that it has been relegated to a secondary place of no importance. Rather, a space carefully designed and appointed can give proper attention to the reserved sacrament. This space should offer easy access. The devotional character of the space should create an atmosphere of warmth while acknowledging the mystery of the Lord. It should support private meditation without distractions."(excerpt from the United States Bishops' Document Environment and Art in Catholic Worship.)
Persons who have spent time in prayer in this chapel cherish the special space.