This is the elevated area which is surrounded by the seating area. There are two major areas of focus: the pulpit and the altar. The pulpit, also called an ambo, is the Table of God's Word. The altar is the Table of the Eucharist.
The ambo is crafted from travertine marble and was designed so that after the Word was read from the Lector's side, the Lectionary (the book with the bible readings) can be displayed in front for all to see. This ambo is used to proclaim the readings from the Hebrew Scriptures, to sing the psalms (which are from the bible) and to proclaim the New Testament and Gospel readings. It is also used for preaching about the Word.
The altar was the original altar from the old church. The top is four tons of travertine marble. Relics of St. Thomas More are sealed into the altar. The altar is used at the time of the Eucharistic Prayer when we pray over the gifts of bread and wine which become the Body and Blood of Jesus which people then receive in communion. It recalls the Last Supper when Jesus gave himself in this special way to his apostles; it recalls the altar of sacrifice of the old covenant between God and his people. Jesus, who died on the cross, sacrificed his life for all, and as we gather around this altar we are filled with the desire to forgive others and to give of ourselves in love to those who need love. We are the followers of Jesus and receiving communion strengthens us on our journey.
The wall behind the ambo and altar is called a reredos [rare-eh-dose]. It is made of Brazilian rosewood. It features a circle of boticino classico marble with a crucifix hanging in front of it. The architect designed the circle to recall the sun, rising from the horizon. This helps us put the death of Jesus in perspective. The death of Jesus was not the end, for He rose in glory. The shadow that falls on the circle behind the cross is in the exact shape of the altar below. This and the host-like shape of the circle also recall for us that Jesus is the bread of life and that the sacrifice of Jesus is bound closely to the Eucharistic celebration. There are ten rays in the sunburst -- the fabricator of the marble intended these to represent the ten commandments, as Jesus is the fulfillment of God's law. The circle is in two halves and can remind us of Jesus' two commandments: Love God above all things and love your neighbor as yourself.
The altar platform itself is made of imported Italian rosa levante marble. The platform for the ambo is slightly elevated so that all can see those who proclaim the Word. Situated on the lower platform is the lectern which is used by leaders of song and others who are offering prayers or making announcements.
To the east side of the sanctuary is the lowest platform on which is constructed the Baptismal font. This font is made of travertine marble. Since travertine is porous (and therefore it leaks), the inside of the font is made from white carrara marble. The font has two levels -- an upper level is for the baptism of infants and the lower pool is for the baptism of older children and adults. The font features running water (which is gently heated for baptisms) which spills from the top level to the pool below.