This is the hexagonally shaped area with a very high ceiling that is located just in front of the paneled doors that lead to the main worship space. You will notice the high stained glass windows that draw your eyes up, heavenward. These overlook an outdoor alcove that will be developed into a meditative garden.
To the left, you will see a niche in the wall. This is for a changing display of art that recalls the liturgical season that we are currently celebrating (e.g., Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, "Ordinary Time"). Just next to this niche hangs the pall which is the white cloth placed on caskets at funerals. This cloth recalls that we are clothed in Christ when we are baptized (perhaps the first time we are carried into the church); we are clothed in the same Christ as we are carried into church for the last time. The brackets have finials that are acorn-shaped. Just as this seed must go into the ground and "die" before it grows into a mighty oak, so too we are buried and die with Christ so that we might rise with him and live a new life.
Funeral Masses begin with the blessing of the body here in the atrium. All those who are attending the funeral can stand behind the casket as the priest blesses it with Holy Water as the casket is clothed with the white funeral pall. Then all process into the church.