THE HIGH ALTAR
The High Altar is the spiritual focus of any Church. It is the symbol of God’s presence amongst us. The Eucharist is offered here every Sunday and on major feast days. The High Altar at S. Barnabas has been modified over the years and looks especially beautiful when the sun catches it on a summer’s evening.
Lord God, through your sacraments you give us the power of your grace. May our attendance at the Eucharist help us to serve you more faithfully in our lives. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.
THE FONT
The font stands by the main entrance into Church, emphasising Baptism as the gateway into God’s family. It is through the waters of Baptism that Christians receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and become children of God. The impressive Paschal Candle stands by the font, a symbol of Jesus as ‘light of the world’. As a person is Baptised they receive a light taken from this candle, a sign of God’s light and warmth entering their hearts and lives.
Thank you Father, that through the waters of Baptism, we die with Christ in his death and rise to new life in his resurrection. Through Baptism we receive your Holy Spirit to guide us in our new life with you. Amen.
ST. STEPHEN’S CHAPEL
This stands on the site of the original mission Chapel. Pictured on the reredos (a screen or decoration behind an altar) from left to right are S. Thomas of Canterbury, S. Lawrence, S. Augustine and S. Clement. This Altar was the original S. Stephen’s Altar, later modified by the great Martin Travers.
O St. Stephen, first of the martyrs, you were filled with grace, love and zeal for Jesus. Pray for us, that we too may be pure in conscience, passionate in belief and ready to forgive those who harm us. We ask this through Christ our living Lord. Amen.
THE ROOD SCREEN
A rood screen - a screen which divides the area between with the main altar in a church, the chancel, from the main part of the church, the nave, where the congregation sits. We are fortunate that our Church building has been so lovingly constructed and cared for over the years. The rood screen at St Barnabas is picture left bathed in late afternoon sunlight.
Dear Lord, we thank you for our beautiful Church which helps lift our hearts minds closer to your divine presence. May all who worship within the walls of our Church, be touched by your Holy Spirit. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
