PREPARATION FOR ROMAN CATHOLIC
DIVINE SERVICES
Roman Catholic divine services, commonly referred to as Mass, may be conducted daily but
will almost always be conducted on Sundays, special Roman Catholic feast days, and on holy
days of obligation.
Roman Catholic Sanctuary Arrangement
Most military chapels are configured in a manner which will readily accommodate Roman
Catholic divine services. The items which are used to prepare for this service will most likely
include the same type of items which are found in the Roman Catholic field kits and combat
kits. In the Roman Catholic service, the central focus of worship for the congregation will be the
priest’s actions at the altar. The arrangement of the sanctuary/chancel and the altar for Mass
(see figure 3-46) may be setup as described in the following paragraphs.
THE ALTAR.— The altar is the focal point of the Roman Catholic worship service or Mass.
The priest conducts most of the Mass on or near the altar which is centrally located in the
sanctuary/chancel of the chapel. The altar may sometimes be referred to as the Altar of
Sacrifice. The arrangement of the altar will vary according to the preference of the
priest but will, in most cases, resemble the arrangement seen in figure 3-47. Note the
287.84(M1)
Figure 3-47.-One type of altar arrangement which may be used by the Roman Catholic
chaplain for Mass.
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