Presider's Chair

The stone chair located toward the back of the sanctuary is called the Presider's Chair. Traditionally, in Greco-Roman culture, sitting was the posture of the teacher and "pre-sider" (from the Latin prae-sedere - to sit before). The priest presides from his chair over the Liturgy of the Word and the conclusion of the Mass. Sometimes a bishop will sit before the Assembly and preach during the Mass he offers.

Next to the Presider's Chair is another chair for the deacon, should one be assisting the priest in the service of the altar and the proclamation of the Gospel during Mass.