From early in the Christian tradition the custom of reserving the consecrated bread and wine of the eucharist existed. Before the Constantinian Era, Christianity was often proscribed, if not outlawed, so that the Blessed Sacrament (the common reference to the consecrated elements of the eucharist) was reserved in homes. After the recognition of Christianity by Constantine, the common practice became reserving the Blessed Sacrament in church buildings. The practice continued in the Church of England following the Reformation though the practice fell into disuse. It was revived during the 19th century through the Oxford Movement, and its practice was theologized by John Henry Newman in Tract 90. It is now a common practice in the Anglican Communion.

There are a number of reasons why the Blessed Sacrament is reserved. It enables the consecrated elements to be carried to the ill in home and hospital as well as to those who are homebound. It also provides a focus for prayer and meditation by constantly having the sacramental presence of Christ in the church. In parishes where the regular ministry of a priest is not available, it makes it possible for a deacon, with the permission of the bishop, to distribute Holy Communion as the culmination of the Service of the Word (the first of the two parts of the Holy Eucharist).

The Blessed Sacrament is reserved in a specifically designated place. It’s presence is indicated by a special white candle, known as a Sanctuary Lamp, which burns continuously. The container of reservation is called a tabernacle or aumbry, the latter term used when the place of reservation is a safe built into the wall of the church. Tabernacle refers to the place of reservation when it is a metal or wooden structure near the main altar of the church building or in a side chapel.

On Sunday October 26th, the new tabernacle for the parish, given by Elizabeth Jordan, will be blessed for use in memory of her partner, Barbara Starret. It will be located on the side wall of the sanctuary to the right of the altar.

-The Rev. Dick Simeone, Priest Associate