Oratory (or place of prayer)
Because we recognize that the “Church” is the people, we want to avoid calling our building or any part of it the “church.” The place where we gather for prayer is called the “Oratory”, which is Latin for “place of prayer.”

The Oratory is designed with the principles of equality of celebration, participation verses spectation, and flexibility of liturgical space.

The altar table and the ambo (table of the Word) are placed at opposite ends of the oratory to enable liturgical action to take place in the whole of the oratory. Sitting in the “round,” with the use of chairs, also enables the gathered community not only to be drawn into the liturgy, but to face one another and to acknowledge Christ’s presence in the other. The use of chairs, instead of pews, also allows us to be more flexible in the liturgical use of our space.

The sacristy is located left of the altar, and is the place for cleaning and storing liturgical items.

The Chapel of the Holy Eucharist is located to the right of the altar and is designed not only for the reservation of the Blessed Sacrament for communion needs outside of Sunday, but also for adoration and silent prayer.

The vestry, although physically located in the oratory to the right of the ambo, is accessed from the Emmaus Room. This is the room where the priest and others prepare and vest for liturgy.

Audio Visual Room is located to the right of the ambo and is accessed from the oratory. From this space, the electronic projection, audio system and oratory lighting is controlled. Inherent in the design of the oratory is to allow for four-way projection on each of the corner walls. Sitting in the round, the four-way projection allows for viewing inclusivity regardless of where one is sitting in the oratory.