St Patrick's Parish, Southport: Parish History

The Celebrant's Chair

At the centre-back of the sanctuary is the second semi-circular platform containing the presidential chair and two deacons' seats. From the earliest centuries of the Church the Bishop was seen as the centre of unity in the Eucharistic community. The Bishop's chair or I ca thedra' (hence the name given to the mother church of each diocese - Cathedral - where the Bishop's chair is featured) was placed as a focal poin t near the altar around which the people gathered for the celebration of the Eucharist. He would normally be assisted by Deacons. In this new church that symbolism has been emphasised once again. The Bishop or Priest presides and gathers the people around him to celebrate Word and Sacrament.

The chairs here are made of Portuguese limestone to complement the altar, ambo, and font.