Grace Thompson
The altar is the architectural focal point of the interior of any Christian church. Altars should be 3 ft 3 in (39-42 in or 94-97 in) high and at least deep enough to take a corporal that is 20 in square, with an inch or two to spare. Their length will depend on the dimensions and character of the church. Altars can be made of stone or wood and adorned with a crucifix, candlesticks, candles, and altar apparels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height | 3 ft. 3 in. (39-42 inches) or 94 inches for traditional Catholic altars |
| Width | 60-84 inches |
| Depth | 20-36 inches |
| Materials | Stone, wood, bronze, aluminum, marble, fiberglass resin |
| Adornments | Frontlet, crucifix, candlesticks, candles, linen cloths, altar apparels |
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What You'll Learn
Altar height recommendations
Altar heights can vary, but a standard height for an altar is 3 feet 3 inches, or 39 inches. Some altars are as short as 36 inches, while others can be as tall as 94 inches. The height of the altar is important, as it is the focal point of the church and should have a dignified effect.
Altar apparels, or altar frontlets, can be hung 1 foot (12 inches) from the ground, with a fringe at the bottom and narrow fringe or braid at the sides. The altar should be adorned with a frontlet of a colour suitable to the feast or office, with a crucifix in the centre and at least two candlesticks with candles on either side.
The height of the candles and candlesticks is a matter of proportion for the architect to decide. It is recommended that an altar have only two candlesticks, so as not to hide the altar-piece.
Altars should also be deep enough to take a corporal 20 inches square, with an inch or two to spare. Their length will depend on the dimensions and character of the church, and the advice of an architect should be sought. Altars are often too short, and their length adds to the overall dignity of the altar.
The altar should be covered with three linen cloths, or clean coverings, blessed by a Bishop or another authoritative person. The upper cloth should be long enough to reach the ground at the ends, with the other two shorter, or consisting of one cloth folded double.
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Altar materials
The materials used for a Catholic altar vary depending on the type of altar and the region.
The Latin Church differentiates between the "table" of an altar (the top) and its supports or base. While the top of a fixed altar should be made of natural stone, the base can be made of any material, as long as it is dignified and solid. In the Dioceses of the United States, wood may be used for the altar top, provided it is dignified, solid, and well-crafted, and the altar is structurally immobile.
Movable altars, on the other hand, can be constructed from any noble and solid material suited to liturgical use, according to the traditions and customs of the region. In Eastern Christianity, including Eastern Catholic Churches, the use of stone, wood, or metal is permitted.
Altar coverings and adornments also play a significant role in Catholic tradition. Traditionally, altars were covered by three white linen or hemp altar cloths, with a waxed cloth called a chrismale or cere cloth underneath to keep the altar dry. During liturgical services, the altar is left uncovered, but at other times, it may be protected by an altar cover made of cloth, baize, or velvet.
The front of the altar, known as the antependium or altar frontal, is often adorned with drapery made of silk or other precious materials. In the Middle Ages, an "altar stole," an ornament in the shape of a stole, was used for similar purposes. Altar apparels, which can be of any colour that suits the frontal and frontlet, add beauty to the altar and are typically fringed at the bottom with narrow fringes at the sides.
Additionally, the use of candles and candlesticks on and around the altar is common, with some traditions favouring a row of six candlesticks, while others prefer only two, allowing for a clear view of the altar-piece.
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Altar cloths
The altar is the focal point of a Catholic church. It is where the bread and wine are kept in anticipation of the Lord's Supper, and where many congregations keep Holy Relics or a Bible. The altar is an important part of worship, and the linens that cover it are just as important.
According to The Parson's Handbook by Percy Dearmer (1899), it is a very ancient custom to have three linen cloths on top of the altar. These cloths serve both to provide against accidents with the chalice and to secure a smooth and substantial surface. The altar itself should ideally be made of plain stone and be 3 feet 3 inches high, with a depth that can accommodate a corporal that is 20 inches square.
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Altar adornments
The altar in a Catholic church is typically located centrally in the sanctuary and is the focus of attention. It is used for celebrating the Sacrifice of the Mass and the Eucharist. The altar is also known as the "Holy Table" or "Throne".
According to Augustin Joseph Schulte, Pope Sixtus II (257-259) was the first to prescribe that Mass should be celebrated on an altar. The height of the altar is not prescribed but it should be at least eight inches. Altars should be 3 feet 3 inches high and deep enough to accommodate a 20-inch square corporal with some room to spare. The length of the altar will depend on the dimensions and character of the church.
- Altar apparels, which can be of any colour that suits the frontal and frontlet. They should hang 1 foot to 15 inches from the ground and be fixed with a hook and eye to the top of the frontal. They should be fringed at the bottom and have a narrow fringe or braid at the sides.
- Three linen cloths on top of the altar, which is an ancient custom.
- A chalice, which may be adorned with precious stones.
- A ciborium, an altar vessel for consecrated particles for Communion. It may be made of gold, silver, copper, or another material, as long as the inside of the cup is gilt.
- A paten, a vessel on which the altar bread is offered in the Holy Sacrifice.
- A row of six candlesticks above the altar, although some consider this to be "pure Romanism". An altar with two candlesticks is considered more dignified and beautiful.
- Flowers, either in a small vase or freshly picked from the yard.
- A holy water font.
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Altar candles
Candles are a common feature in Catholic churches, symbolising Jesus' presence in the worshipping community. Altar candles are an important element of the altar space, and their height and arrangement are matters of careful consideration.
The height of altar candles is often decided in proportion to the altar and the surrounding architecture. While taller candles are a modern fashion, they can sometimes spoil the aesthetic of a church by obscuring the altar-piece. In the past, a row of six candlesticks above the altar was common, but this practice has been criticised as detracting from the beauty of the altar itself.
According to The Parson's Handbook by Percy Dearmer (1899), an altar with two candlesticks is "more dignified and beautiful". The handbook also notes that the height of the candles and candlesticks should be decided by an architect to ensure they are in harmony with the overall design of the church.
Candles come in various types, such as beeswax, and candle accessories like candle followers, holders, and brackets are also available to enhance the altar's ambiance. The number of candles lit during services can vary depending on the size and traditions of the church, with additional candles used during special seasons like Advent and Easter.
While this answer focuses on the use of candles in Catholic churches, it's worth noting that the height of Catholic altars themselves can vary. Altars are typically made of stone or wood, and their dimensions depend on the size and style of the church.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholic altars vary in height, but they are usually around 40 inches tall.
Catholic altars are usually made of stone or wood.
Yes, the General Rubrics of the Missal states that Catholic altars should be made of stone and consecrated by a Bishop. The altar should also be covered with three cloths or clean coverings, blessed by a Bishop or another authoritative figure.
Yes, Catholic altars can be customized according to specific requirements and preferences. They can be made from different materials, such as fiberglass, and can be finished with different trims and symbols.
