Against the back wall of the sanctuary area is the chair reserved for the Abbot. It is used whenever the Abbot presides at a liturgical ceremony. The Abbot is the spiritual head of the monastery.
On either side of the Abbot's chair the choir stalls stretch out like arms around the altar. Psalms and prayers in praise of God are recited and sung here every day. The monks pray the Liturgy of the Hours and celebrate the Eucharist each day.
Since the altar is the center of community worship, it was placed where everyone can see it easily and recognize its importance. The altar is made of white granite from Vermont.
The Abbot's chair is a symbol of his position as primary teacher of the monastic way for the community. He presides over the liturgy on major feasts and important events in the life of the monastic community from this chair. The side chairs are used by the abbot's assisting ministers.
The free-standing balcony is on cantilevered supports. It is a remarkable example of architectural design and engineering. The seating capacity of the balcony is approximately 800.
![[+ FKCross]](Templates/Abbey%20Template_files/crossfkltblue.gif)
