The Presider’s Chair
ISN’T IT ONLY A CHAIR?
Every church has a presider’s chair (often called the celebrant’s chair or the priest’s chair). The symbolism of the priest’s chair is derived from the bishop’s chair found in every cathedral. In fact, the word “cathedral” comes from a word that means “chair.” The bishop’s chair (cathedra) is a liturgical symbol of his teaching office and his pastoral leadership, as well as a sign of the unity of believers in the faith that the bishop proclaims as chief shepherd. By extension, every priest celebrant’s chair in a parish church signifies the priest’s leadership during the sacred liturgy and his mission to care for the flock entrusted to his care.
NO ORDINARY CHAIR
It is more than an everyday chair. It is a symbol of the invisible spiritual reality of the priest’s particular configuration to Christ through ordination. The chair is a preeminent architectural sign not simply of authority, but of spiritual power and pastoral responsibility. As a priest presiding at a cathedral would not use the bishop’s chair, but would use some other special chair, so in a parish liturgy a layperson leading the liturgy would use a chair other than the priest’s.
WHERE’S THE CHAIR?
The priest’s chair is located so that the priest can be seen by all in the assembly. Further, it is not supposed to look like a throne or be remote or grandiose, although the appearance of the chair reflects the dignity of the one who leads the community in the person of Christ. Accordingly, the priest celebrant’s chair is distinguished from the seating for other ministers by its design and placement.
WE ALL GET A SEAT
The Church’s liturgical law that directs the design and arrangement of the sacred furnishings has a lot to say about the “where” and “what” of liturgical seating:
· The priest celebrant’s chair must signify his function of presiding over the gathering and directing prayer.
· Any appearance of a throne is to be avoided.
· It is appropriate that before being put into liturgical use, the chair be blessed according to the rite described in the Roman Ritual.
· Seats should be arranged in the sanctuary for concelebrating priests.
· The seat for the deacon should be placed near that of the celebrant.
· The other ministers’ seats should be arranged so that they are clearly distinguishable from seats for the clergy and so that the ministers are easily able to carry out the function entrusted to them.
· Places for the faithful (including seats) should be arranged with appropriate care so that they are able to participate in the sacred celebrations, duly following them with their eyes and their attention.
· Pews and seating should be arranged so that the faithful can easily make the bodily postures required for the different parts of Mass and can have easy access for the reception of Holy Communion.
NOW IS THE TIME
Our presider’s chair and seating in the sanctuary will soon be 50 years old. Although reupholstered 25 years ago, they are showing wear. Our pews also are almost 50 years old. Their veneer is worn or cracking, and large portions of the finish have chipped off in many places. Seats are separating from backs in several of our pews. Our Refurbishment and Renewal project will address these issues with the replacement of our priest celebrant’s chair, sanctuary chairs, and pews in the summer of 2026.
UP NEXT
Next week, we will take a look at sacred images.