Church Furnishings
Seating
Sanctuary seating and sedilia: dignified places for the priest and ministers to sit during the parts of the liturgy when they are seated.
About this collection
About Seating
Sanctuary seating should match the altar and woodwork around it. This collection offers a sedilia, the bench for the priest and ministers, in solid oak about 83 inches wide and 62 inches tall, stained and upholstered, and custom sanctuary furnishings in white oak. Both can be sized or modified to fit your sanctuary. The sedilia is currently listed at about $9,800; custom seating is quoted. Call or request a quote. Freight is billed separately. See also wood altars.
Seating
In the Sacred Liturgy
During the liturgy there are moments when the priest and his ministers sit: during the readings, during longer chants such as the Gloria and the Creed at a sung Mass, during the homily and in times of silence. Seating in the sanctuary gives them a place to do so with dignity, in keeping with the holiness of the place.
Traditionally the clergy at a solemn Mass sit on the sedilia, a bench or set of seats on the Epistle side of the sanctuary, made for the celebrant, deacon and subdeacon. Servers may have their own benches or stools nearby. Even this simple furniture is part of the order and beauty of the sanctuary.
In the nave, pews give the faithful their place to sit, stand and kneel together in prayer. Sanctuary seating, like the pews, is usually made of oak or other hardwoods and is designed to harmonize with the altar, the altar rail and the rest of the church.
Made for your church
Need it custom?
Looking for a different size, finish or design? Tell us what your church needs and we will prepare a quote.