Anointing Oils (Ambry)

On the other side of the sanctuary is another display known as the Ambry. The Ambry is specially designated for the Sacred Oils used for all anointings. They are contained in hand-blown cruets that were made especially by artist Robert Lichtman of Danbury for St. Philip Church. The names and uses of the oils are inside the case: The Oil of the Infirmed, The Oil of the Catechumen, and The Sacred Chrism.

Lighted Display Case

A round, lighted display case is recessed in the wall behind the pulpit. It contains dedicated displays to coincide with the liturgical seasons. During Ordinary time, a large scroll is displayed on which biblical verses are mounted. The verses were hand painted by parishioners Jeanine Cobonpue and Tony Mobilia.

Paschal Candlestick

The Paschal candlestick is another home-grown artifact. Fr. Boccaccio and Ed Spires went to parishioner Reg Cunningham's United House Wrecking establishment in Stamford. There they found a tall Victorian plantstand to which they added bead, finial and scroll carvings. Then local artist Elizabeth Hartstein painted and gold-leafed the piece.

Advent Wreath

The Advent wreath was fashioned from a huge two-tiered Jacobean iron chandelier (from a mansion in Fairfield, CT). It hangs on a heavy chain 30 feet above the floor and is lowered and raised by a counter-weight system. During Advent, church members light the wreath at the beginning of each Mass.

Cantor’s Lectern

The lectern was also built by parishioner, Pasquale Sgarlata, to help the cantor lead the congregation in musical worship. The cross which forms the central design contains a medallion of St. Cecilia, patron of musicians.

Sanctuary Walls and Displays

Two walls containing large audio speakers were built on either side of the sanctuary in 1993.