21. AMBO, FONT, CANDLE

On either side of the sanctuary arch we find the ambo or lectern, used to support a Bible or notes; the font, used for baptism – an initiation rite into the church; and the Paschal Candle – symbol of Christ, the Light of the world.    PLAN

22. NAVE ALTAR

Although there is a shelf across the base of the East windows, this is really the only functioning altar in this Church. It is from here that the Eucharist is administered to the congregation.

23. SANCTUARY

This is a view of the sanctuary behind the nave altar. In particular we observe the solid marble shelf below the central windows. This supports a pair of candlesticks, and a tabernacle which holds the Elements of the Eucharist.

24. LAMP AND SACRED HEART

There are several items together here. The statue of The Sacred Heart is a well-known figure of Christ in Catholic circles. Behind in the wall is an aumbrey, used for storing the reserved Elements of the Eucharist – elements which are blessed and then kept for later use. Next to it is a processional Cross, used for leading clerical processions at services. On the left wall is a white Cross and the sanctuary lamp. The lamp light indicates the presence of the reserved Elements.

25. VIRGIN MARY AND BANNER

The Virgin Mary is the Mother of Jesus. She wears blue to indicate purity. Her hands are spread in submission. She stands on a serpent – an allusion to Genesis 3:15 which speaks of the offspring of the woman crushing the serpent. • The Willunga Parish incorporates churches at Willunga, and nearby Aldinga and Normanville.

26. SANCTUARY SOUTH WINDOW

This window is uniform with the windows in the nave. It depicts a bunch of grapes and a sheaf of wheat, with the text ‘I am the Bread of Life’. It was given in memory of May McCaffin.

27. EAST WINDOWS

These East windows depict symbols we have seen before, except that the outer windows show the Eucharistic Elements with a chalice, and the Elements contained in a monstrance. The altar and windows thus give this sanctuary a strong sacrificial emphasis. The windows are given in memory of Maud and Mary Fitzpatrick. This concludes our visit to the St Joseph Church.