THE ABBEY CHURCH

THE Church is planned to be the central building in the complex with the public entry to the narthex at the center of the arcaded cloister and on axis with the entry road. While public entry to the Church will be axial and processional in the direction of the Sanctuary and Altar, the congregational seating is designed to be fanned shaped in an attempt to bring the lay worshipers close to the Altar and create a unity of the worshipful.

UPON entry, worshipers pass the reconciliation rooms and font as they make their entry to the nave Perimeter ambulatories have been provided to ease access and allow for alternative procession. Similarly, these ambulatories accommodate access to the soundproof children’s room and an intimate chapel area for dedicated and private worship.

THE choir is located transversely on the sanctuary with the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament directly behind the Altar. Monks are admitted into the Church through the sacristy where they can proceed directly to the statio, and into the body of the Church, or access the choir directly through a private entry.

(From Design Statement, by Scott Johnson)