The "Ambo" is the name for the pulpit from which the Word of God is proclaimed. In some denominations it takes center stage as the Sacred Scripture is dominant in their worship. In Catholic Churches the altar dominates the sanctuary since our tradition has emphasize the Eucharist as the pinnacle of our worship. There were times when this emphasis caused us to slight the importance of the Word of God and many of our ambos reflected this in poor design and insignificance of placement. For many centuries the priest read the scriptures to himself at the altar. They now have their own place, the Ambo, (in Greek it means platform or stage). It provides a place for the Scriptures, the Responsorial Psalm an the Easter Proclamation (the Exsultet, proclaimed at the Easter Vigil). It may also be used for the Homily and the Prayer of the Faithful. But that's it! It is not the place for announcements, opening prayers, or songs other than the Psalm. The Ambo is the primary place from which we hear the Word of God and it deserves our sacred respect.