God speaks by the Church (the true Church we mean); but He speaks nothing by her but what He speaks in the Scriptures, which she does only ministerially declare to us; and therefore the authority of God and His law is above hers, who, though she publish, yet did not make it, but is herself subject to it.
John Owen

Altar

Altar

ALTAR

BASIC R.C. BELIEF A table of stone containing relics of martyrs on which is offered the Sacrifice of the Mass. An altar is essential to this Sacrifice, although in times of emergency, certain concessions are made.

POST VATICAN II The altar has been moved so that the priest now says Mass facing the people. The custom of putting relics of saints in or under the altars is still commended (GENERAL INSTRUCTION ON THE ROMAN MISSAL, Vatican II, 3/36/70, para. 266), although it is not done as universally as it was done previously.