Tabernacle location/Water and wine

Q Why is our tabernacle not in the center of the sanctuary, directly under the crucifix? Isn’t that the correct place that it should be?
A The tabernacle does not have to be in the center of the sanctuary. 
The Code of Canon Law states: “The tabernacle in which the most holy Eucharist is reserved is to be situated in some part of the church or oratory which is distinguished, conspicuous, beautifully decorated and suitable for prayer” (Canon 938,2).
Additionally, the “Instruction on the Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery” states: “The place in a church or oratory where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle should be truly prominent. It ought to be suitable for private prayer so that the faithful may easily and fruitfully, by private devotion also, continue to honor our Lord in this sacrament. It is therefore recommended that, as far as possible, the tabernacle be placed in a chapel distinct from the middle or central part of the church, above all in those churches where marriages and funerals take place frequently and in places which are much visited for their artistic or historical treasures” (Paragraph 53). 
Paragraph 54 goes on to state: “The Blessed Sacrament should be reserved in a solid, inviolable tabernacle in the middle of the main altar or on a secondary altar, but in a truly prominent place. Alternatively, according to legitimate customs and in individual cases to be decided by the local Ordinary, it may be placed in some other part of the church which is really worthy and properly equipped.”
In the Diocese of Baton Rouge you will find many churches that have their tabernacles in different places. St. George Church in Baton Rouge has its tabernacle in the center of the sanctuary. Our Lady of Mercy Church in Baton Rouge and St. Alphonsus Liguori Church in Greenwell Springs have theirs in the sanctuary but off to the side. St. Joseph Cathedral, as well as St. Thomas More Church, both in Baton Rouge, have their tabernacle in a chapel off on the right side of the altar.  

Q During Mass, after the gifts are brought to the altar, the priest (or deacon) pours a little bit of water into the wine. Why does he do this?
A This process of mixing water with wine before it is consecrated probably began out of necessity. In Jesus’ time, wine was made very strong and, at times, very thick and heavy. Diluting the wine with water was common; it was almost a necessity. It is very probable that our Lord instituted the Eucharist with wine mixed with water. Therefore, for 2,000 years, the church has insisted on this mixing of water with wine. 
On a symbolic note, some of the early Christian writers believed the wine and water represented the blood and water that poured forth from Jesus’ side while on the cross. Others believed it was a symbol of God’s communion with us; St. Clement of Alexandria wrote around 200 AD “As wine is blended with water, so is the spirit with man.”    
The diluted wine can also be a sign of Jesus’ two natures, his divinity and his humanity. The wine represents his divinity and the water his humanity. The two natures come together just like they did when Jesus became man. The mingling of the water and wine in the chalice symbolizes the Incarnation of Christ. As the priest or deacon pours that little bit of water into the chalice he says “By the mystery of this water and wine, may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, whom humbled himself to share in our humanity.” 
Deacon George Hooper is a deacon assistant at Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs. He can be reached at ghooper@diobr.org.