The importance of the Chaldean Rite mass cannot be overlooked. It is the only mass that uses Christ’s own language, Aramaic, and can trace its roots of worship and celebration of the Holy Eucharist to the first Christians in Mesopotamia founded by Mar Addai and Mar Mari. The Chaldean mass is much different from the Latin Rite mass in that it has four biblical readings: two from the Old Testament and two from the New. Although prayers are said exclusively through singing, the rite is very solemn.                                                              

  The focal point of the mass is the Holy Eucharist, in remembrance of the true sacrifice of Christ. The celebrant (the priest) faces the altar and the crucifix, rather than the faithful, making the mass a truly God-centered celebration rather than man-centered.  Many argue that a divide is created between the priest and the faithful when he turns his back and faces the altar, this is selfish thinking. When facing the altar all devotion is given to Christ; this pivotal point in the Chaldean Rite makes our worship as a community more beautiful, poetic and spiritually edifying. Also, the role of the priesthood has more importance in the Chaldean Rite, in that when facing the altar and away from the faithful the priest becomes the truest intermediary agent between Christ and his children. Through the priest we receive Christ’s flesh and blood; on our behalf the priest offers our prayers and sacrifice in the celebration of the Eucharist.                                              

   Although during the celebration the priest turns away from the people, the Chaldean Rite emphasizes the importance of community. The priest turns to the people when they are being addressed, and when speaking to God, the cross is gazed upon because it is Jesus who has the Father's face.  So therefore, clearly stated, when preaching the Gospel of Christ the priest addresses the faithful and when offering sacrifice to God, the priest faces the altar, God’s table, and the crucifix, in remembrance of the greatest sacrifice of all. The importance of the altar is also seen in the way the Offering of Peace is done. The priest touches the altar and in a sign of peace passes it to the deacon, who receives it with both hands and takes it to the faithful, who exchange it in the same way. Peace comes from the altar, which is the altar of reconciliation.

      The design of the church is also important in the Chaldean rite. With the new design of the church, two large curtains are put in place, known as a veil. This is done so that a distinction is made between the blessed sacred area Holy of the Holy (the altar) and the faithful. The curtains also are used to signal the important parts of the mass, the decent of the Holy Spirit (beginning of the mass) and the end of the celebration. Bishop Sarhad Jammo teaches us that without the curtains that the “sanctuary has been made an open field for the public and that the atmosphere of holiness to be reserved and preserved for the Sanctuary is diminished. Clearly the veil plays an important role in the divine liturgy”.
           

 According to the Holy See ( Vatican ), it is important that we remain faithful to our rite, and we are called to give testimony of it because of its antiquity, originality and richness, as a treasure that is part of the patrimony of the universal Church and of humanity. In my humble opinion, I feel that the Eastern Rite churches of the Catholic Churches, Chaldean Rite in particular, are the truest in keeping Christ the focal point of worship. All actions, prayers, and overall design of the alter is done so that Christ is the focal point and that all praise and worship is given to him, while at the same time allowing the community of the faithful to be involved such as the choir, the deacons, and the faithful in singing along in prayers of worship.