The sanctuary. Parts of a church: Nave - where congregation sit Chancel - where the choir and clergy sit Sanctuary - where the altar is and the priest celebrates mass
Roman Catholic AnswerThe altar (and the priest when he is at the altar) are contained in the sanctuary of the Church.
A priest was standing on the altar in the church.
The young priest assigned to a parish to help the pastor is called a curate. The young men who assist the priest at the altar are called altar boys, or sometimes altar servers if the priest in question insists on letting girls help.
The altar is where the priest changes the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ.
The priest wears red because that is the color that is called for on Palm Sunday, thus the altar should be red as well.
The deacon and priest venerate the altar by kissing it. Whetherr or not they lay hands is up to them, and nothing forbids that for either priest or deacon. The rite only calls for the kiss; I suspect the "laying of hands" on the altar is more for support
introit
Often, a banner matching priest vestment color is in front of altar, the color being associated with the church time, like purple as it is in Lent. It does not always match; if priest is doing funeral he will wear white but the altar may still be purple.
Myans used stones as an altar.The priest stood at the altar.On the altar, they placed flowers.
A priest can circumambulate an altar.
To venerate means "respect"... At the entrance of Mass, the priest bows to the ALTAR, genuflects to the Blessed Sacrament (different forms - respect vs. adoration) ascends the steps of the altar, places both hands on the altar, bends to kiss the altar, rises... begins Mass. Should a deacon assist... at the entrance the deacon bows/genuflects... kisses the altar, but does not place his hands upon the altar.