The Diocese of San Bernardino faced a two-fold challenge. There are fewer priests to lead its parishes and the region has experienced surprising population growth. The parish of St. Martha is an example of the response to this challenge. The seating capacity of the sanctuary is nearly 1,500 persons to accommodate more parishioners at fewer services. The sanctuary is planned around a seating arrangement that permits the best the best visual connection to the altar. It seeks to create an atmosphere that diminishes the effect on the large space.