With today’s post, we begin Chapter Two, the core of the document, “The Church Building and the Sacred Rites Celebrated There.” In order we will look at aspects of the Church building, the sacraments, the liturgical year, and pretty much every significant consideration that needs to inform the design of a Catholic Church.
Note two emphases: the housing of the baptized, and the full celebration of the rites of the liturgy–not just the Mass.
§ 46 § The church building houses the community of the baptized as it gathers to celebrate the sacred liturgy. By its practical design and beauty it fosters the full, dignified, and graceful celebration of these rites. The primary concern in the building or renovation of a space for worship must be its suitability for the celebration of the Eucharist and other liturgical rites of the Church. Consequently, the fundamental prerequisite for those engaged in the building or renovation of a church is familiarity with the rites to be celebrated there.
Anyone involved in a building project must be well-acquainted with all the rites. It can’t be put any more succinctly than that.
All texts from Built of Living Stones are copyright © 2000, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Catholic Sensibility 