Interpretation of Built of Living Stones

A Traditionalists Perspective By: Christopher R. Whittle

Preface 1. Parishioners are to study the Churchs teachings on Art and Architecture. 2. The Church in different parts of the world has its own identity1. 3. The document has been published to assist the faithful in the process of designing Roman Rite churches in the United States (Jurisdictionally Speaking). 4. American Catholics attend Mass that is easy to understand for them2. Technology has advanced church construction. 5. Parishioners need to understand the meaning of the Liturgy. 6. As the Church grows in membership it is harder to build, hence it is easier to spread the Gospel. 7. Vatican II said to change the Mass and the decorations around the celebration; in 1977, the Rite of Dedication of a Church and an Altar was revised.3 8. The document replaces other documents and addresses church construction issues for the 21 st century. 9. This document is effective November 16, 2000, and is approved for the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. Chapter One: The Living Church Gods Building 10. God created man and woman to worship together in one building set aside for them. 11. Gods people are equal in spirit. 12. Christ will come again. 13. The Sanctus is sung for us to come together in glory. The Church Building
1

This applies to the diversity of the nations of which the Roman Catholic Church serves. Saints lived in several different countries, including the United States of America. Different ethnic groups who emigrate to the USA may bring with them devotions and customs that are proper to their native land.
2

Most American Catholics have access to hand missals, literature, music, audio recordings, etc. to assist them in learning the parts of the Mass and their religion in general. Today, in fact, the Bible and Catechisms are readily available online.
3

The Second Vatican Council (1962-65) did not specifically abolish the yearly 2,000 year old traditions of the Roman Catholic Church. Most traditionalists ignore Vatican II as a valid council, and stick to the solid traditional teachings and practices that were in place until liberals at the Council ignored them. Therefore, the papal bull Summorum Pontificum (2007) suppressed this statement.

14. The church is the building where the faithful gather to celebrate the sacraments; it is the House of God. 15. The church building is the proper place for prayer and the reservation of the Eucharist. 16. Church buildings must be beautiful. Worship in Time and Space 17. The faithful are made Holy when they attend Mass. 18. Sunday is the day of rest and the church building is the place to be that day. 19. The Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist are the works and promises of faithful discipleship. Christs Presence in Sign and Symbol 20. The priest speaks the words of Jesus; every piece of church furniture has meaning. 21. Catholics show reverence for God. 22. A crucifix is the most visible sign of the flesh in the church building. 23. The Liturgy of the Eucharist shows visual signs of salvation. Incense, ashes, holy water, candles, and vestments are to be used in the church. 24. Participating in Mass brings you closer to God. Liturgical Principles for Building or Renovating Churches 25. There is no universal style for designing a church. 26. Canon Law and the Roman Missal dictate what must be in a church. 27. Because Christ is present in the Blessed Sacrament, the building should be beautiful, glorifying God, Christ, the angels and saints, and the sacred liturgy. 28. People in liturgical functions must be able to perform their duties properly. 29. The building must be designed so that the faithful can participate4. 30. The building belongs to the members of the Universal Church. 31. The Church is everyone who hears Gods word and participates in his Holy Sacrifice. 32. The bishop owns the church building, and has absolute power over the property. 33. The priest is to celebrate Mass, hear confessions, baptize, anoint, and marry. 34. Below the Priest: 1. Deacon 2. Subdeacon 3. Acolyte 4. Exorcist 5. Lector 6. Porter
4

Participation generally will include internal and personal meditations while Mass or Benediction is taking place.

35. The three sacred ministers (priest, deacon, and subdeacon), acolytes, and musicians are the most important people during the mass. These people, along with the faithful, must be accommodated. 36. The Roman Catholic Church accommodates all ethnic groups and their architectural styles. 37. The design of the building will vary depending on where it is being built. 38. You must glorify God based on what materials are available. 39. Art and Architecture may express the Gospel. 40. The church building must not promote contemporary culture of sin, and must be accessible to all. 41. Acceptable architecture is okay. Chapter Two 42. The church building must accommodate Mass and the other major rites of the Church. 43. The prayer life of the church is diverse, depending on the customs of the people. 44. Chapter 2 discusses immediate needs of every parish. The Eucharist 45. The Mass is the Center of Catholic worship. The Mass and the Easter Vigil are the 2 starting points of church design. The Congregants Area 46. The nave is where the congregation is seated. It is home to the processions during Mass, singing, movement during the baptismal rites, the Asperges, wedding parties, the casket, and private devotion. The musicians may be located here. 47. Architectural Guide are: 1. The congregation worships the same faith. 2. The priest and the congregation make up the assembly. 3. The priest must be able to minister completely. 48. The building must be uniform and proportional. The Sanctuary Area 49. The Sanctuary consists of an altar and pulpit, and is the place where the three sacred ministers exercise their ministry. 50. The principal furnishings are the altar, pulpit, and the sedillia. They must be dignified. The Altar 51. The altar is where the Sacrifice of Calvary is made. There should be one altar5.
5

This generally means that one altar is to be in the main church that the Holy Sacrifice is celebrated on; with side altars to the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, for where Mass is generally not offered on a regular basis. If there is a basement chapel, there

52. The altar is the natural focal point of the church. It is to be fixed, and made of natural stone. 53. The altar should be in proportion with the church. It should be able to accommodate the priest, deacon, subdeacon, acolytes, and the missal. 54. There shall be a relic of the saint, whom the church is dedicated to, in the altar. The Ambo 55. The ambo (pulpit) is where the readings are done. It must accommodate a Gospel Procession, and be visible to all; The Lectionary should be visible on the pulpit6. The Chair for the Priest Celebrant (Sedilla) 56. The chair is the symbol of the leader of Gods people. It is to be distinguished from all other chairs in the church. In a cathedral, the bishops throne is the most important chair. 57. Deacons who preside in absence of a priest never use the chair. 58. Chairs for concelebrants are required7. The Baptistery 59. The baptismal font contains the Holy Water, and is the first sign of initiation. 60. The font should be carefully placed, and accessible to all who enter the church. The baptistery should accommodate the parties involved in the Baptism. 61. Infants and adults share the same font. 62. The whole parish community may participate in a baptismal service8. 63. The placement of the font symbolizes the relationship between the church and the sacraments.
will be an altar. While the medieval practice of chantries and side altars may take place in cathedrals, most parish churches will only use one altar consistently.
6

In the Traditional Latin Mass, the readings are sung in Latin. The subdeacon chants the Epistle on the Epistle Side of the Sanctuary in presence of the priest and deacon, facing the altar. The deacon chants the Gospel, accompanied the subdeacon holding the book, two acolytes with torches (omitted at Requiem Masses), and the thurfier with the incense (also omitted during Requiem Masses). The deacon faces North (the observers left) when he proclaims the Holy Gospel. The priest, before giving his sermon, will reread the Epistle and (or sometimes only) the Gospel in the vernacular. In terms of a lectionary, this will be the translation the priest repeats before giving the actual sermon.
7

Concelebration (two priests offering the same Mass) is only practiced during Ordination Masses and the Maundy Thursday Chrism Mass at the cathedral, both occasions the principal celebrant is the Bishop. Otherwise, priests who may wear chasubles in the sanctuary without the maniple are attending priests, and not taking an active part in the Mass. Any extra priests available for regular Mass should vest as deacon and subdeacon to offer a Solemn High Mass. A fourth priest may be the Master of Ceremonies. A fifth or sixth priest may vest completely, but must omit the maniple. Priests who vest this way may preach the sermon and distribute Holy Communion.
8

Most of the time the Sacrament of Baptism is performed privately at an unannounced time to the public, since the Council of Florence teaches the Baptism of a newborn infant should take place ASAP, within one to three days of birth. Most newborns will be taken to the church as soon as it is released from the hospital. Therefore, most celebrations, unless on Sunday before Mass, will be private.

Reservation of the Eucharist 64. Christ is present in the Eucharist. 65. The tabernacle determines the sacredness of the church. 66. The tabernacle should be visible, decorative, bullet proof, and located with a sanctuary lamp. 67. The tabernacle should have iconography of the Eucharist. 68. The bishop may determine where the tabernacle may be placed9. 69. The tabernacle should be visible when Holy Mass is not celebrated. Holy Week and the Paschal Triduum 70. There shall be the following 71. Altar of Repose for Holy Thursday 72. A cross for veneration on Good Friday 73. The Blessing of the Fire at the Easter Vigil shall not set off the fire alarms. Liturgical Postures of the Congregation 74. The congregation should see the altar, pulpit, and chair10. 75. There shall be padded kneelers. The seating arrangement shall not resemble a theatre or an arena. Seating 76. The bishop shall decide seating based on cost estimates. Place for the Musicians 77. Music helps set the Liturgy. The cantor should be at a separate lectern, and in-turn should be able to take cues from the music director. The choir shall not supersede the sanctuary11. The Cross 78. There shall be a crucifix above the altar in the sanctuary12.

A 1957 decree from the Sacred Congregation of Rites orders that the tabernacle be on the high altar. However, in cathedral churches a second tabernacle may be stored in a Blessed Sacrament chapel, with the high altar tabernacle being used only for Mass. A high altar tabernacle should be accommodated in any church, cathedral or parochial.
10

The chair (sedilla) is placed on the Epistle side of the sanctuary facing the Gospel side, so you will be looking at the priests side when he is seated there.
11

The Council of Trent ordered that the choir be moved from the sanctuary to a loft above the back of the church, where this custom became a distinctive Catholic architectural feature.

Candles 79. There shall be 2 candles on the altar for Low Mass, 4 for Sung Mass13, 6 for High Mass, and 7 for a Pontifical High Mass. 80. Candles must be natural. The Paschal Candle 81. The Paschal Candle belongs 1. During Easter Season: next to the pulpit14 2. Advent, Christmastide, and Ordinary Time15: in the baptistery 3. During funerals: next to the casket16 4. During Lent: not displayed The Narthex 82. The narthex or vestibule is the place of welcome. 83. It may house the restrooms and storage areas. 84. The church doors shall be large. Surrounding Area 85. The church property is Holy Ground, and there should be a garden instead of unfertile space. 86. There shall be a bell tower on the church property. Other Liturgical Rites 87. The church shall accommodate. i. The Easter Vigil ii. Ordinations iii. Confessionals iv. Marriages
12

The crucifix is often placed in the niche in the reredos called the altar throne. However, there might be a crucifix on a rood beam or rood screen at the altar rail or end of the choir visible toward the nave, flanked by statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. John. These, however, DO NOT replace the crucifix above the high altar proper. The same holds true of a painting of the Crucifixion.
13

The traditional Code of Rubrics indicates that a Sung High Mass (Missa Cantata), which is a Mass that parts are sung with the schola by only one priest, without a deacon or a subdeacon, have 6 candles on the altar.
14

Or on the Gospel side

15

Ordinary Time refers properly to Time after Epiphany and Time after Pentecost, the two seasons where green vestments are worn.
16

This is a Vatican II invention. Properly, six candles flanking the casket are used in traditional Requiem Masses.

v. Anointing of the Sick (Extreme Unction) vi. Funerals vii. Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) 88. There shall be seating for the deacon or subdeacon who is presiding over Sunday Eucharist in Absence of a Priest. 89. There shall be an ambry. Rite of Dedication of a Church and Altar 90. The architect shall plan for the Consecration Mass. 91. The church cannot be used until the Consecration Mass. 92. The diocesan bishop shall consecrate the church17. 93. Items on the wall shall be incensed or anointed. Seasonal Decorations 94. The Decorations shall reflect the liturgical season. 95. Only natural plants can be displayed. 96. Christmas decorations are on display until Epiphany, and Easter decorations until Pentecost. 97. Decorations of the saints should be used. The Church Building and Popular Devotions 98. Devotions are rituals that concern the person and the whole entire Catholic community. Imagery must be used. Stations of the Cross 99. There shall be Stations of the Cross in the church building. Sacred Images 100. 101. 102. 103. 104. Chapter Three 105.
17

There shall be symbols of the Trinity, Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, angels, and saints. There shall be cultural sensitivity in choosing devotions. There should be devotional shrines dedicated to these saints. There shall be an image of the patron of the church. Conclusion: Artwork is included in the design of church buildings.

God created mankind.

If the diocesan bishop is not able to consecrate the church building, then another (visiting) bishop may take his place. The consecration ceremony ends with a Pontifical High Mass.

106.

Different types of art have been used in Catholic churches.

The Roles of Religious Art 107. 108. 109. 110. Art and prayer invoke the truth and love in Christ. Art is not for decoration, but for veneration. The central image of Christianity is the Cross18, and calling the Mystery of Faith. Art is full of joy.

Components of True and Worthy Art 111. 112. 113. 114. Art must be 100% in quality. Mass production is not acceptable. The artist is doing Gods work. The artwork must be appropriate for church use.

The Artist within the Christian Community 115. 116. 117. 118. 119. Liturgical Art 120. The artist must understand the liturgy. 121. The Devotions of Mary lead toward the Eucharist of Her Son. 122. The Roman Catholic Church dictates the behavior of artists. 123. The artist shall work with the architect and liturgical designer. 124. Attention should be given toward the acoustics, lighting, and maintenance of the building. 125. Materials shall be sustainable. 126. The sacred vessels and vestments must be sustainable. The bishop has discretion of the design of such objects. 127. When a parish is suppressed, the bishop determines what to do with the sacred objects. 128. Historical items shall be archived. 129. Items of historical value shall not be sold, instead be given to another Catholic church. Artists are God-gifted and educated. There shall be a dialogue with God when designing artwork for churches. The artist must respect the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church. The artwork must glorify God. The artwork must carry the message of Christ.

18

Catholics consider the crucifix as the Holy Cross, and not just a blank cross without a corpse.

Chapter Four: Practical Considerations 130. This chapter deals with a parish building committee working with professionals to build a building of the Catholic Faith. 131. Each parish shall have a master plan. 132. The parish mission statement and budget are the priorities of the master plan. 133. Quarterly or annual reports shall be given on the state of the parish. 134. No individual can do this work on their own.

Liturgist Bishop Pastor Interior Designer Architect Engineer Artist

135. 136. 137. 138. 139. 140. 141.

Parishioners

The hierarchal chart with a church building project. There shall be an assessment before any commission is granted. The pastor is the link between the diocese and the parishioners. There shall be a parish building committee with professionals on it. The pastor shall appoint people of different ages and sexes to this committee. The parishioners on the parish committees must be active.

Parish Self-Study 142. years. 143. 144. 145. 146. The parish must study its own history, currency, and what it has done sacramentally in recent The parish must know about the liturgy. Every parishioner should contribute toward the project; the parish shall not go over budget. Past projects may be surveyed for assistance for the current project. Professionals dealing with church buildings shall be appointed by the bishop.

147.

148. 149. 150. 151.

The architect shall 1. Create a space that will allow active participation19. 2. Allow visual expression of the Catholic Faith. 3. Use historical heritage, if applicable. 4. Develop a building program for the parish. 5. Work under budget. The liturgical consultants shall be involved early on in the project. There shall be a competitive bidding process for the contractor. The professionals commissioned shall be qualified to do the work. There shall be collaboration throughout the project.

Special Concerns 152. 153. 154. 155. 156. Accessibility 157. All local building codes are to be observed to ensure that all types of people can navigate the premises. Building Materials 158. The materials used shall be sustainable, green, and affordable. The church building shall be the House of God. The landscape of the parish shall not use excessive watering. People with disabilities shall be accommodated. There shall be a sensitive automobile traffic plan that does not disrupt the liturgy. There shall be clear paths for pedestrians.

Change Orders and Modifications 159. The architects plans may need to be revised to meet budgetary constraints. 160. If the need for modifications becomes apparent at a later stage, the procedures are clear to all involved. It is helpful to specify that the pastor communicate any change orders to the architect, who acknowledges them in writing; that the acknowledgment state the additional cost involved; that the pastor or someone specifically authorized by the pastor be the only one(s) designated to sign the change orders approving the additional expenditure; and that the architect be responsible for communicating with the contractor or subcontractors regarding the changes.

19

See footnote 4

Building Maintenance 161. 162. The parish budget shall include expenditures for maintenance. The finances shall be included for long-term care for the building in the master plan.

Sound in the Place of Worship 163. There shall be silence in the church building when there is no service going on. The priest, deacon, subdeacon, and musicians (and instruments) shall be clearly heard when the time calls for it.20 164. Outside distractions shall be muted. 165. Acoustical engineers may be consulted. 166. Sound should be in nave, sanctuary, and baptistery. People with hearing issues should be accommodated. 167. The acoustical engineers must be experienced. The Placement of the Organ and Other Musical Instruments 168. Music is part of Catholic worship. The organ shall be heard clearly and placed in an area that does not distract the liturgy. 169. Space shall be provided for additional instruments if necessary21. Lighting the Place of Worship 170. 171. 172. 173. 174. 175. Sacristies 176. The sacristy shall hold all the vestments, chalices, patens, ciboria, candles, etc. and have a restroom with running water. Security Issues 177.
20

Maximum use of natural light shall be observed. The light shall not make any noise distracting the liturgy. Lighting in the church should be sectional and situational. Outside lights should be solar powered. Incense and candle smoke shall not set off the fire alarms. Electronic media shall be considered22.

The church must be locked when not in use.

See Missal rubrics for more information The only instruments approved for church use are the pipe organ, harp, and bell. Rarely done in Catholic churches; advisable not to include these in the design.

21

22

The Sacrarium 178. The sacrarium is the sink where the waste from the sacred vessels is disposed off reverently. The pipes connect directly into the earth, and not into any sewer system. This is found in the sacristy. 179. If the Precious Blood was spilled on the floor on accident during Mass, it is washed with holy water and rinsed in the sacrarium. Special Issues in the Renovation of Churches 180. All possible options must be considered.

Alteration of Historic Churches 181. Careful and legal planning shall be involved when altering a church on a list, such as the National Register of Historic Places. Renovation of Churches 182. 183. 184. 185. 186. The Altar 187. 188. The most recent altar installed in the sanctuary is the altar to be used for sacrifice. Memorizing sacred objects on the altar is not permissible. There shall be a hearing before plans are drawn. The church shall be renovated in the best interest of the Universal Church. Existing elements shall be incorporated into the new design. Items that can no longer be used must be disposed of reverently. If the church is to be gutted, it is okay to have a Closing Mass.

The Space for the Reservation of the Blessed Sacrament 189. The bishop shall determine where the Blessed Sacrament shall be stored23. 190. The Tridentine Altar may house the Blessed Sacrament and tabernacle. 191. The tabernacle shall be easy to find24. 192. The Roman Missal shall determine where the tabernacle shall be placed. 193. There shall be a rood screen if the tabernacle is directly behind the altar in a devotional 25 chapel .
23

See footnote 9 The tabernacle shall be identifiable with a red votive sanctuary lamp that burns perpetually.

24

194.

There shall be only one tabernacle in the church26.

Preservation of the Artistic Heritage of the Church 195. The diocese must be educated in art appreciation to preserve the common culture of the faithful in any particular parish. Conclusion

The church building must glorify God, His Son, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Angels, and Saints. It is to keep sacred the Roman Catholic Church and its ceremonies.

25 26

This applies to freestanding altars only. Two in a cathedral church. See footnote 9.