Built of Living Stones

~ “Built of Living Stones: Art, Architecture, and Worship” was promulgated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops 25 years ago, in November of 2000.  Often overlooked, or at least set aside for later consideration, the architecture and worship environment of a church building informs nearly every aspect of a parish’s living ecclesiology — from the layout of altar and pews, to the location of music ministry, to whether a church building has a dedicated narthex or gathering space.  Even whether that space is called a narthex or a gathering space may be telling!

Practically, this document was “presented to assist the faithful involved in the building or renovation of churches, chapels, and oratories of the Latin Church in the United States. In addition, the document is intended for use by architects, liturgical consultants and artists, contractors, and other professionals engaged in the design and/or construction of these places of worship.” (BLS, 3)

Theologically, the effect that a church building has on the Church that gathers within it is immense, and is addressed in the document, beginning with these words: 

Churches, therefore, must be places “suited to sacred celebrations,” “dignified,” and beautiful. Their suitability for worship is determined by their ability through the architectural design of space and the application of artistic gifts to embody God’s initiative and the community’s faithful response. Church buildings and the religious artworks that beautify them are forms of worship themselves and both inspire and reflect the prayer of the community as well as the inner life of grace….Architecture and art become the joint work of the Holy Spirit and the local community, that of preparing human hearts to receive God’s word and to enter more fully into communion. (BLS, 18)

Take a moment today to identify one element of our beautiful and historic worship space which rarely draws your attention.  What does it tell you about our parish, our faith, your relationship with God and our community?

Throughout the year, we present an article in the bulletin each week on a variety of topics, written by a member of our Parish staff or ministries on a rotating basis.