Built of Living Stones Art Architecture and Worship

Built of Living Stones Art, Architecture, and Worship Guidelines of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops Jubilee Year 2000

Chapter One: The Living Church l l l The Living Church: God’s Building The Church Building Worship in Time and Space l l Christ’s Presence in Sign and Symbol Liturgical Principles for Building and Renovating Churches

Chapter Two: The Church Building and the Sacred Rites Celebrated There l l l The Building: The Place for the Liturgical Assembly Gathered as One body in Christ The Congregation Area l The Sanctuary Area @The Altar @The Ambo @The Chair for the Priest Celebrant

The Baptistry l One font that will accommodate the baptism of both infants and adults symbolizes the one faith one baptism that Christians share

Font Items l l l Large enough to supply ample water for both adults and children Baptism is a sacrament of the whole church Location of font will determine how actively the entire liturgical assembly can participate in the rite of baptism

Font l l Because baptism is the primary sacrament of belonging, the parish will need to choose its location carefully. Espcially the spatial relationship of the font with the celebration of other sacraments and rituals,

The Reservation of the Eucharist l The Location of the Tabernacle – The Chapel of Reservation – The Tabernacle in the Sanctuary

Accommodating the Liturgical Posture of the Assembly l l The liturgy requires various postures and movements, the space and furniture should accommodate them well. Benches, pews, chairs Kneelers, kneeling cushions Arrangement for full conscious and active participation

Other Ritual Furnishings The Cross l Candles The Paschal Candle l l

The Gathering Space or Narthex The Area Surrounding the Church Building