House of the Church of God Liturgical Design Consultants

When the Second Vatican council (1963) breathed new life into the meaning of the church, liturgy, faith and prayer, it changed our lives. The Council called for what seemed radical and revolutionary changes, and it took almost ten years for what clergy and lay people to read, understand and absorb the new directives. The concepts were so new and so radical that they called for a combination of skills not seen before

The challenge called for persons educated in liturgy, with knowledge of art and architecture, schematic design and building construction. This new role is called a Liturgical Design Consultant. There are even now, only about 50 such persons in the United States.

The changes in liturgy seemed revolutionary to us in the past century, but history tells us that changes in worship space and rituals have taken place throughout the ages. What began in the Upper Room with Christ as teacher and celebrant, has continued in different ways through the centuries. We recall the presence of Jesus, disciples gathered together for the "breaking of the bread," or a prayer service. But they had no place or building in which to do this, so they met in each others homes.

Over the years, as crowds grew too large for the homes, buildings were constructed for worship space and rituals.

One of the most significant changes made by Vatican II, was it's re-definition of church. It reminded us that we, the people of God, are church-- not the buildings where we go for Eucharistic Celebration and liturgy. The building is the house of the church (us). As this new concept was absorbed, it changed how we look at the place where we worship. And it became evident that stationary and cumbersome altars and tabernacles were a problem in the new liturgy. If people were really invited to participate, there was need for an entirely different kind of space.

Questions arose as to the position of the altar, tabernacle and baptistry, the alignment of pews, statues and candles, windows and walls, aisles and entrances, baptismal font and where the Holy Oils are kept. Color and light also became important. Parishioners and clergy took to heart Pope John XXIII's joyful cry to "open the windows," and redesign of their house of prayer became a delight and challenge for most people.

By 1978, the Bishops Committee on the Liturgy had drawn up a document on Environment and Art in Catholic Worship. Along with information and a historical perspective, it presented a check list or audit (examination for accuracy) that evaluated each piece of furniture and artifact (vessels, windows, chairs, hangings, etc.) to see if it was appropriate in the new liturgy.

"Nothing cheap, trivial, pretentious or superficial should be used," stated the guidelines.

Some parishes made major interior changes, even moving or adding internal walls. Such major renovations could not be made haphazardly. Such a project called for discussion and planning on a parish-wide basis, with the coordination and guidance of a Liturgical Design Consultant

The consultant:

1. Helps identify deep-rooted issues of faith that bind people together.

2. Becomes a team member of the building committee and several parish committees, so that the community can identify a vision for the future.

3. Works with the architect in translating worship space.

4. Works as a liaison to craftspeople for all liturgical furnishings.