The importance of the liturgical environment is vital to good liturgy. From where one sings and participates during the liturgy greatly enhances or distracts from the celebration.

In the minds of many modern Christians, the Gothic cathedral represents the ideal architectural form for worship. The liturgy it makes possible differs greatly from the church's present understanding of itself and liturgical theology.

The placement of the altar at such a distance from the worshipping assembly made a profound statement about the ordinary person's worthiness to approach the sacred too closely. The liturgy was the concern of the clergy and not the laity, and encouraged passivity on the part of the laity.

The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy says that when churches are built, great care must be taken so that they are suitable for the celebration of liturgical services and for the active participation of the faithful. (124).

The United States Catholic Bishops in their liturgical document Environment and Art in Catholic Worship note that benches or chairs for the seating of the assembly should be so constructed and arranged that they may maximize feelings of community and involvement (68). The primary symbols oaf the liturgy -- the assembly, the altar, the ambo, and the presider's chair -- should be positioned in a way so they are prominent.

The narthex or vestibule of the church or the area just outside the church building serves as the gathering space. Liturgical designers state the gathering space should convey an atmosphere of welcome and hospitality where people can greet and converse.

The baptismal font should be located at the entrance of the church. Each time the assembly gathers for liturgy, they touch the waters of baptism and mark themselves with the sign of the cross as a reminder of their own baptism.

The ambo is the table of the word which is used for the proclamation of the Word of God and the homily and the general intercession. "It must be so placed that the ministers may be easily seen and heard by the faithful" (272)

The presider's or presidential chair has its origins in the Latin word cathedra, which was the chair of a high ranking civic official. The church took the concept of the chair and incorporated it into the liturgy. From his chair the bishop presided over the liturgy.

The altar's history is a rich one. Through the centuries the shape, design and placement of the altar has changed. It was at table that Jesus presided over the Last Supper and gave us the gift of the eucharist. The Catholic Church continues that tradition. In Environment and Art in Catholic Worship the U.S. Bishops say, "the altar, the holy table, should be the most noble, the most beautifully designed and constructed table the community can provide. It should stand free, approachable from every side, capable of being encircled." (71)

The tabernacle contains the bread that has been consecrated at liturgy. Tabernacle comes from the Latin tabernaculum which means tent. The primary function of the tabernacle is the reservation of the eucharist for the sick and not adoration. Adoration to the eucharist is important in the life of a Catholic, but apart from the liturgy. The document Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass says the reservation and adoration of the eucharist "will be achieved more easily if the (tabernacle) chapel is separate from the body of the church." (9)

The ambry is the place where the three oil containers for the sacraments of Baptism, Conformation, and the Anointing of the Sick are blessed. The word ambry comes from the Latin armarium which means cupboard, chest, or safe. The ambry and the display of the oils remind the community of the sacramental importance of welcoming new members, confirming others in the faith, and caring for the ill.

The reconciliation chapel, in keeping with our understanding of the sacrament of reconciliation as an experience of conversion and reclaiming our baptismal identity, could be located in relationship to the baptismal font. Since reconciliation returns us to the common table, the eucharistic gathering, it is appropriate for the reconciliation chapel to open into the main worship area.

Since the saints have an important role in the life of a Catholic, they deserve a prominent place in the life of the Catholic community. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) encourages devotions to saints, but in proper context to the liturgy. According to the GIRM, statues should be limited and situated in such a way that does not distract the people's attention from the celebration of the liturgy. (278)

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