S t. pet er C atholiC Ch ur ch
THE CHURCH DECOR
WORKING TO HONOR GOD
O
ur Church Decorating Ministry works every week, and especially during the seasons of Christmas and Easter, to make St. Peter Church a place of beauty and worship, all for the glory of God. The ministry members’ goal is to follow the direction of Dr. Denis McNamara, noted church architectural historian and liturgical design consultant, who recently addressed our parish. He has said that “a church should manifest heavenly realities.” “That’s our goal for when parishioners walk in the church — they recognize it’s a sacred space,” says Karen Largen, ministry co-coordinator. “It will help us pray better, and worship better to the glory of God. Beauty and the decorations can help facilitate that and honor the Lord. That’s what we’re trying to do.” During a recent update of the Strategic Plan, the major principle of incorporating beauty into our sacred Liturgy and sacred space was included. Karen works closely with Kathleen Noonan, a longtime leader of the ministry, to appropriately prepare our church each week for worship. Every week, the ministry will use artificial arrangements to minimize labor and cleaning. However, those having weddings and funerals often will allow their flowers to remain on the altar. “Our sanctuary right now has been beautifully adorned and smells great!” Karen says. The ministry follows the liturgical calendar in order to use the appropriate colors throughout the year. For example, no reds are used until immediately before Christmas and Advent colors are typically in the rose and purple hues. “We try to keep it seasonally appropriate,” Karen says. “We’re happy to receive whatever décor comes our way. Fr. Clark will have ideas and make suggestions or requests for certain colors that will work better against the red granite behind the tabernacle.” The ministry totals about 30 members, having had continued on page 5
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