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Environment and Art
The Diocesan Environment and Art Committee
is an advisory committee
to Bishop John M. D'Arcy for all matters of church
renovation
and
the building of new
churches.
"All who are involved in the construction,
restoration, and remodeling of churches are to consult the diocesan commission
on liturgy and art. The local Ordinary is to use the counsel and help
of this commission whenever it comes to laying down norms on the matter, approving
plans for new buildings, and making decisions on the more important
issues." (General Instruction of the Roman Missal #256)
On May 31st of 1999,
Bishop D'Arcy promulgated Environment and Art Liturgical Norms for the
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. In the letter of promulgation,
Bishop D'Arcy writes: "The construction, renovation, preservation,
and renewal of our churches requires close collaboration between pastors,
parishioners, and artists. It is a time of education, learning and
prayer." and "There must be close cooperation with the diocesan
bishop who, after consultation with the Environment and Art Committee and
others, must make the final decision. The bishop, as in so many pastoral areas,
is the guarantor for the future and the guarantor of communion with the
Universal Church."
The
mission statement of the Environment and Art Committee begins as follows: "The Diocesan
Environment and Art Committee exists to serve the people of the Diocese of Fort
Wayne-South Bend, and to advise the Bishop in matters which pertain to this
committee." For any advice regarding liturgical art or the church
environment, or for educational resources for your parish please don't hesitate
to call the committee at
(260)
422-4611 and ask for the Director of the Office of Worship.
If
you are considering any renovation or new building
projects which affect the Church liturgical space,
you must contact the
Environment and Art Committee at the very beginning of the planning
process. The Environment and Art Committee must approve all stages of the
renovation or building process as outlined in Section II of the Environment and
Art Liturgical Norms. Every parish received a copy in May of 1999 (55
pages in a white, 3-ring binder). If you need another copy, please call
the Office of Worship at 422-4611. Resources Now Available:
Built of Living Stones: Art, Architecture, and Worship published
by the United State Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is the new guideline on church art and
environment approved by our U.S.
bishops. Order on-line at: USCCB Publsihing or by phone 800-235-8722 between 9:30 am and 5:00 pm Eastern
time, or by mail at Publishing Services, United States Catholic Conference,
3211 Fourth Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017-1194.
Three-hole format, 112 pgs, ISBN: 1-57455-395-X, Product Code.
5-395 Price: $11.95
Paperback format, 112 pgs, ISBN: 1-57455-408-5, Product Code.
5-408 Price: $11.95 LINKS US Conference of Catholic Bishops Document: Built of Living Stones: Art, Architechture and Worship. |
