The Liturgical Environment

Book excerpt: A practical reference to liturgical law, The Liturgical Environment calls to mind the norm of active participation as the guiding principle for al liturgical celebration. Each chapter considers Built of Living Stones and other ecclesial documents that pertain to the particular object under discussion, the theology found in the documents, the praxis that flows from the theology, and questions for reflection and discussion. As in the first edition, the concern remains the theology of environment and the praxis, of practice, flowing from it, which should exemplify the principle of active participation. Using the newest documents available, this second edition explores the guidelines for liturgical environment and how they foster the active participation of the people in liturgy. This book will serve as a handy reference for sacristans, designers, decorators, renovators, al liturgical ministers, and can easily be employed in study and discussion groups. Chapters are The Gathering Space of the Community," *The Altar Is Christ, - *The Tale of God's Word, - *The Chair for the Priest Celebrant, Seating for Other Ministers, and Seating for the Assembly, - *The Tomb and Womb of the Church, - *Eucharistic Reservation and the Tabernacle, - *Christ the Light, - *Clothing the Assembly, - *The Holy Oils and Their Repository, - *The Chapel of Reconciliation, - *Shrines for Popular Devotion and Stations of the Cross, - and *Other Things Associated with the Church: Cups and Plates, Doors, Bells, Sacristies, the Organ. - Fr. Mark G. Boyer, a priest of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is an instructor in New Testament in the religious studies department of Southwest Missouri State University. He has also served as an associate pastor, high school, and adult religious education teacher. He recently completed the three-year cycle of Advent and Christmas reflections titled Waiting in Joyful Hope, published by Liturgical Press. "