1226

1226Nomine sacelli privati intellegitur locus divino cultui, in commodum unius vel plurium personarum physicarum, de licentia Ordinarii loci destinatus.

The term private chapel means a place which, by permission of the local Ordinary, is set aside for divine worship, for the convenience of one or more individuals.

1227Episcopi sacellum privatum sibi constituere possunt, quod iisdem iuribus ac oratorium gaudet.

Bishops can set up for their own use a private chapel which enjoys the same rights as an oratory.

1229Oratoria et sacella privata benedici convenit secundum ritum in libris liturgicis praescriptum; debent autem esse divino tantum cultui reservata et ab omnibus domesticis usibus libera.

It is appropriate that oratories and private chapels be blessed according to the rite prescribed in the liturgical books. They must, however, be reserved for divine worship only and be freed from all domestic use.

No action can stir up bitterness and create division within a parish more quickly and deeply than the announcement of plans to renovate the church.Eucharisticum MysteriumInstruction on Eucharistic Worship16 critic: The unity of this community, having its origin in the one bread in which all share (cf. I Cor. 10:17), is arranged in hierarchical order. For this reason it is necessary that "each person, performing his role as a minister or as one of the faithful, should do all that the nature of the action and the liturgical norms require of him, and only that."6618 18. An Awareness of the Local and Universal Church Community Is to Be FosteredIn the celebration of the Eucharist, a sense of community should be encouraged. Each person will then feel himself united with his brethren in the communion of the Church, local and universal, and even in a way with all men

53. The Blessed Sacrament ChapelThe place in a church or oratory where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle should be truly prominent. It ought to be suitable for private prayer so that the faithful may easily and fruitfully, by private devotion also, continue to honor our Lord in 54. The Tabernacle in the Middle of the Altar or in Some Other Part of the Church"The Blessed Sacrament should be reserved in a solid, inviolable tabernacle in the middle of the main altar or on a secondary altar, but in a truly prominent place. Alternatively, according to legitimate customs and in individual cases to be decided by the local Ordinary, it may be placed in some other part of the church which is really worthy and properly equipped this sacrament.Inter Oecumenici ambiance The lay workers and some visitors becomes more comfortable

ALTAR

Because it represents Christ the living stone (1 Peter 2:4), it should be fixed in place, and at least the mensa (table top) should be made of stone (GIRM, 298, 301), though wood may be used (GIRM, 301).), and it should be "built apart from the wall, in such a way that it is possible to walk around it easily and that Mass can be celebrated at it facing the people..." (GIRM, 299).

AMBOThe design of the ambo, then, should spring from the design of the altar. The ambo should reflect the dignity of Gods word and be a clear reminder to the people that in the Mass the table of Gods word and of Christs body is placed before them . . . .Great pains must therefore be taken, in keeping with the design of each church, over the harmonious and close relationship of the ambo with the altar (

II. Sacred Furnishings in General

325. As in the case of the building of churches, so also regarding all sacred furnishings the Church admits the artistic style of each region and accepts those adaptations that are in keeping with the culture and traditions of each people, provided that all fit the purpose for which the sacred furnishings are intended.135 In this matter as well, a noble simplicity should be ensured such as is the best companion of genuine art.

326. In the choice of materials for sacred furnishings, besides those which are traditional, others are acceptable if by contemporary standards they are considered to be noble, are durable, and are well suited for sacred use. In the dioceses of the United States of America these materials may include wood, stone, or metal which are solid and appropriate to the purpose for which they are employed.

But GIRM states that "buildings and appurtenances for divine worship ought to be beautiful and symbolic." The Second Vatican Council states that "the practice of placing sacred images in churches so that they can be venerated by the faithful is to be maintained."The general plan of the building should reflect in some way the image of the congregation