The Art and Environment of Ordinary Time

Last week we concluded the Advent and Christmas seasons.   We now transition into the 34 weeks of Ordinary Time that are broken up by Lent and the Easter season.  You’ll have noticed that our Art and Environment Committee made some changes in our worship space.

The Stations of the Cross have been moved from the sanctuary wall of the church.   This visually frees the sanctuary to be more prominent.  The larger perk is that the stations are now handicap accessible.   Also note that the fourteenth station is under the parish art of the Risen Savior, which becomes the 15th station.

         

Welcoming us into the church from the main lobby is Michael the Archangel. St Michael the Archangel is the patron of soldiers, military, police, and first responders; with all that is going on in our world, he is on duty.  This is a gift from Omar Real who operates Camino Real Imports on Rio Grande in Old Town. He is also the donor of the various stands used in the environment.  The black stands we’re using are temporary and will be replaced with wooden ones to match our other wood furniture.

The Marian shrine can now welcome flowers as well as can the shrine to St Joseph.   Shrines are for prayers.  Each shrine has a prayer located near it which you may find comfort in praying.

The Mandamus—or foot washing statue—is now elevated for better viewing and given a specific definition within the context of the upper room.  This statue was donated by Monsignor Richard Olona and

is carved of beautiful olive wood. 

The Marian Center which is also our parish pre-school is taking on a more defined Catholic identity.   The environment there is being tied to the liturgy of the church. 

The Art and Environment Committee works with the visual as prayer.  Many make this space happen.   Even the confirmation youth and parents assisted with the transformation our worship space.  That includes setting up and taking down.  Those who could climb ladders did, those who were artists or seamstresses plied their crafts.  It truly takes a parish.

The Advent and Christmas season brought in many roses:  statements like “prayerful”, “elegant”, “quieting” were some of the words used.   Every church is a house of prayer.   May our space continue to cause us to be more holy.