Catholic Sensibility

How to reform Catholic architecture Since the first post on "How to reform" was so popular, I thought I'd make it a daily feature for awhile. 1. Acknowledge that in a three-dimensional universe, there are numerous ways to set up well for worship. No single form possesses totally superior qualities over all others. More forms are spiritually fruitful than they might have dreamed in 1950 or even 1970, but some styles have unique advantages for particular parishes depending on their worship sensibilities. 2. If only we had a handful (three to five) architecture schools in North America, each with a distinctive style and vision, each catering (at least in part) to Catholic worship, each involved in a friendly debate on form and style. 3. Baptism should be the first or one of the first things one encounters upon entering a Catholic church. An immersion font is ideal, and well within reach of any Catholic parish. If a parish feels a large font is unnecessary, it is a catechetical, not a liturgical problem. Build, then teach. 4. Seating arrangement in a Catholic parish must reflect the practices of all the sacraments. The Eucharist is at the center of our spiritual lives, therefore the altar must be placed at or near the center of the nave. An altar along a short wall (pre-conciliar) or on a long wall (70's half-circle theatre seating) is just misplaced. Substantial assembly seating on all sides (minimally three sides or both sides) is required. 5. The sacrament of reconciliation deserves a place of honor, something more worthy than a wooden closet with stop and go lights on top. A separate chapel with all the options, preferably including a window and liturgical art (one or two tasteful pieces not including a crucifix). Preferable exclusions: anything that speaks of secular counseling -- over-comfy chairs, a lamp, a bookrack beyond the minimal; and anything that speaks of utility or that encourages box office lines. 6. Except in the smallest parishes, a separate chapel for Eucharistic reservation and devotion. 7. A choir area clearly part of the assembly, but avoiding at all costs the appearance of staging a performance. The acoustics need to be first-rate within the area. 8. A presider's chair closer to the assembly seating (if not part of it). A priest or lay leader doesn't lead when seated. A chair in the front row of the assembly (nicely and distinctively appointed) allows a leader to make two or three steps away to lead prayer when standing. 9. Features a new parish should consider beyond the above: an ambulatory, devotional areas both inside the nave and outdoors, a pipe organ (even a small one), grand piano, a bell tower (even a small one), an ambry, a courtyard (weather permitting) and perhaps a hearth in the narthex (gathering area). 10. Features no new parish should consider: carpet in any great amount, padded seats, parallel walls, bowling alley or half-circle seating. Did I miss anything?