Many parishioners already know Alex Mucerino from her work as an Administrative Assistant in the Parish Office.
Father Grisolano recently asked Alex to add the duties of Coordinator of the Liturgical Environment.
This involves three groups: altar linen cleaning, art and environment, and church cleaning.
The Church allows for a great deal of freedom in the aesthetics of a church, stating that it should reflect “nobility and simplicity”.
However, two main principles stand as a very clear objective to direct our actions.
First it is for God, to both honor and glorify Him. Not because He needs it, but we need to foster our relationship with Him.
Second, is that it is for us. Our souls are directly affected by our external senses. The visual aesthetics of a church are meant to elevate our souls in an interior act of adoration and reverence towards God, and the church, which is holy ground.
Since the Altar represents Christ’s body, you may have noticed that we have purchased new Altar linens which are made of 100% pure linen.
The choice of linen reminds us of the Shroud of Turin, the cloth Jesus’s body was wrapped in when being taken off of the cross.
As for flowers in the church, we should only use fresh, natural flowers to signify the authenticity and new life that springs from the church. We appreciate the flowers others place at the side altars, but because they are consecrated and covered in linen, we kindly ask that no flowers be placed directly on them, but the surrounding areas are OK.
One additional note, since the tabernacle rests on a separate mantle, occasionally you may notice flowers that members of the team placed there.
The above guidelines and principles come from the Roman Missal and the USCCB document: Built of Living Stones.
How can you Help?
- If you are interested in joining us, we are in need of help sewing and maintaining the linens, in addition to church cleaning, and setting up the church for the various liturgical feasts and seasons.
- Moving any flowers, you see put on the side altars and spreading the word on acceptable areas they can be placed.
I hope that you enjoy these slight changes and that they ultimately help you to honor and glorify God in a more reverent manner.
If you feel so inclined, join us in the effort. I can be reached by email amucerino@archchicago.org or in the parish office Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.