Dave Posted February 7, 2004 Posted February 7, 2004 I know the Church says the tabernacle should be in a prominent, beautifully decorated location. I say the main altar is the most appropriate spot.
Aloysius Posted February 7, 2004 Posted February 7, 2004 it doesn't specifically say it should be front-center? i thought it did... anyway, to be able to follow the GIRM for Mass, if they're usin Hosts from the Tabernacle, it would have to be on the main altar because the priest is not supposed to leave the sanctuary after the consecration and EEMs aren't sposedta be gettin Him out of the tabernacle (like my parish's do) however, our Church has a beautiful little chapel to the side with a nice big window so it's visible when looking to the main altar, but it's still over to the right not center like i think He should be. w/e... i'm quite unsure what i want my Parish to do, lol
dUSt Posted February 7, 2004 Posted February 7, 2004 Well, considering my parish has the tabernacle in a totally separate building, I'd be content with having it anywhere within viewing distance. :(
FX2 Posted February 7, 2004 Posted February 7, 2004 I prefer the center of the church, because as I see it, Christ is the center of our church and so should the tablernacle be as a representation of that. Its ok if its on the side of the alter too, but still in front. What i dont like is when its seperated from the veiw of the congregation during mass. My parents go to this church that has a chaple with movable walls and sometimes the walls are shut during mass so you cant see the tabernacle at all. I know Jesus is there, i just wanna see the holy place during the entire mass.
dUSt Posted February 7, 2004 Posted February 7, 2004 That's apicture of the inside of my church... aghem, I mean... worship space.
aByzantineCatholic Posted February 7, 2004 Posted February 7, 2004 For Eastern Catholic Churches the answer is easy. Follow the line:
thicke Posted February 7, 2004 Posted February 7, 2004 Where is Jesus in this picture? Everywhere..... That is beautiful!
thicke Posted February 7, 2004 Posted February 7, 2004 It really depends on some things. For instance, in a church that get s alot of traffic during the day that might not be so reverent (like a basilica that might get a lot of non-Catholic visitors/sight-seers) it might be better to have a side chapel for the tabernacle. I remember visiting St. Augustine Church in Manila. There were many Japanese tourists who would go inside, chat loudly (during Mass even!) and take pictures. I wished the tabernacle wasn't in plain view there. However in my parish, there is no such traffic. Therefore I am happy the tabernacle is front and center so I can go visit between Masses.
thicke Posted February 7, 2004 Posted February 7, 2004 For Eastern Catholic Churches the answer is easy. Follow the line: This is even more beautiful. But I can see the line you are referring to...... Please help us Latins! ;)
Dave Posted February 7, 2004 Author Posted February 7, 2004 It really depends on some things. For instance, in a church that get s alot of traffic during the day that might not be so reverent (like a basilica that might get a lot of non-Catholic visitors/sight-seers) it might be better to have a side chapel for the tabernacle. I remember visiting St. Augustine Church in Manila. There were many Japanese tourists who would go inside, chat loudly (during Mass even!) and take pictures. I wished the tabernacle wasn't in plain view there. Yeah, I knew that was the case with high-traffic churches. I've seen it in St. Peter's Basilica, Notre Dame in Paris, the cathedral in Seville, Spain, and other European cathedrals I've been to.
M.SIGGA Posted February 7, 2004 Posted February 7, 2004 I don't see why they have to move it. I personally hate having to turn in a circle to genuflect. luckily my parish and my old traditional parish that I sometimes go to didn't boot the tabernacle off the altar. The modern parish that I go to was creative in building the chapel directly behind the altar, and the tabernacle has too doors, one in the back for the chapel and one in the front for the church, so the Eucharist doesn't have to get moved anywhere.
Sinner Posted February 7, 2004 Posted February 7, 2004 Front and Center. Please.......bring Him back to FRONT AND CENTER!!
jmjtina Posted February 7, 2004 Posted February 7, 2004 What is sad is when the tabernacle isn't present in the Church (or near it) ppl talk and laugh like it was a football stadium. Great way to teach the youth about Mass..... Our tabernacle is behind the main altar and we still have a guard rail. I am thankful. -_-
Dave Posted February 7, 2004 Author Posted February 7, 2004 I've heard it said that since the altar is where the Consecration takes place, that the tabernacle with Jesus already in it only takes away from it. Ha!!! What b. s.! For years and years, many parishes have relegated tabernacles to other areas, but has it made people appreciate the Mass any more? Think of all the people who fail to genuflect, talk in Church, miss Mass, receive Holy Communion in the state of mortal sin, and you tell me they appreciate the Mass more!
IXpenguin21 Posted February 7, 2004 Posted February 7, 2004 anyway, to be able to follow the GIRM for Mass, if they're usin Hosts from the Tabernacle, it would have to be on the main altar because the priest is not supposed to leave the sanctuary after the consecration and EEMs aren't sposedta be gettin Him out of the tabernacle (like my parish's do) yeah, i noticed that at my parrish, the priests who aren't celebrating Mass are used to bring the Hosts from the tabernacle, located at a side alter, to the sanctuary... i just never realized it before! lol
Aloysius Posted February 7, 2004 Posted February 7, 2004 What is sad is when the tabernacle isn't present in the Church (or near it) ppl talk and laugh like it was a football stadium. Great way to teach the youth about Mass..... Our tabernacle is behind the main altar and we still have a guard rail. I am thankful. -_- try the talking when the Tabernacle IS present try the talking when everyones crammed into the BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPLE we have because that's the only place we can go when we're doin the Living Stations.... TALKING laughing, no reverence with GOD INCARNATE present... argh sometimes i wish i had a whip...
Laudate_Dominum Posted February 7, 2004 Posted February 7, 2004 (edited) I hold that the tabernacle should be front and center if possible. This should only be deviated from for sufficient reason (for example in the case of a Cathedral in which this wouldn't be the most appropriate placement) and parish Church's should be constructed with the intention of having the tabernacle in the center. My reasons are too many to get into here. The Catechism says: §1379. The tabernacle was first intended for the reservation of the Eucharist in a worthy place so that it could be brought to the sick and those absent, outside of Mass. As faith in the real presence of Christ in his Eucharist deepened, the Church became conscious of the meaning of silent adoration of the Lord present under the Eucharistic species. It is for this reason that the tabernacle should be located in an especially worthy place in the church and should be constructed in such a way that it emphasizes and manifests the truth of the real presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. The Code of Canon Law says: Can. 937 - Unless a grave reason prevents it, the church in which the Most Holy Eucharist is reserved should be open to the faithful for at least some hours each day so that they are able to spend time in prayer before the Most Blessed Sacrament. Can. 938 1. "The Most Holy Eucharist is to be reserved regularly in only one tabernacle of a church or oratory." 2. "The tabernacle in which the Most Holy Eucharist is reserved should be placed in a part of the church that is prominent, conspicuous, beautifully decorated, and suitable for prayer." According to Praenotanda generalia: 9. The place for the reservation of the Eucharist should be truly preeminent. It is highly recommended that the place be suitable also for private adoration and prayer so that the faithful may readily and fruitfully continue to honor the Lord, present in the sacrament, through personal worship. This will be achieved more easily if the chapel is separate from the body of the church, especially in churches where marriages and funerals are celebrated frequently and in churches where there are many visitors because of pilgrimages or the artistic and historical treasures. The document Eucharisticum Mysterium says: 54. "The Eucharist is to be reserved in a solid and secure tabernacle, placed in the middle of the main altar or on a minor, but truly worthy altar, or else, depending on lawful custom and in particular cases approved by the local Ordinary, in another, special, and properly adorned part of the church.QUOTE] And, according to Inter Oecumenici: Edited February 7, 2004 by Laudate_Dominum
aByzantineCatholic Posted February 7, 2004 Posted February 7, 2004 As the The document Eucharisticum Mysterium says: 54. "The Eucharist is to be reserved in a solid and secure tabernacle, placed in the middle of the main altar or on a minor, but truly worthy altar, or else, depending on lawful custom and in particular cases approved by the local Ordinary, in another, special, and properly adorned part of the church. I don't think the Church that dUST posted would qualify as "Truly Worthy Altar!" In fact, it is disgusting to me. I am personally scandalized by that church.
Confessionator741 Posted February 7, 2004 Posted February 7, 2004 it doesn't specifically say it should be front-center? i thought it did... anyway, to be able to follow the GIRM for Mass, if they're usin Hosts from the Tabernacle, it would have to be on the main altar because the priest is not supposed to leave the sanctuary after the consecration and EEMs aren't sposedta be gettin Him out of the tabernacle (like my parish's do) however, our Church has a beautiful little chapel to the side with a nice big window so it's visible when looking to the main altar, but it's still over to the right not center like i think He should be. w/e... i'm quite unsure what i want my Parish to do, lol agreed... not so sure our parish is very hot on the GIRM... but i must say i like how quite the Blessed Sacrament Chapel is....
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