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Adoration Facing the East

Against Applause / Noise in Church

Against Reducing to Antiquity

All Laity Forbidden to Preach in Church

Altar Cloth Material

Altars

Bands Forbidden in Church

Beauty & Decorum in the House of God

Building / Refurbishing of Churches

Churches Should Be Open

Condemnation / Single Altar

Consecrated / Dedicated / Blessed Altars & Sacred Places

The Crucifix

Denial of Eucharist to Public Sinners

Desecration of Sacred Places

Desirable that Men & Women be Separated in Church

Disposition of Church Items

Divine Praises

Each Church to Have its Own Priest

Entry to Church To Be Open and Free

Exposition of the Holy Eucharist

Forbidden / Allowed Instruments

Goodness / Beauty

Gregorian Chant

Holiness Over Beauty

Instruments Should Not Oppress Singing

Kneeling / Prostrating / Bowing / Genuflecting

Lay People Have No Power to Dispose of Ecclesiastical Property

Liturgical Vestments / Those Who Want Black Excluded

Loss of Dedication / Consecration / Blessing

Misc. / Sacred Music

Music is at the Service of the Liturgy & Not Vice Versa

Notorious Public Criminals Not to Serve at Altar / Assist at Services

Oratories

Places Under Church Not to Be Put to Secular Use / No Opening to House of Laity

Polyphony

Praise of Gothic Style

Private Chapels

Profanation of a Sacred Object

Proper / Improper Church Attire

Reasons for Church Buildings

Rejected Artwork

Relics

Relics & Flowers Allowed on Altar

Sacred Images / Veneration of Images

Sacred Music

Sacred Music is Not For the Purpose of Pleasure or Showing Off

Sacred Places Exempt From Civil Jurisdiction

Sacred Things Not to be Put to Repugnant / Inappropriate Uses

Sacred Vessels Not To Be Touched by Laity

Sacrilege

Shrines

Silence in Church

Suitable / Unsuitable Music

The Tabernacle

Those Admitted to the Choir

Unlawful Seizure

Use of Holy Water Remits Venial Sins

Vatican Art

Violated Churches

Who Should / Should Not Participate in the Making of Sacred Art

Women Not Admitted to the Choir

Women's Head Covering

Misc.

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Category

Quotation

Adoration Facing the East

"There is a certain fittingness in adoring towards the east. First, because the Divine majesty is indicated in the movement of the heavens which is from the east. Secondly, because Paradise was situated in the east according to the Septuagint version of Genesis 2:8, and so we signify our desire to return to Paradise. Thirdly, on account of Christ Who is 'the light of the world' (John 8:12;9:5), and is called 'the Orient' (Zechariah 6:12). Who mounteth above the heaven of heavens to the east (Psalm 67:34), and is expected to come from the east, according to Matthew 24:27, 'As lightning cometh out of the east, and appeareth even into the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.'" (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

Also See: Church Architecture

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Against Applause / Noise in Church

"Wherever applause breaks out in the liturgy because of some human achievement, it is a sure sign that the essence of liturgy has totally disappeared and been replaced by a kind of religious entertainment." (Cardinal Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict XVI)

"It is not fitting that the servant should be applauded in His Master's house." (Pope St. Pius X)

"But bear with me, I beseech you, and be persuaded by me, and, if it seem good to you, let us even now establish this rule, that no hearer be permitted to applaud in the midst of any person's discourse, but if he will needs admire, let him admire in silence: there is none to prevent him: and let all his study and eager desire be set upon the receiving the things spoken. - What means that noise again? I am laying down a rule against this very thing, and you have not the forbearance even to hear me! - Many will be the good effects of this regulation: it will be a discipline of philosophy. Even the heathen philosophers - we hear of their discoursing, and nowhere do we find that noisy applause accompanied their words: we hear of the Apostles, making public speeches, and yet nowhere do the accounts add, that in the midst of their speeches the hearers interrupted the speakers with loud expressions of approbation. A great gain will this be to us. But let us establish this rule: in quiet let us all hear, and speak the whole (of what we have to say). For if indeed it were the case that we departed retaining what we had heard, what I insist upon is, that even so the praise is not beneficial - but not to go too much into particulars (on this point); let none tax me with rudeness - but since nothing is gained by it, nay, it is even mischievous, let us loose the hindrance, let us put a stop to the boundings, let us retrench the gambollings of the soul. Christ spoke publicly on the Mount: yet no one said aught, until He had finished His discourse. I do not rob those who wish to be applauded: on the contrary, I make them to be more admired. It is far better that one's hearer, having listened in silence, should by his memory throughout all time applaud, both at home and abroad, than that having lost all he should return home empty, not possessed of that which was the subject of his applauses. For how shall the hearer be otherwise than ridiculous? Nay, he will be deemed a flatterer, and his praises no better than irony, when he declares that the teacher spoke beautifully, but what he said, this he cannot tell. This has all the appearance of adulation. For when indeed one has been hearing minstrels and players, it is no wonder if such be the case with him, seeing he knows not how to utter the strain in the same manner: but where the matter is not an exhibition of song or of voice, but the drift and purport of thoughts and wise reflection, and it is easy for every one to tell and report what was said, how can he but deserve the accusation, who cannot tell what the matter was for which he praised the speaker? Nothing so becomes a church as silence and good order. Noise belongs to theatres, and baths, and public processions, and market-places: but where doctrines, and such doctrines, are the subject of teaching, there should be stillness, and quiet, and calm reflection, and a haven of much repose. These things I beseech and entreat: for I go about in quest of ways by which I shall be enabled to profit your souls. And no small way I take this to be: it will profit not you only, but us also. So shall we not be carried away with pride, not be tempted to love praises and honor, not be led to speak those things which delight, but those which profit: so shall we lay the whole stress of our time and diligence not upon arts of composition and beauties of expression, but upon the matter and meaning of the thoughts. Go into a painter's study, and you will observe how silent all is there. Then so ought it to be here: for here too we are employed in painting portraits, royal portraits (every one of them), none of any private man, by means of the colors of virtue - How now? Applauding again? This is a reform not easy, but (only) by reason of long habit, to be effected - The pencil moreover is the tongue, and the Artist the Holy Spirit. Say, during the celebration of the Mysteries, is there any noise? any disturbance? when we are baptizing, when we are doing all the other acts? Is not all Nature decked (as it were) with stillness and silence? Over all the face of heaven is scattered this charm (of repose). On this account are we evil spoken of even among the Gentiles, as though we did all for display and ostentation. But if this be prevented, the love of the chief seats also will be extinguished. It is sufficient, if any one be enamored of praise, that he should obtain it after having been heard, when all is gathered in. Yea, I beseech you, let us establish this rule, that doing all things according to God's will, we may be found worthy of the mercy which is from Him, through the grace and compassion of His only begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ, with Whom to the Father together with the Holy Spirit be glory, dominion, honor, now and ever, world without end. Amen." (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church)

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Against Reducing to Antiquity

"But it is neither wise nor laudable to reduce everything to antiquity by every possible device. Thus, to cite some instances, one would be straying from the straight path were he to wish the altar restored to its primitive table form; were he to want black excluded as a color for the liturgical vestments; were he to forbid the use of sacred images and statues in churches; were he to order the crucifix so designed that the divine Redeemer's body shows no trace of His cruel sufferings; and lastly were he to disdain and reject polyphonic music or singing in parts, even where it conforms to regulations issued by the Holy See." (Pope Pius XII, "Mediator Dei", 1947) [Note: 'Reducing to antiquity' does NOT refer to the Traditionalists attempts to restore the traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass and pre-Vatican II practices, but to the modernists quest to 'restore' the Church to a 'primitive form' that better corresponds with Protestant sensibilities. In fact, the 'reduction to antiquity' of the Modernists and the restoration sought by the Traditionalists are diametrically opposed. The 'reducing to antiquity' of the Modernists has been condemned by the popes - whereas true faithfulness to tradition has always been guarded in the Church, and is even praised in Holy Scripture. For more information, try here (Latin Mass & Catholic Tradition: Q & A).

Also See: Altars | Sacred Art / Images | Sacred Music | Catholic News Links/Current Issues

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All Laity Forbidden to Preach in Church

"Can. 1342 § 2 All laity are forbidden to preach in churches, even religious." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

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Altar Cloth Material

"Where it could be done without danger, the Church gave order for that thing to be used which more expressively represents Christ's Passion. But there was not so much danger regarding the body which is placed on the corporal, as there is with the blood contained in the chalice. And consequently, although the chalice is not made of stone, yet the corporal is made of linen, since Christ's body was wrapped therein. Hence we read in an Epistle of Pope Sylvester, quoted in the same distinction: 'By a unanimous decree we command that no one shall presume to celebrate the sacrifice of the altar upon a cloth of silk, or dyed material, but upon linen consecrated by the bishop; as Christ's body was buried in a clean linen winding-sheet.' Moreover, linen material is becoming, owing to its cleanness, to denote purity of conscience, and, owing to the manifold labor with which it is prepared, to denote Christ's Passion." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

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Altars

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Beauty & Decorum in the House of God

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Building / Refurbishing of Churches

"Can. 1164 § 1 Ordinaries shall take care, even hearing, if need be, the advice of experts, that in the building or refurbishing of churches, the forms received from Christian tradition and the laws of sacred art are observed." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

"Can. 1215 §1 No church is to be built without the express and written consent of the diocesan Bishop. §2 The diocesan bishop is not to give consent unless, after having heard the presbyteral council and the rectors of the neighboring churches, he judges that the new church can serve the good of souls and that the necessary means will be available to build the church and to provide for divine worship. §3 Even though they have received the diocesan Bishop's consent to establish a new house in a diocese or city, religious institutes must obtain the same Bishop's permission before they may build a church in a specific and determined place." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

"Can. 1216 In the building and restoration of churches the advice of experts is to be used, and the principles and norms of liturgy and of sacred art are to be observed." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

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Burial in Churches

"Can. 1205 § 2 Corpses are not to be buried in churches, unless it concerns the corpses or residential Bishops, or Abbots or Prelates of no one, who are to be buried in their churches, or the Roman Pontiff, or royal persons, or Cardinals of the H.R.C." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

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Candles

"This offering of candles or oil may profit the departed in so far as they are a kind of alms: for they are given for the worship of the Church or for the use of the faithful." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

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Chalice Materials

"As is laid down in the same distinction, 'formerly the priests did not use golden but wooden chalices; but Pope Zephyrinus ordered the Mass to be said with glass patens; and subsequently Pope Urban had everything made of silver.' Afterwards it was decided that 'the Lord's chalice with the paten should be made entirely of gold, or of silver or at least of tin. But it is not to be made of brass, or copper, because the action of the wine thereon produces verdigris, and provokes vomiting. But no one is to presume to sing Mass with a chalice of wood or of glass,' because as the wood is porous, the consecrated blood would remain in it; while glass is brittle and there might arise danger of breakage; and the same applies to stone. Consequently, out of reverence for the sacrament, it was enacted that the chalice should be made of the aforesaid materials." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

Also See: Altar Cloth Material | Beauty & Decorum in the House of God | Sacred Vessels Not To Be Touched by Laity

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Church Architecture

"When the Edict of Constantine allowed Christians to declare themselves in full freedom, art became a privileged means for the expression of faith. Majestic basilicas began to appear, and in them the architectural canons of the pagan world were reproduced and at the same time modified to meet the demands of the new form of worship. How can we fail to recall at least the old Saint Peter's Basilica and the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, both funded by Constantine himself? Or Constantinople's Hagia Sophia built by Justinian, with its splendors of Byzantine art?" (Pope John Paul II)

"The Church needs architects, because she needs spaces to bring the Christian people together and celebrate the mysteries of salvation. After the terrible destruction of the last World War and the growth of great cities, a new generation of architects showed themselves adept at responding to the exigencies of Christian worship, confirming that the religious theme can still inspire architectural design in our own day. Not infrequently these architects have constructed churches which are both places of prayer and true works of art." (Pope John Paul II, 1999)

"The artistic heritage built up over the centuries includes a vast array of sacred works of great inspiration, which still today leave the observer full of admiration. In the first place, there are the great buildings for worship, in which the functional is always wedded to the creative impulse inspired by a sense of the beautiful and an intuition of the mystery. From here came the various styles well known in the history of art. The strength and simplicity of the Romanesque, expressed in cathedrals and abbeys, slowly evolved into the soaring splendors of the Gothic. These forms portray not only the genius of an artist but the soul of a people. In the play of light and shadow, in forms at times massive, at times delicate, structural considerations certainly come into play, but so too do the tensions peculiar to the experience of God, the mystery both 'awesome' and 'alluring'. How is one to summarize with a few brief references to each of the many different art forms, the creative power of the centuries of the Christian Middle Ages? An entire culture, albeit with the inescapable limits of all that is human, had become imbued with the Gospel; and where theology produced the Summa of Saint Thomas, church art moulded matter in a way which led to adoration of the mystery, and a wonderful poet like Dante Alighieri could compose 'the sacred poem, to which both heaven and earth have turned their hand', as he himself described the Divine Comedy." (Pope John Paul II, 1999)

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Church Bells

"Can. 1169 § 1 It is fitting that every church have bells by which the faithful are invited to divine offices and other religious acts. § 2 The bells of churches must also be consecrated or blessed according to the rites given in the approved liturgical books. § 3 The use [of the bells] belongs solely to ecclesiastical authority. § 4 With due regard for the conditions [which were] approved by the church, a blessed bell cannot be put to a profane [secular] use except for the cause of necessity or with the permission of the Ordinary or finally from legitimate custom." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

Also See: Church Architecture

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Church Title

"Can. 1218 Each church is to have its own title which cannot be changed after the church has been dedicated." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

"Can. 1168 § 1 Each consecrated or blessed church shall have its own title, which, the dedication of the church having been done, cannot be changed. § 2 The titular feast will also be celebrated each year according to the norms of liturgical law. § 3 Churches cannot be dedicated to Blesseds without an indult of the Apostolic See." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

Also See: Building / Refurbishing of Churches | Consecrated / Dedicated / Blessed Altars & Sacred Places | Reasons for Church Buildings | Altars | Relics

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Churches Should Be Open

"Above all, do not allow - as some do, who are deceived under the pretext of restoring the liturgy or who idly claim that only liturgical rites are of any real value and dignity - that churches be closed during the hours not appointed for public functions, as has already happened in some places: where the adoration of the august Sacrament and visits to our Lord in the tabernacles are neglected; where confession of devotion is discouraged; and devotion to the Virgin Mother of God, a sign of 'predestination' according to the opinion of holy men, is so neglected, especially among the young, as to fade away and gradually vanish. Such conduct most harmful to Christian piety is like poisonous fruit, growing on the infected branches of a healthy tree, which must be cut off so that the life-giving sap of the tree may bring forth only the best fruit." (Pope Pius XII, "Mediator Dei", 1947)

Also See: Entry to Church To Be Open and Free

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Condemnation / Single Altar

"The proposition of the synod enunciating that it is fitting, in accordance with the order of divine services and ancient custom that there be only one altar in each temple, and therefore, that it is pleased to restore that custom, [is condemned as] rash, injurious to the very ancient pious custom flourishing and approved for these many centuries in the Church, especially in the Latin Church." ('Auctorem fidei, Condemning the Errors of the Synod of Pistoia, Aug. 28, 1794 A.D.)

Also See: Altars | Consecrated / Dedicated / Blessed Altars & Sacred Places

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Consecrated / Dedicated / Blessed Altars & Sacred Places

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Denial of Eucharist to Public Sinners

Also See: Holy Eucharist (Topic Page)

"Can. 915 Those who have been excommunicated or interdicted after the imposition or declaration of the penalty and others obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to holy communion." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

Also See: Sacraments Section | Notorious Public Criminals Not to Serve at Altar / Assist at Services | Sacred Vessels Not To Be Touched by Laity | Sacrilege | "Our Responsibilities in God's House" (Flier / Resources)

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Desecration of Sacred Places

"Can. 1211 Sacred places are desecrated by acts done in them which are gravely injurious and give scandal to the faithful when, in the judgement of the local Ordinary, these acts are so serious and so contrary to the sacred character of the place that worship may not be held there until the harm is repaired by means of the penitential rite which is prescribed in the liturgical books." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

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Desirable that Men & Women be Separated in Church

"Can. 1262 § 1 It is desirable that, consistent with ancient discipline, women be separated from men in church." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

Also See: Reverence | Proper / Improper Church Attire | Beauty & Decorum in the House of God | Silence in Church | Women Not Admitted to the Choir

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Disposition of Church Items

"Ordinaries must be very careful to see that sacred furnishings and works of value are not disposed of or dispersed; for they are the ornaments of the house of God." (Second Vatican Council)

"Whoever takes away or intends to take away what other faithful have given from the heritage of their possessions for the care of their souls, the honor of God, the beauty of His Church and the use of its ministers, assuredly turns the gifts of others into danger for his own soul." (Pope Pius VII, quoting the Synod of Aachen)

"Can. 1165 § 2 If it is prudently foreseen that a church is going to be converted to profane [e.g. secular] uses, the Ordinary shall not give his consent for its building, or at least, if by chance it has already been built, he will not consecrate it or bless it." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

"Can. 1222 §1 If a church cannot in any way be used for divine worship and there is no possibility of its being restored, the diocesan Bishop may allow it to be used for some secular but not unbecoming purpose. §2 Where other grave reasons suggest that a particular church should no longer be used for divine worship, the diocesan Bishop may allow it to be used for a secular but not unbecoming purpose. Before doing so, he must consult the council of priests; he must also have the consent of those who could lawfully claim rights over that church, and be sure that the good of souls would not be harmed by the transfer." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

"And since they acquire special spiritual virtue from their consecration, we find it laid down in the same distinction that 'the beams of a dedicated church ought not to be used for any other purpose, except it be for some other church, or else they are to be burned, or put to the use of brethren in some monastery: but on no account are they to be discarded for works of the laity.' We read there, too, that 'the altar covering, chair, candlesticks, and veil, are to be burned when warn out; and their ashes are to be placed in the baptistery, or in the walls, or else cast into the trenches beneath the flag-stones, so as not to be defiled by the feet of those that enter.'" (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"Whereas, also, very great care ought to be taken, lest those things which have been dedicated to sacred services, may, through the injury of time, cease to be so employed, and pass from the memory of men; the bishops, even as the delegates of the Apostolic See, may transfer simple benefices - even those that are under a right of patronage - from churches which have fallen into ruin by age, or otherwise, and which cannot, by reason of the poverty thereof, be restored, to the Mother Churches, or others of the same or neighboring places, as they shall judge fit, after having summoned those who are interested therein; and they shall raise, in the said churches, altars, or chapels, under the same invocations; or transfer them, with all their emoluments and with all the obligations that were imposed on the former churches, to altars or chapels already erected. But, as regards parish churches which have thus fallen into decay, they shall, even though they be under a right of patronage, make it their care that they be repaired and restored, out of any fruits and proceeds whatever, in any way belonging to the said churches; and if those resources should not be sufficient, they shall compel, by all suitable means, the patrons and others who receive any fruits derived from those churches, or, in their default, the parishioners, to provide for the aforesaid repairs; setting aside every appeal, exemption, or reservation whatsoever. But if they should be all too poor, those churches shall be transferred to the Mother Churches, or to the neighboring churches, with power to convert both the said parish churches and others that are in ruins, to profane [that is, secular], though not to sordid uses; a cross, however, being erected there." (Council of Trent, Twenty-first Session)

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Divine Praises

"The holy synod therefore decrees that in all cathedral and collegiate churches, at suitable times and at the sound of a bell, the divine praises shall be reverently celebrated by everyone through all the hours, not hurriedly but gravely and slowly and with reasonable pauses, especially in the middle of each verse of the psalms, and with a suitable distinction between solemn and ferial offices. Those who recite the canonical hours shall enter the church wearing an ankle-length gown and a clean surplice reaching below the middle of the shin-bone or a cloak, according to the different seasons and regions, and covering their heads not with a cowl but with an amice or a biretta. Having arrived in the choir, they shall behave with such gravity as the place and the duty demand, not gossiping or talking among themselves or with others, nor reading letters or other writings. They have gathered there to sing, so they should not keep their mouths shut rather all of them, especially those with more important functions, should sing to God eagerly in psalms, hymns and canticles." (Council of Basel)

Also See: Sacred Music

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Each Church to Have its Own Priest

"We also enjoin that churches are not to be entrusted to hired priests and that each and every church with sufficient means is to have its own priest." (Second Lateran Council)

Also See: All Laity Forbidden to Preach in Church | Lay People Have No Power to Dispose of Ecclesiastical Property | Sacred Vessels Not To Be Touched by Laity | Priests & Vocations Section

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Entry to Church To Be Open and Free

"Can. 1221 Entry to a church at the hours of sacred functions is to be open and free of charge." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

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Exposition of the Holy Eucharist

Also See: Holy Eucharist (Topic Page)

"Can. 941 §1 In churches or oratories which are allowed to reserve the blessed Eucharist, there may be exposition, either with the pyx or with the monstrance, in accordance with the norms prescribed in the liturgical books. §2 Exposition of the blessed Sacrament may not take place while Mass is being celebrated in the same area of the church or oratory." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

"Can. 942 It is recommended that in these churches or oratories, there is to be each year a solemn exposition of the blessed Sacrament for an appropriate, even if not for a continuous time, so that the local community may more attentively meditate on and adore the eucharistic mystery. This exposition is to take place only if a fitting attendance of the faithful is foreseen, and the prescribed norms are observed." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

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Goodness / Beauty

"In perceiving that all he had created was good, God saw that it was beautiful as well. The link between good and beautiful stirs fruitful reflection. In a certain sense, beauty is the visible form of the good, just as the good is the metaphysical condition of beauty." (Pope John Paul II, 1999)

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Holiness Over Beauty

"[M]ore than the scent of incense, or the beauty of churches and altars, God loves and accepts holiness" (Pope Pius XI, "Ad Catholici Sacerdotii", 1935)

Also See: Beauty & Decorum in the House of God | Goodness / Beauty | Sacred Art / Images | Sacred Furnishings | Reverence

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Kneeling / Prostrating / Bowing / Genuflecting

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Lay People Have No Power to Dispose of Ecclesiastical Property

"[T]he decrees of the holy fathers state that lay people, no matter how devout they may be, have no power of disposal over ecclesiastical property." (Second Lateran Council)

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Liturgical Vestments / Those Who Want Black Excluded

Also See: Against Reducing to Antiquity | Catholic News Links/Current Issues | Priests & Vocations Section

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Loss of Dedication / Consecration / Blessing

"Can. 1212 Sacred places lose their dedication or blessing if they have been in great measure destroyed, or if they have been permanently made over to secular usage, whether by decree of the competent Ordinary or simply in fact." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

"Can. 1170 A church does not lose its consecration or blessing unless it is totally destroyed or the greater part of its walls collapse or it has been reduced to profane [secular] use by the local Ordinary according to the norms of Canon 1187." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

"Can 1305 Blessed or consecrated sacred furnishings lose their blessing or consecration: 1° If they undergo such damage or change that they lose their pristine form so that they are not considered suitable any more for their use; 2° If they have been put to an indecorous use or have been exposed to public sale. § 2 A chalice and paten do not lose consecration by the consumption or renovation of the gold, there remaining, however, in the first case, the grave obligation of applying the gold again." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

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Notorious Public Criminals Not to Serve at Altar / Assist at Services

"Furthermore, they shall not allow any one who is publicly and notoriously stained with crime, either to minister at the holy altar, or to assist at the sacred services; nor shall they suffer the holy sacrifice to be celebrated, either by any Seculars or Regulars whatsoever, in private houses; or, at all, out of the church, and those oratories which are dedicated solely to divine worship, and which are to be designated and visited by the said Ordinaries; and not then, unless those who are present shall have first shown, by their decently composed outward appearance, that they are there not in body only, but also in mind and devout affection of heart." (Council of Trent, Twenty-second Session)

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Oratories

"Can. 1223 An oratory means a place which, by permission of the Ordinary, is set aside for divine worship, for the convenience of some community or group of the faithful who assemble there, to which however other members of the faithful may, with the consent of the competent Superior, have access." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

"Can. 1224 §1 The Ordinary is not to give the permission required for setting up an oratory unless he has first, personally or through another, inspected the place destined for the oratory and found it to be becomingly arranged. §2 Once this permission has been given, the oratory cannot be converted to a secular usage without the authority of the same Ordinary." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

"Can. 1225 All sacred services may be celebrated in a lawfully constituted oratory, apart from those which are excluded by the law, by a provision of the local Ordinary, or by liturgical laws." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

"Can. 1229 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." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

Also See: Private Chapels | Shrines

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Places Under Church Not to Be Put to Secular Use / No Opening to House of Laity

"Can. 1164 § 2. In a church there shall be no entrance or window opening into the house of laity; those places under the floor of the church, if there are any, shall not be used for merely profane [that is, secular] use." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

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Praise of Gothic Style

"That style which, whatever be its origin, is called Gothic, is endowed with a profound and a commanding beauty, such as no other style possesses with which we are acquainted, and which probably the Church will not see surpassed till it attain to the celestial city." (Cardinal Newman)

Also See: Building / Refurbishing of Churches | Church Architecture | Reasons for Church Buildings | Sacred Art / Images | Sacred Furnishings

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Private Chapels

"Can. 1226 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." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

"Can. 1227 Bishops can establish a private chapel for themselves which possesses the same rights as an oratory." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

"Can. 1228 Without prejudice to the prescript of can. 1227, the permission of the local ordinary is required for Mass or other sacred celebrations to take place in any private chapel." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

Also See: Oratories | Shrines

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Profanation of a Sacred Object

"Can. 1376 A person who profanes a sacred object, moveable or immovable, is to be punished with a just penalty." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

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Proper / Improper Church Attire

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Reasons for Church Buildings

"A definite place is chosen for adoration, not on account of God Who is adored, as though He were enclosed in a place, but on account of the adorers; and this for three reasons. First, because the place is consecrated, so that those who pray there conceive a greater devotion and are more likely to be heard, as may be seen in the prayer of Solomon (3 Kings [1 Kings] 8). Secondly, on account of the sacred mysteries and other signs of holiness contained therein. Thirdly, on account of the concourse of many adorers, by reason of which their prayer is more likely to be heard, according to Matthew 18:20, 'Where there are two or three gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.'" (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"The chief purpose of the whole external worship is that man may give worship to God. Now man's tendency is to reverence less those things which are common, and indistinct from other things; whereas he admires and reveres those things which are distinct from others in some point of excellence. Hence too it is customary among men for kings and princes, who ought to be reverenced by their subjects, to be clothed in more precious garments, and to possess vaster and more beautiful abodes. And for this reason it behooved special times, a special abode, special vessels, and special ministers to be appointed for the divine worship, so that thereby the soul of man might be brought to greater reverence for God. In like manner the state of the Old Law...was instituted that it might foreshadow the mystery of Christ. Now that which foreshadows something should be determinate, so that it may present some likeness thereto. Consequently, certain special points had to be observed in matters pertaining to the worship of God." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Relics

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Relics & Flowers Allowed on Altar

Also See: Relics (Topic Page)

"Likewise, the prescription forbidding cases of sacred relics or flowers being placed on the altar, [is condemned as] rash, injurious to the pious and approved custom of the Church." (Errors of the Synod of Pistoia, Condemned in the Constitution "Auctorem fidei," Aug. 28, 1794 A.D.)

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Reverence

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Right of Asylum

"Can. 1179 Churches enjoy the right of asylum such that pursued ones who take refuge in them shall not be removed, unless necessity urges, without the assent of the Ordinary or at least the rector of the church." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

Also See: Sacred Places Exempt From Civil Jurisdiction | Entry to Church To Be Open and Free | Reverence | Silence in Church

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Sacred Art / Images

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Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Sacred Furnishings

"Can. 1296 § 1 Sacred furnishings, especially those that, according to the norm of liturgical law, must be blessed or consecrated for use in public worship, shall be cautiously stored in the church sacristy or in another safe an decent place and shall not be put to profane [that is, secular] uses. § 2 According to the norm of Canon 1522, §§ 2 and 3, an inventory of all sacred furnishings shall be made and accurately preserved. § 3 Concerning the material and style of sacred furnishings, liturgical prescriptions are to be observed, and also ecclesiastical traditions and, to the degree it can be done for the better, also the laws of sacred art." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

"Can. 1302 Rectors of churches and others to whom the care of sacred furnishings is accorded shall carefully see to their preservation and decorous use." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

"The Church has been particularly careful to see that sacred furnishings should worthily and beautifully serve the dignity of worship. She has admitted changes in material, style, or ornamentation prompted by the progress of technical arts with the passage of time." (Second Vatican Council)

"[S]acred furnishings should worthily and beautifully serve the dignity of worship" (Second Vatican Council)

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Sacred Music

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Misc.

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Sacred Places Exempt From Civil Jurisdiction

"Can. 1160 Sacred places are exempt from the jurisdiction of civil authority and in them the legitimate authority of the Church freely exercises its jurisdiction." (1917 Code of Canon Law) [Note: Obviously, civil authority may wrongly disobey this law.]

Also See: Right of Asylum

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Sacred Things Not to be Put to Repugnant / Inappropriate Uses

"Can. 1537 Sacred things shall not be made available for uses that are repugnant to their nature." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

"Can. 1171 Sacred objects, which are designated for divine worship by dedication or blessing, are to be treated reverently and are not to be employed for profane [that is, secular] or inappropriate use even if they are owned by private persons." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Sacred Vessels Not To Be Touched by Laity

Also See: 'Lay Ministers': Why Not?

"Can. 1306 Care should be taken lest a chalice, paten, or, before cleansing, purificators, palls, and corporals that were used in the sacrifice of the Mass are touched by any other than by clerics or those who have custody of these things. § Purificators, palls, and corporals used in the sacrifice of the Mass shall not be put into the hands of the laity, even religious, unless they have first been washed by a cleric constituted in major orders; and the water from this first washing shall be put into a sacrarium or, in its absence, into a fire." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

Note: How much less should laity touch the sacred Host than sacred vessels! Unfortunately, modernists have rejected the traditional practice of receiving Holy Communion only from priests and have fostered the Protestant-inspired practice of 'self-communicating' (instituted by the Protestant 'Reformers' to discourage belief in the True Presence). The indult to receive Holy Communion in the hand is a result of their disobedience and has led to many abuses against the Holy Eucharist. Contentious Catholics should follow the general practice of the popes (Holy Communion administered to the faithful on the tongue by priests) and reject the act of self-communicating. It is your undeniable right to receive Holy Communion on the tongue. Consistent with Catholic tradition, Catholics should always do their utmost receive the Holy Eucharist only from the hands of a consecrated priest.

"In the sacramental reception it has always been the custom in the Church of God that the laity receive Communion from the priests and that priests who are celebrating Mass give Communion to themselves. This custom should rightly and deservedly be kept as coming down from apostolic tradition." (Council of Trent)

"Wherever I go in the whole world, the thing that makes me the saddest is watching people receive Communion in the hand." (Mother Teresa)

For more information, try the Catholic News/Current Issues section.

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Sacrilege

"[A] thing is called sacred through being deputed to the divine worship. Now just as a thing acquires an aspect of good through being deputed to a good end, so does a thing assume a divine character through being deputed to the divine worship, and thus a certain reverence is due to it, which reverence is referred to God. Therefore whatever pertains to irreverence for sacred things is an injury to God, and comes under the head of sacrilege." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"[W]e utterly rebuke the detestable abuse and horrible impiety of those who treating with irreverent boldness crucifixes and images or statues of the blessed Virgin and other saints, throw them to the ground in order to emphasize the suspension of divine worship, and leave them under nettles and thorns. We forbid severely any sacrilege of this kind. We decree that those who disobey are to receive a hard retributive sentence which will so chastise the offenders as to suppress the like arrogance in others." (Second Council of Lyons)

"Now in sacrilege we find a special aspect of deformity, namely, the violation of a sacred thing by treating it irreverently. Hence it is a special sin." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Shrines

"Can. 1230 By the term shrine is understood a church or other sacred place to which numerous members of the faithful make pilgrimage for a special reason of piety, with the approval of the local ordinary." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

"Can. 1231 For a shrine to be called a national shrine, the Episcopal Conference must give its approval; for it to be called an international shrine, the approval of the Holy See is required." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

"Can. 1234 §1 At shrines the means of salvation are to be more abundantly made available to the faithful: by sedulous proclamation of the word of God, by suitable encouragement of liturgical life, especially by the celebration of the Eucharist and penance, and by the fostering of approved forms of popular devotion. §2 In shrines or in places adjacent to them, votive offerings of popular art and devotion are to be displayed and carefully safeguarded." (1983 Code of Canon Law)

Also See: Oratories | Private Chapels

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Silence in Church

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The Tabernacle

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Unlawful Seizure

"On account of the disaster which came about in the churches due to our sins certain venerable houses - episcopal buildings as well as monasteries - were seized by certain men and became public inns. Now if those who hold them choose to restore them, so that they are established once more as formerly they were, this is good and excellent. However if such is not the case, should they be inscribed in the list of priests, we order that they be suspended, and if they are monks or lay persons, that they be excommunicated, seeing that they are criminals condemned by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and let them be assigned there where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched, because they oppose the voice of the Lord declaring, You shall not make my Father's house a house of trade." (Canon 13, Second Council of Nicaea)

"Our dearest churches, which had been erected by the piety of our ancestors, and were sacred by innumerable memories - how many times have they not been made ruins! Satan's ambition is to efface every vestige of Christ's kingdom on earth, for that kingdom is his defeat." (Gueranger)

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Use of Holy Water Remits Venial Sins

Also See: Sacramentals (Topic Page)

"[B]ecause they include a movement of reverence for God and Divine things...the sprinkling of holy water...conduce to the remission of venial sins." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

"The infusion of grace is not necessary for the blotting out of venial sin. Wherefore, since grace is infused in each of the sacraments of the New Law, none of them was instituted directly against venial sin. This is taken away by certain sacramentals, for instance, Holy Water and such like." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")

Also See: Prayers & Devotions Section | Catholic Basics Section

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Violated Churches

"Can. 1172 § 1 A church is violated only by the below-listed acts, provided they are certain, notorious, and were placed inside the church: 1° The delict of homicide; 2° An injurious and grave flow of blood; °3 Impious and sordid use to which the church was put; °4 Burial of an infidel or an excommunicate after a declaratory or condemnatory sentence; § 2 A violated church, but not the cemetery, even if it is contiguous can be considered violated, and vice versa." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

"Can. 1173 § 1 In a violated church, before it has been reconciled, it is nefarious to celebrate the divine office, to minister the Sacraments, or to bury the dead. § 2 If the violation occurs at the time of the divine office, these cease immediately; if [it occurred] before the canon of the Mass or after Communion, Mass is dismissed; otherwise, the priest shall continue the Mass until Communion." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

"Can. 1174 § 1 A violated church is to be reconciled as quickly as possible according to the rites described in the approved liturgical books. § 2 If there is doubt about whether a church has been violated, it can be reconciled as a precaution." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

"Can. 1175 A church violated by the burial of an excommunicate or infidel is not to be reconciled before the [body] is removed therefrom, if removal can be done without grave inconvenience." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

"Can. 1176 § 1 A rector, or any priest with the at least presumed consent of its rector, who can bless a church can reconcile one. § 2 The valid reconciliation of a violated consecrated church belongs to those who see to such things in Canon 1156. § 3 In case of grave and urgent necessity, however, if the Ordinary is not available, it is fundamental that rectors of consecrated church can reconcile them, informing the Ordinary afterward." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

"Can. 1177 Reconciliation of a blessed church can be done by common religious water; but reconciliation of a consecrated church is done with water blessed for this purpose according to the liturgical laws; however, not only Bishops, but also presbyters who reconcile churches can bless this water." (1917 Code of Canon Law)

Note: Categories are subjective and may overlap. For more items related to this topic, please review all applicable categories. For more 'Reflections' and for Scripture topics, see links below.

Misc.

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Includes: 365+ Daily Prayers (Jan.-Dec.); Holiday / Seasonal Prayers; Hundreds of Prayers Indexed by Title; Nearly 200 Aspirations / Short Prayers; Over 100 Latin Prayers & Aspirations; 500+ Topics for Meditation; Hundreds of Prayer Tips & Insights; And More...

Includes prayers drawn from Holy Scripture, the liturgy, writings of popes & saints, the Raccolta, the Roman Breviary, the Roman Missal, etc.

A daily prayer companion for Catholics that is 'suitable for any year'!

Kindle Version Just $8.99

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Now Available!

Coloring Book For Catholics: 50+ Latin Prayers

(Beginning - Intermediate - Advanced)

"This 'unique', tradition-minded coloring book which contains some of the most popular Catholic prayers in Latin is a fun way to become more familiar with Latin prayers & increase Latin language retention!"

This 'educational & fun' publication is useful for prayerful relaxation, educational recreation ('learn while you play'), becoming more familiar with Latin prayers & hundreds of Latin words, learning or memorizing Latin prayers, increasing Latin retention, and more...

An enjoyable and instructive tool with respect to Latin (the 'beautiful & majestic language of heaven' and 'official language of the Church' - a language 'consecrated' by the inscription on the Cross that helps to foster a universal bond in prayer with Catholics around the world), this publication is suitable for Catholics of most any age.

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"This Catholic coloring book - which provides hours of wholesome & educational recreation - is so much better for your soul than television!"

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My Little Latin Mass Coloring Book

25+ Traditional Latin Mass Coloring Images For Children Or Adults [Low Mass]

"Enjoyable & Educational!"

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Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.

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Catholic Classics Reprint Now Available!

In Heaven We Know Our Own - Or, Solace for the Suffering

This 'Catholic Classic', which offers consoling 'proof' that the faithful departed remember, love & care for those in heaven and for those still remaining on earth, is a "great balm of comfort" to those who have lost a spouse, child, parent, friend, or other loved one. "A thoughtful bereavement gift, and a 'must-have' for grieving Catholics!"

Get your copy today!

For More Information & To Purchase, Click Link Below...

Kindle Version Just $2.99!

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.

Now Available!

Setting The Record Straight About Luther

Important Things Catholics Should Know About The 'Reformer'

Don't miss this 'eye-opening' treatise concerning Martin Luther, the catalyst / leader of the ' Reformation ' (a.k.a. Protestant Rebellion)

Includes: Facts which demonstrate that Luther was NOT sent by God, Luther received approval of his teaching from Satan, Luther's misbehavior, some results of Luther's teachings, Luther admits he could be wrong, and more...

Get your copy today!

For More Information & To Purchase, Click Link Below...

Kindle Version Just $5.99

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Now Available!

BIG Book of Latin Activities For Catholics

Beginning - Intermediate (Vol. 1)

"Suitable For Children Or Adults!" ~ "Perfect For Home Schoolers!"

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As many faithful Catholics already know, the majestic Latin language – the 'official language' of the Catholic Church – promotes unity, helps safeguard the purity of doctrine, connects us with our Catholic ancestors, allows us to pray in "one voice", and even ties back to the inscription on the Cross which was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The Latin language is still used today in the precious treasure that is the Traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass, in 'everyday speech' (much of English is derived from Latin), in mottos, in specialized fields, and in educational endeavors. It has been shown that the study of Latin brings many benefits. "And, Latin is truly the language of heaven!"

If you enjoy Latin, you may be glad to know that this full-sized (8.5" x 11"), tradition-minded publication features an assortment of activity types related to Latin (including: word searches, crosswords, coloring activities, challenges, fill-ins, spelling bee, quizzes, unscrambles, true/false, multiple choice, matching, cross-offs, circling, word associations, translation exercises, and more...), and treats of various topics (including: common Latin words, Latin language facts, Latin grammar, nouns & verbs, abbreviations, phrases / sayings / mottos, prefixes, cardinal numbers, grammatical gender, inflection, word roots, diacritics / accenting, pronunciation, Latin prayers / hymns, Scripture verses, Catholic phrases, and more...).

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" Fun & Educational! "

Get Your Copy Today!

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