News on the document from Shawn Tribe at NLM. No more playing hide and seek with the Eucharist! Good for Bishop D'Arcy and pals!
The preface...
The place of the tabernacle in our church should reflect our faith in the real presence of Christ, and should always be guided by Church documents.
My experience is that our people, with their instinct of faith, have always desired that the tabernacle be central and visible. They find it confusing when the tabernacle in their churches is not visible, and if possible, central.
The norms (excerpt)...
4. In the Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend, the Bishop has judged that the tabernacle is normally to be prominently located in the sanctuary of the church, along the central axis behind the main altar. Under this arrangement, the tabernacle should be at an elevated, open location in the apse area, or in another central place in the sanctuary that is equally conspicuous. Where a high altar with a tabernacle remains in place, it is appropriate to continue using this noble structure for the reservation of the Blessed Sacrament.
5. This prescription is to be observed in all future construction or restoration projects involving places of sacred worship (including all churches, oratories, and private chapels) in the Diocese.
I was very elated to see the use of the high altar encouraged here, in an age where many nutcases thought that Vatican II wanted high altars and altar rails torn down.
Of the many examples of proper Tabernacle placement, Holy Ghost Church, where I was once music director, is shown. As bitter as I am toward the pastor for sacking me a week before Thanksgiving 2007, I have to give credit where credit is due. He has done a great job turning this modern edifice (late 1980's-built, and typical of that time, sadly) into a very respectable looking church. (Holy Ghost is on right.)
Jesus finally gets his rightful place at the center of attention at the Fort Wayne-South Bend diocese. Any other dioceses wanna follow suit?
Peace,
BMP
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