in our parish, after reconstruction to repair storm damage left stark white undecorated walls, the priest asked for hangings in fabric of the appropriate liturgical color against two walls that flank the statues on either side of the altar. they mounted sturdy drapery hardware about 6 inches from the ceiling in the proper width, accessible by ladder, and simply sewed the panels, 2 on each side, from 60" wide polyester double knit, which does not wrinkle in storage, and can be cleaned in a commercial laundromat when necessary. It is heavy enough that it does not “float” and easy for 2 people to hang. not saying I agree, just saying that is what they do. the rod is heavy enough to hold the fabric, but light enough for one person to handle.
at least there are not jingles or slogans on the banners, just the colors, we even found a gold lame for Easter and Christmas, which is paired with white panels.
someday I will describe the makeshift screen they erect when the bishop sends a video to be shown at all parishes.
the basilica used to have banners on either side of the sanctuary with the text of the psalm response in English and Spanish, but I see since our new bishop has taken over they seem to have been banished. too bad.
