Correct Catholic Construction?

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KephasAugustine

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I’m not sure where to ask this, but since it’s connected to the Liturgy I’ll ask here…

My father asked me recently who oversees the construction of Catholic Churches, ie the baptismal font’s location in relation to certain things, or where various parts of the church building go…

I was not aware that such stipulations existed in the building of a church, let alone who makes sure everything is correct. Does anybody here know where I can find this information (a google search turned out fruitless).

Thanks.
 
The bishop, or his delegate. This would usually mean the pastor of the parish (though they can’t just start building on their own!).

See a discussion on the Tabernacle issue specifically.
 
In the US the bishops have a document called Built of Living Stones that addresses the principles involved in church architecture.

Ultimately the bishop needs to approve the plans before the church is built.
 
It’s not uncommon for the bishop to appoint a committee to review it; eventually, and usually based solely upon said committee’s review, the bishop signs off.

In some rare cases, a parish moves in to a pre-extant building which is not configured nor configurable to conform to the norms, and the building is modified to be as close as is practical, until such time as they can afford one which does meet the norms.
 
It’s not exactly what you’re asking, but a really good read is Ugly As Sin by Michael Rose.

It’s not an official book, but it says ever so much about church construction.
 
Thank you all.

Follow-up question: is there a special name for this “art form” of sorts?
 
Church architecture, ecclesial architecture, or ecclesiastical architecture.
 
Lepanto said:
The BLS document is NOT binding, and many have discredited it.

For some good resources check out:

sacredarchitecture.org/

dellachiesa.com/

stroik.com/pubs/
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Let’s talk about this for a minute. the stoik website is a website that is an architectural company. While I am sure they are good at their specialty to say they are more “authoritative” above the Bishops is way over the top. I think you might have a personal interest in this company.

sacredarchitect quotes some interesting articles by Pope Benedict but they seem to be more about the art of the church than the design. While art is important, I think you can get some pretty good info without buying their subscription.

deliachiesa seems to be a another architectural referral group.

I would also call on you to prove the Bishops have been discredited in this. That sounds pretty harsh.

Thank you
 
Ted_in_Charlott said:
While I am sure they are good at their specialty to say they are more “authoritative” above the Bishops is way over the top.
Click to expand...
Who said that they are more “authoritative?” I said that BLS is NOT binding.

Besides, if you read the documents posted on those websites, you’ll notice that many are official Church documents or otherwise written by Church officials.
 
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