Rules for Use of the Church - Canon Law & GIRM?

[Kaniksu]

Hi all,

Hope you can help me out here… we are in the process of establishing new rules for the use of the church. We will no longer allow gradeschool graduations (as opposed to baccalaureate Masses which ARE ok), gradeschool awards programs, summer Bible school, etc. to take place in the worship space. Some parishioners aren’t going to like the change ~ any references to back up these rules from Canon Law, the GIRM, etc. would be appreciated.

I can find information about placement of the Altar, the importance of the worship space, etc. but not a comprehensive list of “do’s and don’ts”.

The people in our parish are well-meaning but many are poorly catechised. The teachers in the school aren’t any better than a lot of the parents when it comes to appropriate behavior, dress, etc. in the church.

 

[gelsbern]

Do you have a decent sized parish center, or a large basement to put move these functions to?

 

[otm]

I guess I would have no problems with not having the graduation there.

But are you really serious about not having a bible study there? If there is other space available, then it would be appropriate to use the other space first; but not allowing a Bible Study? I would hardly consider that a secualr activity.

You may have to look to Canon Law, although I doubt you will find information as explicit as you might want; I doubt tthe GIRM has anything (having read it).

 

[Catholic2003]

I don’t have time to really research this, but the canon that comes to mind is:

Canon 1210 In a sacred place only those things are to be permitted which serve to exercise or promote worship, piety and religion. Anything out of harmony with the holiness of the place is forbidden. The Ordinary may however, for individual cases, permit other uses, provided they are not contrary to the sacred character of the place.

 

[Deacon_Tony560]

We had a pastor that had another place to reserve the Eucharist, when a large function such as our CCD Christmas program was being held. At the end of the program, he returned the Eucharist to its place behine the altar. This way there was no laughing, talking, clapping Etc. being done before the Blessed Sacrament.

 

[Kaniksu]

gelsbern:

Do you have a decent sized parish center, or a large basement to put move these functions to?

Yes, we do – but the previous pastors turned a blind-eye to misuse of the Church so now we’re working to get things as they ought to be

 

[Kaniksu]

otm:

I guess I would have no problems with not having the graduation there.

But are you really serious about not having a bible study there? If there is other space available, then it would be appropriate to use the other space first; but not allowing a Bible Study? I would hardly consider that a secualr activity.

You may have to look to Canon Law, although I doubt you will find information as explicit as you might want; I doubt tthe GIRM has anything (having read it).

Graduations aren’t liturgical celebrations and therefore inappropriate, but we will allow baccalaureate (sp?) Masses.

Our Bible school isn’t really a Bible study – it’s more like a kid’s summertime “Jesus loves you” catechesis free-for-all. In years past we’ve had kids doing arts and crafts in the church and the “supervising” teachers even went so far as to set their latte’s on the altar like it was a coffee table! (Lord, have mercy)

 

[Kaniksu]

Catholic2003:

I don’t have time to really research this, but the canon that comes to mind is:

Canon 1210 In a sacred place only those things are to be permitted which serve to exercise or promote worship, piety and religion. Anything out of harmony with the holiness of the place is forbidden. The Ordinary may however, for individual cases, permit other uses, provided they are not contrary to the sacred character of the place.

Thank you, that’s just the kind of information that I’m looking for.

 

[Kaniksu]

Deacon Tony560:

We had a pastor that had another place to reserve the Eucharist, when a large function such as our CCD Christmas program was being held. At the end of the program, he returned the Eucharist to its place behine the altar. This way there was no laughing, talking, clapping Etc. being done before the Blessed Sacrament.

Thanks for your reply. If we didn’t have a hall, that would be a good option – as it stands, we’re trying to re-educate our parishioners (and establish rules) so that they understand the holy/sacred nature of the church and don’t treat it like an auditorium.

 

[otm]

Kaniksu:

Graduations aren’t liturgical celebrations and therefore inappropriate, but we will allow baccalaureate (sp?) Masses.

Our Bible school isn’t really a Bible study – it’s more like a kid’s summertime “Jesus loves you” catechesis free-for-all. In years past we’ve had kids doing arts and crafts in the church and the “supervising” teachers even went so far as to set their latte’s on the altar like it was a coffee table! (Lord, have mercy)

OK, that explains it a bit better.

Most of the problem appears to be catechesis… as it has been for a long time. Not lack of faith, but lack of understanding. Good luck;you’ll probably be able to roast a few hotdogs in the firestorm. Try to be charitable; ignorance is not necessarily genetic.