Sharings

Art and environment

I am making suggestions. I am new to Art and Environment and would like to see more than just the new column “Environment and Art” by Kevin Yell, for example, some practical helps, principles involved and suggestions for various seasons. I am most appreciative of what has been written in the column. Also I am aware of the Environment and Art newsletter and the link for Art and Environment on the website. I wish more people knew about the site. Perhaps an article about the website itself. Thank you for all the articles on the RCIA, which I also do in the parish.

Barbara West
Anoka, Minn.

Kevin Yell responds: Many thanks for the letter about the new series of E&A articles in MINISTRY & LITURGY. I hope it will provide the things you are asking for, beginning with some basic principles and moving to concrete ideas for the seasons. You might consider joining me and other members of the ML team for a hands-on liturgical and catechetical planning experience, for example, Liturgical Catechesis Convention in October in Kansas City, Mo. Details are on the web: www.rpinet.com/nr/ pr-lcc0707.html.

I am glad you see the need for and benefit of this work. Creating sacred space is as important as everything else in our worship and needs to be planned and prepared with energy and a commitment to excellence. If you are beginning with this work, take it slow and don’t try to do everything the first year. ML has printed great articles in the past about planning the liturgical year. You might find browsing through back issues useful. As the year progresses I will look at the seasons in detail. Remember, E&A work is integrated with the other arts used in liturgy planning. Be part of the conversation in your parish, and encourage it at all levels. Sometimes being the “new kid on the block” is a great gift to the established group; you have innocence on your side. Make the other planners show the connections so that you’ll all grow together in ministry. Feel free to let me know of any specific questions you have.ML

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