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Banners that hang or are carried in procession may contribute to the
religious environment that fosters worship. Catholic churches are noted
for permanent installations of artwork — paintings, stained glass windows,
and statues, for example. But removable art also has a place, especially
to mark the ever-changing seasons of the year. Banners may fill this need,
although some of them are designed for permanent installation instead.
Fabrics offer an endless variety of colors, textures, and shapes that can
summon forth a wide range of devotions among the faithful.
Banners may hang on the interior walls of a church. They may also flap
in the wind on the outside, drawing the attention of passersby to an event
of particular importance. They may also be carried in procession. They
may then be placed on stands or removed when the procession ends.
Some banners carry words, but these are usually less effective than
those that rely on symbols. “Fabric art in the form of processional banners
and hangings can be an effective way to convey the spirit of liturgical
seasons, especially through the use of color, shape, texture, and symbolic
form. The use of images rather than words is more in keeping with this
medium” (Built of Living Stones 127).
The Directory for Masses with Children suggests that young people take
part in processions (34). Even children who have not yet celebrated first
communion may join in the entrance or the Gospel procession. Besides the
incense and candles, the Gospel procession may include some “other symbols
of reverence that may be customary” (Lectionary for Mass 17). Children
could carry banners to focus attention on the proclamation of the word
of God.
However banners are used, they should help draw people into an appropriate
spirit of prayer. ML
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This bulletin insert originally appeared in Ministry
& Liturgy, a pastoral planning resource used by the worship leaders
in your parish as an aid for better liturgy. Copyright © 2006, Resource
Publications, Inc. 160 E. Virginia St. #290, San Jose, CA 95112, (408)
286-8505. This article may not be reproduced in any form without permission
from the publisher. For permission e-mail
info@rpinet.com.
Paul
Turner, pastor of St. Munchin Parish in Cameron, MO, holds a doctorate
in sacramental theology from Sant' Anselmo University in Rome.
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