"My house shall be a house of prayer, says the Lord: in that house, everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
-Communion Antiphon, Mass for Dedication of a Church
A Sacred Space
The church building is a sacred space where individuals and families meet Christ Jesus and are led to the divine mysteries of the faith. It is in the Church where the assembly can celebrate the Eucharist in prayer and reverence. Works of art in the church draw people towards the beauty of Christ in the Eucharist. In retrospect, the church is a glimpse of heaven for all who enter.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops provides a set of guidelines to assist parishes and diocese in creating an environment that reveals the beauty, power and splendor of God.
Building and Renovation of Sacred Spaces
All building and renovation projects of worship space within the Diocese of Stockton are governed by the guidelines of the USCCB document
Built of Living Stones and the
General Instruction of the Roman Missal. Any renovation of worship space, including the installation of permanent artwork, the refurbishment of carpets and the painting of the walls, must be approved by the Bishop of Stockton.