Liturgical Arts & Environment Committee
at Holy Spirit Catholic Church

Chairperson: Shelly Gerstberger (913) 888-3740  

Have an eye for color? Got a talent for floral arrangements? Then Join Us!

Ministry Summary

The LAEC is designed to provide direct support for creating and maintaining an appropriate, reverent, and prayerful environment in the Sanctuary, Nave, Narthex, and Adoration Chapel. Utilizing the rubrics and documentation of the Church along with traditionally established norms and the seasonal traditions of the liturgical year, the ministry provides the following support:

* Creation, procurement, maintenance, and changing of Antependia (colored hangings) on the Altar and Ambo
* Maintenance, procurement, and changing of Banners in the Sanctuary, Nave, and Narthex
* Placement & maintenance of seasonal items (e.g. Advent Wreath, Nativity Set, Christmas Trees, etc)
* Procurement, placement, and maintenance of seasonal floral displays (e.g. poinsettias. Easter lilies, and Lenten pieces)
* Procurement and display of miscellaneous linens and textiles for use throughout the Sanctuary and Narthex (e.g. seasonal cloths, backdrops, draping, runners, and etc)
* Creation of festal environment enhancements throughout the Sanctuary, Nave, & Narthex
* Procurement and maintenance of particular liturgical needs (e.g. incense, special candles, Paschal Candle, etc)
* Procurement and maintenance of plants and seasonal enhancements
* Coordination of Seasonal Liturgies (including extra services in the Gym)
* Ceremonial (MC) support at special liturgical functions (Christmas, Easter, Holy Week, Confirmation, Holy Days, and on demand)
* Liturgical consultation as needed with the Pastor, Associate Pastor, Liturgical Director, Parish Administrator, or Wedding/Funeral Coordinator
* Recommendations of items for procurement (e.g. liturgical items, vestments, banners, antependia, plants, and seasonal items)
* Ordering and placement of floral arrangements as procured by the church
* Representation on the Liturgy Committee

Unlike many ministries which have a regular schedule, the LAEC tends to be more seasonal and on demand. The Committee chairperson will contact interested members and place a general call for assistance at particular times of the year where extra help may be needed or when an event or need arises.

These guidelines are not intended in any way to discourage the donation or supplying of flowers and plants but to provide a minimum standard of quality and appropriateness for our space.

Please contact the Committee Chairperson with questions or for suggested suppliers and or florists if needed.

Plants
* Must be healthy and disease free
* Must be able to be frequently moved and/or re-potted or fit in one of our common baskets or containers
* All pieces are subject to approval by the Committee or Pastor
* Ideally should tolerate moderate to low lighting levels
* Funeral plants are graciously accepted (please note: Funeral plants may be re-arranged or re-potted from their original container)

Floral Arrangements (Fresh/Dried/Silk)
* Funeral and wedding flowers are graciously accepted (please note:
Funeral flowers may be re-arranged or combined from original format)
* If providing for the altar, matching arrangements for Ambo & Altar are preferred; a set of all four is highly desirable. Individual pieces or special requests will be considered
* All bows or additional decorations will be removed
* All pieces are subject to approval by the Committee or Pastor
* If the donor wishes to have the container returned to them, please write name on the bottom and inform the church office
* Preferred Altar sized arrangement is 30 inches high (no taller than 32 – must not be taller than the Altar or substantially obscure the Altar) by 48 inches wide
* Preferred Ambo Size is 24-30 inches high and 20-24 inches wide
* Preferred Rear of Sanctuary size (2 required) is 36-40 inches high and 24-36 inches wide (significant amounts of greenery or flowers of color is required to be seen against the neutral background)
* Preferred Narthex Table Size is (in the round) 15-20 inches wide and 20-30 inches high
* Flowers intended for devotional areas (e.g. Holy Family, Marian Shrine, St. Joseph Shrine, etc) should be small and capable of resting securely on a 5 inch by 5 inch space
* Limited vases are available for floral arrangements, please contact the Chairperson of the Committee or the Church Office