Insight Markets: Faith-Based

Catholic Liturgy 101: Introduction to Liturgical Catechesis

Central mural in the triumphal arch above the apse of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Westerville, OH by EverGreene Architectural Arts. (photo by Meleca Architecture)

Occasionally friends and colleagues request a very basic survey of concepts on Catholic worship and liturgical catechesis – that is, teaching on liturgy. We find the progression in the following outline helpful when explaining what liturgy is and why it's important in the big picture of the Catholic faith, as well as how each of […]

Popular Misconceptions About the Catholic Mass, Part I: Music

A spacious, modern interior of a church features long wooden pews, arched ceilings, and subtle lighting, creating a serene atmosphere.

Part I: Music Part II: Ad Orientem / Versus Populum Part III: Communion Reception A number of liturgical reforms seen in the U.S. since Vatican II were not actually mandated or even recommended by the Council, but were reactionary shifts that had more to do with the culture of the decade – it’s time to […]

Design Lessons Learned from Running a Children’s Ministry

A modern break room features colorful metal chairs around wooden tables, with a kitchenette and dark cabinets in the background.

Through my time serving on staff at a local church in children’s ministry I learned the importance of space design for children’s ministry. What may be appealing to a child in a children’s facility may not be appealing to an adult. When designing children’s spaces, does a designer ask himself, “Would a child be drawn […]

Architecture & The Mind of the Church – Part II

A grand, gothic-style church stands against a moody, cloud-filled sky, surrounded by dark trees, creating an eerie yet striking atmosphere.

Part I Part II As discussed in Architecture & The Mind of the Church – Part I regarding the Catholic view of architecture and theology, we properly understand church buildings as vehicles for communicating to us what happens in the Mass through the liturgy, what God has done and is doing for all of humanity, […]

Architecture & The Mind of the Church – Part I

A large, spacious hall with rows of tables and chairs, featuring modern lighting, a stone wall, and digital displays. People are present.

Part I Part II In this first of what will be several posts on liturgy and architecture, I wanted to discuss church design from the perspective of the Catholic Church, on the heels of completing my first Masters in Liturgy summer session in Chicago. While some of the principles below may appeal to Christians from […]