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II.
ARRANGEMENT OF A CHURCH FOR THE LITURGICAL ASSEMBLY
257.
The people of God assembled at Mass possess an organic and hierarchical
structure, expressed by the various ministries and actions for each part of the
celebration. The general plan of the sacred edifice should be such that in some
way it conveys the image of the gathered assembly. It should also allow the
participants to take the place most appropriate to them and assist all to carry
out their individual functions properly.
The
congregation and the choir should have a place that facilitates their active
participation.78
The priest
and his ministers have their place in the sanctuary, that is, in the part of
the church that brings out their distinctive role, namely, to preside over the
prayers, to proclaim the word of God, or to minister at the altar.
Even though
these elements must express a hierarchical arrangement and the diversity of
offices, they should at the same time form a complete and organic unity,
clearly expressive of the unity of the entire holy people. The character and
beauty of the place and all its appointments should foster devotion and show
the holiness of the mysteries celebrated there.
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