The catechetical session of Monday the 29th of January 2024, focused on the topic “ How is the church supposed to be arranged?” During this teaching, the chief catechist, Bishop Michael Bibi, educated the Christ lay faithful on paragraph 311 of the general instructions of the Roman missal which guides the sitting position of lay faithful in the church. According to this guide, the position provided for the lay faithful to sit, must enable them to carry out the liturgical gestures of the church which are siting, standing and kneeling. The benches linked with the kneelers must therefore be placed in positions that allow for easy movement in the church. The prelate noted that in the arrangement of the sitting position of the lay faithful, there should be no private place arranged for another person.
Bishop Bibi teaches on the arrangement of the church
Furthermore, Paragraph 312 of the GIM, notes the importance of reserving a special place for the choir to enable them to lead the Christian population in the singing during liturgical celebrations. A place for the placement of musical instruments should also be made available, closer to the choir and these instruments must be blessed as well as the uniforms used by the choir members.
Christians clarify their doubts.
Another area of importance in the church is where the most Holy Eucharist is being reserved which is the tabernacle. According to the general instructions, the tabernacle should be at the center of the sanctuary or in another chapel close to the sanctuary and the light at the tabernacle represents the presence of Christ in the most holy Eucharist. The prelate noted that the Eucharist is unique to the Catholic Church because of the churches belief of the real presence of Christ after the consecration of the bread and wine which is turned to the body and blood of Christ.
participants
Bishop Michael Bibi also elaborated on the sacred images present in the church which includes the image of Christ, the blessed virgin Mary and that of the saints . These images the prelate noted, must not be stored indiscriminately in the church that may in turn lead to distraction in the church.
teachings on the sacred vessels
The Christians were further educated on the sacred vessels of the church and the sacred vestments with the significance of the different colours and periods of use like the green vestment which is used during the ordinary time of the church’s year.
teachings on the sacred vestments
At the close of the teachings, which took place at St Charles Lwanga parish, the prelate thanked Christians for their dedication in knowing the Gospel. He told them that from the 12th of February, 2024 the catechetical session will move over to limbe, beginning with Saint Patrick parish Ngeme
