Questions & Answers

Where should the presiding celebrant's chair be located?

 

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) states:

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• The chair of the Priest Celebrant must signify his function of presiding over the gathering and of directing the prayer. Thus the more suitable place for the chair is facing the people at the head of the sanctuary, unless the design of the building or other features prevent this.

• Any appearance of a throne is to be avoided.

 

Where should the tabernacle be placed?

 

The Roman Catholic Church allows for the tabernacle to be placed:

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1.  In the sanctuary — apart from the altar of celebration — in an appropriate form and place

2.  In a chapel — organically connected to the church and readily noticeable

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In every sanctuary, the altar is to be "truly the center toward which the attention of the whole congregation of the faithful naturally turns." The tabernacle, by contrast, need not be central. Nevertheless, the tabernacle's location must be "prominent, conspicuous, beautifully decorated and suitable for prayer."

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At COK, the liturgical consultant has proposed that the tabernacle be placed to the right of the altar, such that it is independent of the pipe organ, and a new Eucharistic Chapel may be constructed behind it. The tabernacle will open from the front and from the back.

 

Why is the pipe organ located prominently behind the altar?

 

The Church teaches: "the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church's ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man's mind to God and to higher things."

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The Holtkamp Pipe Organ at COK has nearly 2,000 pipes, each of which is individually voiced, tuned, and "breathes" by a complex mechanical action. The large chests and their 36 ranks of pipes require a substantial amount of space — space that is unavailable elsewhere in the building. Even if there were a viable alternative space for the organ at COK, moving the instrument would be cost prohibitive.

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Msgr. James Carter — with the cooperation of William Becknell, Abbot Francis Kline, a dedicated Organ Committee, and generous parishioners — worked tirelessly to acquire a pipe organ for Christ Our King. The organ is the foundation upon which Christ Our King has established a tradition of fine choral music and vibrant worship. 

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Is there really a need for increased seating capacity?

 

Yes.

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9:30 Sunday Mass is standing-room only, and Masses for Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Easter, First Communion, and Confirmation are always crowded. Overcrowding occurs, too, at School Mass and Graduation Mass. 

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If current trends continue over the next two decades, Catholics will continue to relocate to the Lowcountry in high numbers, while the number of local priests continues to decrease. In the event that Christ Our King becomes a one-priest parish, it's likely that weekend Masses would be fewer and would need to accommodate larger crowds.

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Why does Proposal B include additional stained glass windows?

 

The earthly liturgy should be a foretaste of the heavenly liturgy. The church building should be beautiful. The experience of the faithful should be transcendent.

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Stained glass windows allow for daylight to pass through sacred images. They change throughout the day, transforming the worship space, and filling it with light and color. They inspire praise and thanksgiving. 

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Will the color scheme be updated from the current palette?

 

Yes. Design consultants will recommend fresh colors that complement the flooring, furnishings, and windows. We hope the resulting aesthetic will be inspiring, warm, welcoming, and conducive to prayer.

 

If the sanctuary furnishings are updated, what would happen to the current hanging cross, altar, etc.?

 

Sacred articles and furnishings are to be handled in accord with the laws and practices of the Church.  Furnishings used for Holy Mass at COK, particularly the consecrated altar, would be handled with great care. Every effort will be made to keep these items in sacred use, whether at COK or at another Catholic place of worship.