Our Church Décor: A Journey Through the Liturgical Seasons

Throughout the year, the Catholic Church passes through many different liturgical seasons. Each season can be identified by the different readings and Scripture passages that are proclaimed during Mass, the different color vestments that priests wear, the different types of music that are sung, and the different types of decorations that adorn the church.

Each of these things helps set the tone for the particular liturgical season into which the church has entered. And, each of these things helps create an environment for spiritual growth and prayer throughout the year. Jackie Dreyer, the head of St. Anthony of Padua’s Church Decorators Ministry, knows very well how a few well-placed decorations can help change the atmosphere of the church.

“The purpose of this ministry is to decorate the church to make people think about and reflect on the different liturgical seasons,” Jackie says.

There are different colors, types of flowers, and types of décor that get used for each season. Currently, the Church is in the season of Lent. Spiritually, Lent is a time for reflection and growth, and a time for parishioners to partake in the sufferings of Christ as the time for His crucifixion draws nearer. It is a time for parishioners to die spiritually, so that they may rise to new life with Christ.

“During Lent, everything is dead,” Jackie says. “We are preparing and waiting for what is to come.”

If you look around, the décor at St. Anthony of Padua during Lent is subtle. It consists of dull brown colors, the traditional Lenten purple, and dead weeds. Easter, on the other hand, will bring a total change in church décor.

“Easter decorations are full of life and vibrant colors,” Jackie says. “We will have the traditional Easter lilies, colorful tulips, daisies, daffodils — really, anything that is full of color, with lots of green to make everything stand out.”

Jackie believes that some people are very talented and have a lot of skills when it comes to decorating. And it is a blessing to have the opportunity to share those skills with the whole parish. In doing so, other parishioners can be taken on a visible journey through the liturgical seasons that can help them grow deeper in their faith.

“I also believe that participating in the decorating of the church can help people grow to understand the Mass more,” Jackie says. “Planning the decorations puts things in perspective. Knowing how and why the church is decorated a certain way gives you a better appreciation for the Mass readings.”

If you are interested in getting involved and helping to decorate St. Anthony of Padua, please contact Jackie Dreyer at 217-222-8049.