Overview

Churches are never simply gathering spaces but signify and make visible the Church living in a particular place, the dwelling of God among us, now reconciled and united in Christ. As such, the building itself becomes a sign of the pilgrim Church on earth and reflects the Church dwelling in heaven. Every church building is a gathering place for the assembly, a resting place, a place of encounter with God, as well as a point of departure on the Church's unfinished journey toward the reign of God. (Built of Living Stones, 17. c.f. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1180, Rite of Dedication of a Church and an Altar, Cha. 1. no. 2)