Works to be Commissioned

The Liturgical Arts and Environment committee is now soliciting portfolios for consideration for the numerous significant commissions that will adorn the exterior and the interior of the building. Among these are:

Envisioned as strong, substantial, welcoming, inviting, defining of the threshold, and iconic. Perhaps of bronze or other art metal with glass to create both connection and transition from the courtyard through the narthex into the church proper.

Above the main doors, a large sculptural commission which is to be derivative of the grand tympana of the middle ages, signifying the building as the Domus Dei et Porta Coeli. Perhaps of stone, bronze, or mosaic, working in relationship to the main doors, though not necessarily by the same artist.

A larger-than-life dimensional figural sculpture, to be suspended above the sanctuary platform, which is intended to draw the worshipping community to a deeper understanding of the meaning of the Mass. Its placement, above the altar between the priest and the people, is intended, in the words of Pope Benedict XVI to serve as "an open iconostasis? which draws and unites the attention of everyone." As a common point of reference between the priest and the people it should be a sacramental signifier of the meaning of the liturgy in terms of our redemption in Christ's passion, death and resurrection as God's holy people gathered in worship. The artist would be invited to mediate on the meaning of the crucifix, on the question of figuration, and on the implications of the "theology of the Body" in the thought of the late Pope John Paul II.

The traditional series of fourteen Stations of Cross will be located around the perimeter of nave and incorporated architectonically into the walls. As devotional images they are subservient to the liturgy, but form an important texture and rhythm in the hierarchy of the church building given the intrinsic relationship between public worship and personal devotion in the Catholic sensibility. The choice of medium is open: paint or mosaic or other two dimensional graphic media, or three dimensional carving, sculpture, relief, etc.

The tabernacle serves as a place of repose for the Blessed Sacrament and of Eucharist devotion apart from the liturgy. In keeping with the guidelines of the Church that "The tabernacle in which the Most Holy Eucharist is reserved should be placed in a part of the church that is prominent, conspicuous, beautifully decorated and suitable for prayer", the community has decided to dedicate the apse to the Eucharistic chapel. This space, terminating the nave on the central axis of the building, is very much envisioned as a place of glory and of contemplation, which expresses the inestimable value Catholics place on the Blessed Sacrament. The tabernacle will be ensconced in a larger reredos, derivative of the late medieval and early Renaissance triptych altar pieces, with appropriate iconography. This is envisaged as a mixed media effort of architectural case work, painting, metal work for the tabernacle itself (the canons require the tabernacle to be inviolable), and possibly sculpture. The tabernacle and reredos might be two separate commissions, or together as one depending on the choice of artists. Prospective artists are invited for consideration for either or both.

The theme of this space (approximately 12' x 12') is still to be determined, however, it will probably involve both painted (mural or framed) and sculptural art. Prospective artists are invited for consideration for either or both.

Several matching 3/4 size to life size figurative images of St Mary, St Joseph, St John the Baptist (perhaps baptizing Christ), and one other undesignated sculpture. In bronze, stone, ceramic, wood, or other similar media.

In the great tradition of early Christian and Italian Romanesque churches, the crowning glory of the church's interior will be the dome at the apse above the Eucharistic chapel. Approximately 400 s.f. with theme to be determined - perhaps Pantocrator or Christ the teacher, perhaps more floral, Tree of Life (sim to San Clemente in Rome).

In courtyard of Student Center, life size or larger multi-figured scene of Jesus saving Peter from drowning (cf. Matthew 14:26-33) as focus of fountain. Probably bronze.

various smaller commissions such as candle stands, holy water stoups, ambry, processional cross, paschal candle stand, consecration crosses, custom door hardware, etc. to be commissioned either individually or as a group, in materials to be determined.