In this blog, we focus on another vital area of our grant initiative: sacred art. Sacred art is crucial in enriching the spiritual lives of children.
In the sacred space of the parish, the visual elements play a crucial role in enhancing the spiritual experience of our community. Thoughtfully chosen religious art can profoundly impact the faithful, guiding them toward deeper contemplation and connection with the mysteries of faith. As parish teams and facilitators consider the arrangement and selection of these images, it is essential to ensure that art is accessible and meaningful to all congregation members, including the youngest.
In the Handbook of Children’s Participation at Sunday Mass, Samantha Slaubaugh writes, “Religious Art: At least some décor, which should be aesthetically rich, should be at, not only above, children’s eye levels” (Ch. 1). She continues by quoting the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), which states that religious images “should be displayed for veneration by the faithful and should be so arranged so as to lead the faithful toward the mysteries of faith celebrated there” (Ch. 5, Sec. 3-318). Slaubaugh suggests that the setup should consider the child’s height so that they can meditate on the Mass through related images. The GIRM continues by stating that the images “be arranged in proper order so as not to draw the attention of the faithful to themselves and away from the celebration itself” (Ch. 5, Sec. 3-318). Slaubaugh notes that, “since such images are ‘for the devotion of the entire community,’ it is best to avoid ‘kitsch’ or ‘clip art’ and instead select art that is accessible to both children and adults. Infants, for example, respond well to high contrast images (such as in black and white) when their vision is still developing. Such images can be utilized in the church space but can be designed in such a way that they are not overly ‘kitschy.’”
Sacred art is so valuable for children. It can significantly influence children’s development, offering educational, aesthetic, and ethical benefits. Sacred art can help children understand historical and cultural contexts, fostering a deeper appreciation for different traditions and values. It can also enhance their visual literacy and critical thinking skills as they learn to interpret and analyze various artistic elements. Exposure to sacred art can cultivate an appreciation for beauty and creativity. It encourages children to engage with art in a meaningful way, which can inspire their own artistic expressions. Sacred art often conveys moral and spiritual lessons, helping children develop a sense of empathy, compassion, and ethical reasoning. It can serve as a tool for teaching virtues and guiding them toward positive behavior. Engaging with sacred art can provide a sense of peace and comfort, helping children manage stress and emotions. It can also foster a sense of connection and belonging, especially when shared within a community or family setting.
In my experience, creating sacred art can be a profoundly enriching experience for children. It allows them to express their spirituality and connect with their faith in a tangible way. Sacred art can significantly influence children’s development, offering educational, aesthetic, and ethical benefits. Children’s art holds a special place in my heart because it captures the innocence and creativity of young minds, bringing a unique vibrancy to the worship space. The Children’s Revival specifically highlights the importance of children’s art in worship, emphasizing how it can inspire joy, wonder, and a deeper connection to faith.
A child’s rainbow drawing can symbolize hope and God’s promise, while a dove painting can represent peace and the Holy Spirit. Crafts like handmade crosses or decorated prayer cards can serve as tangible reminders of faith and devotion. Through their imaginative drawings, paintings, and crafts, children’s art transforms the worship environment, making it a more engaging and spiritually uplifting space for everyone.
Children’s art can be displayed in various areas within a Catholic church to enhance the worship experience and create a welcoming environment. Here are some familiar places where children’s art might be showcased:
· Church entrance or narthex: Displaying art in the entrance area can greet parishioners with a sense of joy and creativity as they enter the church.
· Religious education classrooms: These spaces are ideal for showcasing children’s art related to their lessons and activities.
· Community hall or gathering space: Artwork can be displayed in areas where parishioners gather for social events, meetings, or fellowship.
· Bulletin boards: Many churches have bulletin boards where announcements and community news are posted. Children’s art can be featured here to brighten up the space.
· Special exhibitions: During events like a parish feast day, parish picnic, or festival, a dedicated area within the church can be set up to exhibit children’s art, making it a focal point for the celebration.
These placements highlight the importance of children’s contributions and help create a more engaging and spiritually uplifting environment for everyone. Sacred art enriches a child’s life by sparking joy and wonder. It nurtures their creativity and imagination, instills values of empathy and spirituality, and fosters an appreciation for diverse cultures. Embracing sacred art can be a source of lasting happiness, laying the foundation for a joyful and well-rounded life.
Unleash the child’s creativity: Let them create their masterpieces in His name!
Works Cited
General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 3rd ed. (Washington, DC: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2011), sec. 318.
Slaubaugh, Samantha. “Preparing the Environment for Worship.” The Handbook of Children’s Participation at Sunday Mass, edited by Dr. Natheniel Marx, Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, 2024, Chapter 1.