tabernacle or a simply a door to a wall Aumbry, its design should reflect its purpose. The housing and light may be the subject of an artistic commission. MORE THINGS TO CONSIDER IN THE REORDERING PROCESS Providing for Music: The organ and choir are an integral part of worship in many parishes and, whilst not discouraging alternative forms of music, the diocese supports this tradition. However, with changed liturgical arrangements, the traditional position of the instrument in the chancel may create a problem with the relationship to singers elsewhere. Generally, the Diocesan Advisory Committee favours the retention of pipe organs where these are of worthwhile quality, although it is recognised that electronic instruments may be appropriate in some situations. Remember however that the working life of an electronic instrument is relatively short when compared with a pipe organ. With new liturgical arrangements it is difficult to find a visually appropriate and acoustically satisfactory position for the choir depending on its role. The following points – may be considered:- Is the function of choir to parts of the service or to lead and reinforce the ‘perform’ congregation? Does the choir form part of an entry procession or have any special liturgical role? If the altar is placed at the head of the nave and there is no screen, the singers can sometimes remain in chancel choirstalls, but in a large building or where the chancel screen is being retained, this may separate them unduly from the rest of the congregation. If types of music-making are used, their requirements may be different again. Remember that any singers or musicians will require robing and storage space for robes in a convenient location, if robing is the parish tradition. Each building may require a different resolution of these requirements and the DAC will assess each proposal on its merits. Circulation generally: Movement in a church occurs in several different ways - people going to and from their places to receive Holy Communion; choirs, ministers and processions entering and leaving, and children moving in and out during services. These movements require space in order to avoid congestion or conflict. It should be possible to access toilets and other facilities without disrupting the service. Entrances and exits:
tabernacle or a simply a door to a wall Aumbry, its design should reflect its purpose. The housing and light may be the subject of an artistic commission. MORE THINGS TO CONSIDER IN THE REORDERING PROCESS Providing for Music: The organ and choir are an integral part of worship in many parishes and, whilst not discouraging alternative forms of music, the diocese supports this tradition. However, with changed liturgical arrangements, the traditional position of the instrument in the chancel may create a problem with the relationship to singers elsewhere. Generally, the Diocesan Advisory Committee favours the retention of pipe organs where these are of worthwhile quality, although it is recognised that electronic instruments may be appropriate in some situations. Remember however that the working life of an electronic instrument is relatively short when compared with a pipe organ. With new liturgical arrangements it is difficult to find a visually appropriate and acoustically satisfactory position for the choir – depending on its role. The following points may be considered:- Is the function of choir to ‘perform’ parts of the service or to lead and reinforce the congregation? Does the choir form part of an entry procession or have any special liturgical role? If the altar is placed at the head of the nave and there is no screen, the singers can sometimes remain in chancel choirstalls, but in a large building or where the chancel screen is being retained, this may separate them unduly from the rest of the congregation. If types of music-making are used, their requirements may be different again. Remember that any singers or musicians will require robing and storage space for robes in a convenient location, if robing is the parish tradition. Each building may require a different resolution of these requirements and the DAC will assess each proposal on its merits. Circulation generally: Movement in a church occurs in several different ways - people going to and from their places to receive Holy Communion; choirs, ministers and processions entering and leaving, and children moving in and out during services. These movements require space in order to avoid congestion or conflict. It should be possible to access toilets and other facilities without disrupting the service. Entrances and exits:
Reordering_advice_revised_4_2.docx