View the Art & Environment Slideshow...

When you enter our beautiful church the current liturgical season greets you due to the phenomenal efforts of a dedicated and creative group of parishioners. These wonderfully engaged members have learned to face challenges head on, climb to extraordinary heights to help one another, and to reach across any divide that might separate them. Their grand efforts are not just in decorating our worship space but in caring for each other and lifting one another up in their daily lives.

Sit down and talk with them and you will find they are humble, reverent, witty, and a completely gregarious group. The Art & Environment Ministry consists of about 17 members with an additional 8 confirmation candidates who have joined them this year. These teens are quickly praised as an especially great group and the appreciation for the boys who climb the ceiling high ladders is sincerely felt. They meet organizationally once per month but the real action and adventure happens when they come together to decorate the church for the upcoming liturgical season. Their strong working relationship is pivotal for the longer hours and creative ideas required to decorate the church at Christmas and Easter.

Recently they sat down to talk about their involvement in this ministry and what it means to them.

What motivated you to become involved in this ministry?

“Betty Kasun twisted my arm,” said Kathy Cosich to which Betty replied, “When necessary, that is what you do!” The motivation for most of the members is an understanding of how important the church environment is in leading people into prayer; in helping those who come into our church to fully embrace the liturgical season. For Kristin Souvigny, one of our confirmation candidates, joining this ministry has a special meaning. Kristin has visited her grandpa in Ireland each summer. “Before my grandpa passed away, I would help him clean his church after Mass. It was interesting to see how much work goes into caring for the church environment. I have a lot of respect for the effort it takes.”

What is the most enjoyable part of this ministry for you?

“We get along great.” “We all listen to each other.” “Each one of us has their specialty (drapes, flowers, etc.) which works out nice,” added Ken Kasun. “We all have a great working relationship.” “Suggestions and ideas put forth all build on each other.” The answers were fast and furious and all spoke volumes about how this group is a model for team dynamics. Kathy mentioned “hearing everyone’s comments on how beautiful the church looks is very rewarding.” Laura Weiskopf added, “The thrill of seeing it finished and going through the pros and cons for what to do next season!” Having a great leader in Kate Quinn was agreed upon by all.

What is the most challenging part of this ministry?

Betty shared this view, “The sheer size of the church is a challenge…the design has to be big enough to fill the space.” My personal challenge is designing around the baptismal font,” added Mary Ann Adams, and as to be expected, the Christmas tree lights are clearly a challenge each year for the committee. Fr. Dave was unaware that the majority of the poinsettias used at Christmas were live and not silk. The task of watering all the live plants is a job in itself! “We have our little challenges but we face them,” said Laura, which is just another example of this groups ‘can do’ attitude.

What is your favorite season to prepare our church to celebrate?

Kathy indicated her preference for Easter by saying, “Easter is renewing and refreshing.” Laura mentioned that Easter was also her favorite because “The Triduum offers constant change and going from stark Lent to Easter offers a big ‘WOW’ factor.” To be fair, there are as many members whose favorite season is Christmas!

Are there any Art & Environment stories you would like to share with our faith community?

“What happens in Art & Environment stays in Art & Environment,” laughed Laura. However a secret was revealed by Rusty Adams, “Fr. Curt was against silk flowers but he had no idea of the cost and maintenance, so we stuck silk flowers in with the live ones.” Mary Ann also claims there is a ‘ghost’ flower waterer, who even waters the silk flowers though there are signs up that clearly state there is someone appointed to water the flowers throughout the worship space. No one has seen or heard their ‘ghost!’

How has serving on the Art & Environment committee changed your view or attitude toward our worship space?

“You notice so much more,” Betty said, “but it makes you feel better knowing you’re helping people pray better.” “I find I am always checking for shedding leaves,” said Laura, “so you have to be careful that you don’t lose a sense of what really matters.” “When I visit other churches, I am more appreciative of the design and work that went into their worship spaces,” said Helen Schartner.

Is there anything you would like to share with our faith community about this ministry?

“I have been on several Art & Environment Committees at past churches and this is the best committee I have ever been on,” said Kathy. “We are all friends, not just on the committee but we care about what is going on in everyone’s everyday life. We have a lot of concern for each person and pray for each other,” said Helen.

Your time and special gifts are welcome and will be appreciated if you are being called to join this ministry. Your ideas and suggestions are also welcome and can be sent to Kate Quinn 414-774-2769.