Altar Flowers

If you are drawn to arranging floral arrangements for special Masses at St. James and then seeing that these flowers are given to the sick, new attenders, or those in need of special encouragement, this would be a great ministry for you to consider. For more information contact Robin Cooper: LordHORSEY@comcast.net

Some instructions for flowers at the altar according to the directives of the Church

 Sundays that are especially prioritized for flowers from greatest to least: Easter, Christmas, Candlemas, Ascension, Pentecost, Corpus Christi, Christ the King, Immaculate Conception, All Saints.

Natural flowers or those made of silk or other precious fabrics may be used. Forbidden is the use of flowers made of porcelain, glass, plastic or fabric other than silk. Flowers may be placed on the gradine between the candlesticks or upon the floor around the altar, but they may not be placed on the surface of the altar itself.

“Moderation should be observed in the decoration of the altar. During Advent the floral decoration of the altar should be marked by a moderation suited to the character of this season, without expressing prematurely the full joy of the Nativity of the Lord. During Lent it is forbidden for the altar to be decorated with flowers. Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent), Solemnities, and Feasts are exceptions. Floral decorations should always be done with moderation” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal 305).