The Catholic Truth Society has just released the booklet “Catholic Architecture” written by Steven Schloeder as part of their “Deeper Christianity Series”.

Catholic Architecture is intended to help both the lay Catholic and the interested inquirer understand how the church building “works” to support both the sacramental symbolism of the Church as well as the way that we are called to a true “active participation” in the liturgy.

Chapter Outline:

Introduction

What is Sacred Space?

Why Build a Church?

Sign, Symbol and Sacrament

Symbolism in the Old Testament

Symbolism in the New Testament

Church Architecture as a Sacramental Sign

The Image of the Body of Christ

The Images of the Tent and Temple

The Meaning of the Tent and Temple

The Images of the City

The Tent, Temple, and City in Early Christian Imagery

Body, Temple, City: What These Have in Common

The Church’s Vision for Church Architecture

The booklet is well priced (about $3.25) and should be of great help to any pastor, building committee member, or architect engaged in a Catholic church project understand the Church’s vision for how we should think about church design.

You can order Catholic Architecture direct from Catholic Truth Society, or look for a copy on the pamphlet rack at your local parish.