THE ART AND ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY: Drawing Parishioners into Worship Throughout the Liturgical Year

For years, Janice Price hoped to become part of the Art and Environment Ministry at St. Monica.

“I’ve always been creative,” Janice says. “I’ve always liked to make something that’s pretty and pleasing to the eyes.”

When she finally had the opportunity to serve, it would impact her understanding of stewardship and how God calls each of us.

“Little did I know that I would take over the whole ministry,” she says. “It was not in my plans.”

Janice has been leading the ministry since July 2019, just one month after she joined as a volunteer.

Always acting for the good of each of us, God’s plan and timing can often be surprising.

“God has a plan, but He doesn’t tell us what it is,” Janice says. “God gave me these talents, and to repay Him, I give them back in the process of decorating and making the environment pleasing to parishioners who are there to give Him glory and their praise. I hope it enhances their relationship with God.”

The Art and Environment Ministry, a subcommittee of the Liturgy Committee, is in charge of the decorations in the narthex and sanctuary throughout the different seasons of the liturgical year.

Different colors are used throughout the year — red for Pentecost, green for Ordinary Time, and white for Easter.

“By decorating the church according to each liturgical season, it helps the church community to tune into that particular season because they have visual reminders of what season it is,” Janice says.

Easter lilies are typically used at Easter. However, Janice learned the hard way during her first year that Fr. John is allergic to them! Now, she uses spring flowers and continues to decorate with whites, golds, and ivories. During Christmas, poinsettias, purchased by parishioners for the loved ones they lost throughout the year, are used.

“I want to show the grandness of a major event and how important it is to our wellbeing and spiritual journey,” Janice says of decorating for high holy days.

The Art & Environment ministry could use more help, especially around Christmas and Easter. If you would like to get involved, please contact Janice Price at jdp0723@yahoo.com.