Liturgical Consulting

G.R.Hoelzeman Studios consultant services may be adapted to your unique needs. Flexibility and collaboration are key elements in all services. We can assist in three broad categories: Preparatory, Process, and Followup. We also offer programs which address special needs. This can be particularly useful for communities which would not otherwise be able to enjoy the services of a consultant.

Preparatory

Preparing for new construction can be overwhelming. We assist with the process of initial planning, team formation, design development and parish self-study.

Initial planning
- Assist with self-study and master plan
- Team formation
- Assistance with selection of architect
- Parish/community preparation including formation and catechesis
Design Development
- Evaluation of community heritage
- Discussion groups
- Historical perspectives
- Parish Liturgical formation
- Collaboration with architect and pastoral staff

Process

During the construction process the consultant is a valuable member of the team in many areas. The consultant can assist with ongoing design development and parish formation, guide conflict resolution, and identify needed modifications of the process. An essential element in this phase is artist selection and commissioning. Once preparatory work is done, the basic process includes the following:

Program for communal continuing catechesis
- Outline and resources for presentations
- Discussions of theological, liturgical and devotional principles
- Assistance with development of outreach and awareness (PR)
- Assistance with explanatory brochures for distribution to parishioners and visitors
Presentation of design and discussion with community.
- Selection of Artists and media
- Initial contact and interviews with various artists
- Continued contact with commissioned artists
Assistance with transitional and dedicatory liturgies.

Followup

After construction, the parish begins to live with its new environment. The Liturgy shapes sacred space, and is in turn shaped by that space. The consultant can assist the parish in adapting to its new spiritual home and offer guidance in maximizing its sacramental experience. Some services worth considering include:

Assistance applying Liturgical norms and principles to new space.
Post-construction "detailing."
Assistance with informational material for community and visitors
Assistance in post-construction formation and liturgical expression

Special Needs

If your needs do not require full consultation services, we also offer alternative services. If your community is not sure what direction to take, short programs such as these can be very helpful.

Weekend retreats
- designed for pastoral staff, liturgy committees, ad hoc committees and interested parishioners.
- discussions on the history and development of liturgy, sacred space, sacraments and devotional expressions.
- can be held at the parish, or off site.
- discussions of strengths/weaknesses of existing space.
Evaluation process
- observation of existing art, architecture and liturgical practice.
- evaluation based on observations and interviews
- recommendations and examination of potential obstacles.
Conservation/assessment issues
- examination of artistic, architectural or other liturgical element.
- research on value and need for preservation.
- recommendations for preservation or replacement.

Summary

G.R.Hoelzeman Studios is absolutely committed to the service of God and the Church through ongoing renewal of the Liturgy as the source and summit of the Christian life. When sacred space bears the weight of mystery, and reflects God's boundless beauty, it more effectively communicates sacramental grace to all members of the Body of Christ. Building a church requires Church building formation programs which lead to "full, active, conscious participation" in the sacred mysteries celebrated in that building. G.R.Hoelzeman Studios can assist your community in this journey of Faith.

We build our consultant services around your needs and budget, and we emphasize flexibility throughout the process. The time frame of the project and consultant fees are worked out in an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation.