Vestment Renewal Proposal Presentation to Parish Pastoral Council

Catholic Parish of Greater Box Hill Vestment Renewal Proposal Presentation to Parish Pastoral Council

Approved by Parish Pastoral Council 5/7/2018 Approved by Parish Finance Committee 17/5/2018 Table of Contents

Introduction 2 St Francis Xavier Vestment Inventory 3 St Clare Vestment Inventory 28 Proposal for New Vestments for both Churches 36 Cost & Finance 39 Disposing of Old Vestments 41 Proposed New Vestment Designs 42

INTRODUCTION

This proposal outlines how and why the parish of St Francis and St Clare might acquire a new set of vestments for each church. It catalogues all current vestments at each church, outlines principles by which the suitability of vestments might be determined, evaluates the current vestment collection by these standards, then outlines the cost and financing of the acquisition of new vestments, and finally includes images of the proposed new vestments.

ST FRANCIS XAVIER CURRENT VESTMENT CATALOGUE

Introductory Overview

Introduction The vestments residing at St Francis Xavier can be generally grouped as follows: Green chasubles Four White chasubles with green orphrey Three White chasubles with blue orphrey Three Purple chasubles Two Red chasubles Four White Cope One

Ownership It is believed that all vestments contained in this catalogue are owned by St Francis Xavier. Vestments owned by current priests at SFX have not been included, and it is believed that all vestments owned by Franciscans were removed when they departed the parish.

Style All chasubles at St Francis Xavier are (semi)gothic in style, namely, they have a full, round cut. Designs on the chasubles are of two main types: (i) religious emblem (i.e. cross), or (ii) orphrey (coloured fabric band down front and back of chasuble).

Material The chasubles at SFX are made of a variety of fabrics, generally of low quality. All the fabrics are plain. Most are made of woven fabric, some are of a viscose fabric, and a couple are satin.

SFX GREEN 1

Gothic cut with tradition 1950’s-style single narrow orphrey. Fibres on the orphrey are coming loose, and the orphrey has faded. The material of the chasuble is tired and faded. Probable date of origin 1960-1970.

SFX GREEN 2

Gothic cut with simple cross design. Similar in style to SFX GREEN 3. Chasuble generally still in fair condition. Probable date of origin 1980-1990.

SFX GREEN 3

Gothic cut with simple bread and fish design. Similar in style to SFX GREEN 2. Material of chasuble is beginning to ball near the neck. Probable date of origin 1980-1990.

SGX GREEN 4

Gothic cut with simple double-cross design in wool knit. The wool knit has begun to wear. The material of the chasuble is tired and faded and does not sit neatly beneath the wool knit design. Probable date of origin 1970-1980.

SFX PURPLE 1

Gothic cut with simple Chi Rho design in wool knit. The wool knit has begun to wear. There is not accompanying stole. The material of the chasuble does not sit neatly beneath the wool knit design. Almost identical to SFX PURPLE 2 and probably part of a set with SFX GREEN 4. Probable date of origin 1970- 1980.

SFX PURPLE 2

Gothic cut with simple Chi Rho design in wool knit. The wool knit is of better quality that SFX PURPLE 1 but has also begun to wear. Almost identical to SFX PURPLE 1 and probably part of a set with SFX GREEN 4. Probable date of origin 1970-1980.

SFX RED 1

Gothic cut with simple wheat and cross design in wool knit. The wool knit has begun to wear. Probably part of a set with SFX GREEN 4 and PURPLE 1 & 2. Probable date of origin 1970-1980.

SFX RED 2

Gothic cut with orphrey design. Light satin fabric. Some loose fibres and wear on orphrey. Probable date of origin 1980-1990.

SFX RED 3

Gothic cut with simple wheat cross design in wool knit. Wool knit has begun to wear. Identical design to SFX RED 1 and part of set with SFX GREEN 4 and PURPLE 1 & 2. Probable date of origin 1970-1980.

SFX WHITE B1

Gothic cut with blue orphrey panel. Made by Sister Disciples of the Divine Master. Probable date of origin 1990-2000. Part of a set of three concelebrants’ chasubles. Wear on orphrey and staining on collar of stole.

SFX WHITE B2

Gothic cut with blue orphrey panel. Made by Sister Disciples of the Divine Master. Probable date of origin 1990-2000. Part of a set of three concelebrants’ chasubles. Wear on orphrey.

SFX WHITE B3

SFX WHITE G1

Gothic cut with green orphrey panel. Made by Sister Disciples of the Divine Master. Probable date of origin 1990-2000. Part of a set of three concelebrants’ chasubles. Wear on orphrey.

SFX WHITE G2

Gothic cut with green orphrey panel. Made by Sister Disciples of the Divine Master. Probable date of origin 1990-2000. Part of a set of three concelebrants’ chasubles. Wear on orphrey and staining around collar of stole.

SFX WHITE G3

PURPLE STOLES SERIES A

PURPLE STOLES SERIES B

PURPLE VEIL & BURSE

PURPLE VEIL

Matches SC Purple Chasuble 2

WHITE STOLES SERIES A

WHITE STOLES SERIES B

WHITE STOLES SERIES C

WHITE STOLES SERIES D

WHITE CHALICE VEIL

WHITE BURSE

WHITE CHALICE VEIL & BURSE

WHITE CHALICE VEIL

RED BURSE & MANIPLE

RED STOLE A

RED STOLE B

RED CHALICE VEIL

GREEN STOLE A

GREEN STOLE B

GREEN STOLE C

GREEN STOLE D

GREEN STOLE E & F

GREEN CHALICE VEIL & BURSE A

GREEN CHALICE VEIL & BURSE B

Matches SC Green Chasuble 2

GREEN CHALICE VEIL

WHITE BURSE

WHITE (GOLD) STOLE

WHITE STOLES

GOLD CHALICE VEIL

WHITE HUMERAL VEIL

SFX WHITE COPE Gothic cut cope with 1960’s style orphrey panelling. Stole does not match vestment. The cope is very stained, especially on the front of the hood, and the orphreys are faded. No matching humeral veil.

ST CLARE CURRENT VESTMENT CATALOGUE

Introductory Overview

Introduction The vestments residing at St Clare can be generally grouped as follows: Green chasubles Three White chasubles Two Purple chasubles Four Red chasubles Two Black chasuble One White Cope Two

Ownership It is believed that all vestments contained in this catalogue are owned by St Clare. Vestments owned by current priests at St Clare have not been included, and it is believed that all vestments owned by Franciscans were removed when they departed the parish. More detail about origin of specific vestments will be indicated below.

Style All chasubles at St Clare are (semi)gothic in style, namely, they have a full, round cut. Designs on the chasubles are of two main types: (i) religious emblem (i.e. cross), or (ii) orphrey (coloured fabric band down front and back of chasuble).

Material The chasubles at SC are made of a variety of fabrics, generally of low quality. All the fabrics are plain. Most are made of woven fabric, some are of a viscose fabric.

SC GREEN 1

Gothic cut with designs on back and front, as well as decorated stole. Fabric ties on stole broken. Probable date of origin 1990-2000.

SC GREEN 2

Gothic cut with Chi Rho design in wool knit. Significant staining to green fabric and wear on wool knit design. It is believed this chasuble dates to Fr Kelly’s time in the parish. Probable date of origin 1970-1980.

SC GREEN 3

Gothic cut with wool knit design. Fabric has is wearing and faded. Probable date of origin 1980-1990, certainly during Fr Kelly’s time in parish.

SC PURPLE 1

Gothic cut with patterned orphrey panel. Satin fabric is wearing and extremely thin. Probable date of origin 1970-1980.

SC PURPLE 2

Gothic cut with patterned orphrey panel. Probable date of origin 1970-1980.

SC PURPLE 3

Gothic cut with wool knit Chi Rho design. Identical to vestments at SFX. Wear on knit design. Probable date of origin 1970-1980. May have originally belonged at SFX.

SC PURPLE 4

Gothic cut with designs on back and front, as well as decorated stole. Fabric ties on stole broken. Probable date of origin 1990-2000. Part of set with SC GREEN 1.

SC RED 1

Gothic cut with simple bread and fish design. Identical to SFX GREEN 3. Probable date of origin 1980-1990.

SC RED 2

Gothic cut with designs on back and front, as well as decorated stole. Fabric ties on stole broken. Probable date of origin 1990-2000. Part of set with SC GREEN 1 and SC PURPLE 4.

SC WHITE 1

Gothic cut with cross, vine and chalice design. White fabric now greying. Probable date of origin 1970-1980.

SC WHITE 2

Gothic cut with blue patterned orphrey. No explicit Marian reference in design but does evoke Marian theme. Staining on collar of stole. Identical set sighted at Carmelite Monastery, Kew. Probable date of origin 1960-1970.

SC BLACK

Gothic cut with Y orphrey. Highly decorative fabric. Believed to have been made by a parishioner, possibly by Ines, for Fr Kelly. Repairs recently made to neck by Jennifer Micheli. Probable date of origin 1950-1960.

SC WHITE COPE 1 Gothic cut white cope with 1950’s style orphrey panelling. Matching humeral veil possessed and recently repaired. Material is very worn. Probable date of origin 1950-1960. Certainly worn by Fr Kelly.

SC WHITE COPE 2 Gothic cut white cope. Low quality but recent acquisition and still in good condition. No matching humeral veil. Probable date of origin 2010+.

PROPOSAL FOR NEW VESTMENTS FOR BOTH CHURCHES

The Purpose of Vestments The purpose of the liturgical vestments and, above all, the chasuble, is outlined by the General Instruction of the Roman Missal: [n.355] In the Church, which is the Body of Christ, not all members have the same office. This variety of offices in the celebration of the Eucharist is shown outwardly by the diversity of sacred vestments, which should therefore be a sign of the office proper to each minister. At the same time, however, the sacred vestments should also contribute to the beauty of the sacred action itself... [n. 342] Regarding the design of sacred vestments, Conferences of Bishops may determine and propose to the Apostolic See adaptations that correspond to the needs and usages of their regions. [n. 343] In addition to the traditional materials, natural fabrics proper to each region may be used for making sacred vestments; artificial fabrics that are in keeping with the dignity of the sacred action and the person wearing them may also be used. The Conference of Bishops will be the judge in this matter. [n. 344] It is fitting that the beauty and nobility of each vestment derive not from abundance of overly lavish ornamentation, but rather from the material that is used and from the design. Ornamentation on vestments should, moreover, consist of figures, that is, of images or symbols, that evoke sacred use, avoiding thereby anything unbecoming. [n. 345] The purpose of a variety in the colour of the sacred vestments is to give effective expression even outwardly to the specific character of the mysteries of faith being celebrated and to a sense of Christian life’s passage through the course of the liturgical year. In his Ceremonies of the Modern Rite, Eliott elaborates: [n. 125] The chasuble is worn over the alb and stole. The beauty and dignity of this most visible eucharistic vestment is essential in a properly ordered liturgy. A wide variety of styles of chasuble has evolved over the centuries, each having its own distinct contribution to Catholic worship and art. The integrity of these different ‘shapes’ should be respected, because there is no such thing as a ‘correct’ style of chasuble, although the architecture of a church may favour a specific style. Its distinctive beauty should be derived from the material and form of the whole garment rather than its decoration. Attention should be paid to the quality of fabric and the skilled workmanship involved in making the gracious sacerdotal vestment common to all Rites in the West and most Rites in the East. [n. 126] Traditionally, the chasuble is seen to represent the charity of Christ which ‘covers all things’ (Col 3:14). In the context of celebrating the

Eucharistic Sacrifice, this symbol of charity should surely take precedence over the symbol of authority [the stole]...

General Principles for Evaluating Vestments From the above documents, we can distil certain principles by which to evaluate the suitability of vestments of worship. i. Vestments correspond to office; ii. Vestments reflect the beauty of the sacred action; iii. The beauty of vestments should derive from (a) quality design, (b) quality material, (c) any ornamentation should be of a sacred character; iv. There is no specific design for chasubles, though some designs may be more suited to particular peoples or buildings; v. Vestments should be available in all liturgical colours. We could also add a sixth principle that harmonises with the above principles and the commendable practice of ‘grading’ liturgical practice according to the various digress of solemnity of each occasion: vi. Vestments should help distinguish the degree of solemnity appropriate to the various liturgical days.

Evaluating our Vestments The vestments at St Francis Xavier and St Clare satisfy a number of the above principles. They all reflect the priestly office. Their ornamentation is generally of a sacred character. Vestments are possessed in the four main liturgical colours. Most of the vestments, however, are no longer of sufficient condition and quality to reflect the beauty of the liturgy through quality design and material, nor do they assist the visual distinction of degrees of liturgical solemnity, since all our vestments tend to be of the same plain fabric style. Moreover, it is desirable to have a broader range of liturgical colours available, specifically gold, rose and a chasuble of a Marian theme.

Proposing a new set of Vestments There are a number of issues to be considered in proposing a new set of vestments. In addition to satisfying the above principles, any new set of vestments for the parish must first be needed; they should also be of a dignified yet familiar style; the cost of acquiring the new vestments cannot be onerous to the parish; given the number of priests resident at Box Hill, it 37 would be helpful to have sufficient numbers of vestments in each colour to cater for concelebrants; the new vestments would ideally facilitate the distinction between degrees of liturgical solemnity. Need. Do we need new vestments at St Francis Xavier and St Clare? Yes and no. Some vestments are fit for purpose, others are well and truly past their best. There are inconsistencies in terms of numbers of chasubles by colour at each church, there is only a matching concelebrants’ set of chasubles in white, and there are no more dignified vestments that could be used on Sundays and Solemnities. Perhaps a helpful secondary question is: Would our worship at SFX and SC be improved and uplifted by new vestments? The answer to this question would, I suggest, be yes. Style. The style of all chasubles at SFX and SC is gothic or semi-gothic, with either a single orphrey or sacred design. Pastorally, it would be most appropriate, therefore, that any new chasubles be of a similar style. Ideally, each church would have a complete set of both “Weekday” and “Sunday (and Solemnity)” vestments. Weekday vestments would only be in the four major liturgical colours and would be simpler in design, similar to the style of vestments the parish already possesses. Sunday vestments would be of a more noble character than the weekday vestments. A simple way of achieving this is by having Sunday vestments with patterned, rather than plain, fabric. A complete set in Green, Red, Purple, White, Rose, Gold, and Marian would be acquired for each church. Concelebrants. Currently there are three priests resident at SFX, and on major days other priests such as the Franciscans often join us. Having matching concelebrants’ vestments in the four major liturgical colours is, therefore, desirable, though not essential. These vestments would ideally be simpler than the chasuble worn by the principal celebrant, and would be of the same design. A simple way of managing this would be to acquire multiple copies of the weekday vestments at SFX (say four). The complete set of concelebrants’ chasubles, stored at SFX, could also be used at SC when required. Cost. Cost is obviously a major concern in such a project. In purchasing vestments, we would be looking for quality design and manufacture at low cost.

COST & FINANCE

According to the above indications, we would be looking to acquire the following:

SFX SC Weekday/Concel Sunday Weekday Sunday 4 x Green 1 x Green 1 x Green 1 x Green 4 x Red 1 x Red 1 x Red 1 x Red 4 x White 1 x White 1 x White 1 x White 4 x Purple 1 x Purple 1 x Purple 1 x Purple 1 x Gold 1 x Gold 1 x Rose 1 x Rose 1 x Marian 1 x Marian

This comes to a sub-total of 23 chasubles for SFX and 11 chasubles for SC, and a grand-total of 34 chasubles for both.

Weekday Vestments Numerous Italian vestment makers produce simple but dignified chasubles at low cost. The design I include below comes from Panarotto and is identified as Chasuble 25 on their website here. It is used in various parish, including the Cathedral, and fulfils all the design requirements we might have. An image is included at the rear of this proposal. The price of this chasuble is €55, equivalent to just under $90 AUD.

SFX SC Weekday Green €55 x 4 = €220 €55 Weekday Red €55 x 4 = €220 €55 Weekday Purple €55 x 4 = €220 €55 Weekday White €55 x 4 = €220 €55 Sub Total (€) €880 €220 Approx ($AUD) $1400 $340 Combined ($AUD) $1,740

Sunday Vestments Polish online vestment company Ars Sacra produce quality dignified vestments at very competitive prices. When the seminary renewed its vestment collection in 2013, we used Ars Sacra. Their vestments are also used by a number of parishes around Melbourne. The provide vestments with a ‘light damask’ fabric that suitably dignify more solemn liturgical occasions such as Sundays and Solemnities without extravagance. Examples are provided at the rear of this proposal.

SFX SC Sunday Set €579.27 €579.27 (Inc. Green, White, Red, Purple) Gold €152.44 €152.44 Rose €152.44 €152.44 Marian €127.03 €127.03 Sub Total (€) €1,011.18 €1,011.18 Approx ($AUD) $1,600 $1,600 Combined ($AUD) $3,200

Combined Projected Cost Total weekday vestment costs for both Churches: $1,740 Total Sunday vestment costs for both Churches $3,200 Grand Total: $ 4,940

Financing the Project There are several possible options for financing the acquisition of these vestments. Option One: The parish covers the cost of the vestments completely from existing funds within the Church account. Option Two: The parish purchases the vestments initially. Vestments would then be placed in each church on display, labelled with their price, and parishioners would be invited to buy a vestment for the parish. They could also be given the option of making a general donation (small or large). The names of the donors could then be collated on an honour board hung in the

40 foyer or sacristy of each Church. Vestments would only be used once they were all purchased. Names of donors could also be attached to each vestment by means of labels. Parish groups (or families) could also be invited to contribute, such as KSC, the Youth or the Autumn Friendship Club. Option Three: A blend of the two above options. The parish could purchase the weekday vestments out of existing funds and invite parishioners to cover the cost of Sunday vestments, or vice versa. Another possibility could be the purchasing of vestments for once church at a time, St Clare’s first, for example, since the cost is less, and then the financing of the project through any of the above means.

DISPOSING OF OLD VESTMENTS

Disposing of our old vestments correctly is an important protocol. Some of our vestments may be able to be sold second-hand. Given the quality and style of our chasubles, I do not expect this would raise much money. Other vestments could be donated to the missions or boxed up and placed in storage. Vestments deemed unsuitable for further use must be disposed of in a way that respects their sacred character. Burning is the usual means for disposing of unwanted vestments.

PROPOSED NEW VESTMENT DESIGNS

Sunday Green

Sunday White

Sunday Purple

Sunday Red

Sunday Rose

Sunday Gold

Sunday Marian

NB: This would come with a collar cut in the same way as the other vestments.

Weekday

NB: This would come in all four main liturgical colours.