St. Paul's Episcopal Church
An inclusive, spirited faith community.
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Dear Friends,
The Lamb, Cracknell and Gilman families have been kind enough to donate a new set of Advent Paraments to St. Paul’s. They are a lovely gift—and worthy of gratitude, joy and a bit of an explanation. I hope that this newsletter enables you to experience some of the wonder of these beautiful paraments and enjoy them to the fullest.
Advent Blessings,
Melanie+
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What is a Parament?
The word “Paraments” is an ecclesiastical word and comes from the Latin word paramentum, meaning adornment, and parare, to prepare, equip. Paraments include the liturgical hangings on and around the altar, as well as the cloths hanging from the pulpit and lectern.
In liturgical churches (Episcopal, Anglican, Roman Catholic and Lutheran), the liturgical paraments change in color depending on the season of the church year.
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The color blue that you see here is often referred to as “Sarum” Blue. It is somewhere between a deep midnight blue and electric blue. It is not so dark as to be confused with black and not so bright as to overwhelm the senses. It is a blue which invites you to ponder the mystery of the incarnation—it speaks of solemn joy. It is a blue conveying wonderment, peace and stillness in the midst of the frenetic activity surrounding us this time of year.
In the English rites of the 16th century there were no definitive colors assigned for the season of Advent. All that was specified was to use the “best” of what belonged to the church. In fact, colors used ranged from black to white to red to purple –and, of course, blue. England was the location where liturgical blue was most common. Over time, the use of the word “Sarum” blue was employed—associating the color with rites used in Salisbury; but liturgical enthusiasts will tell you this is not the case, and that blue was really used in the rites of Lichfield, Exeter and most notably, Westminster.
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The high altar at York Minster |
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What is the Symbolism of the Stars? |
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In the blue of the night sky, stars shine. Stars are lights, shining in the darkness. They are therefore, perfect symbols of Christ, the Light of the world, the Bright Morning Star, promised to a world in travail. What’s more, stars give direction. They lead us where we need to go. Stars symbolize hope in God’s glimmering parament of the night sky.
Many readings for the season of Advent reference signs in the heavens—calling us to remember events of the past as well as the second coming of the Son of God.
Look closely at the stars and you will see that they are crafted from silver and gold thread as well as tiny Swarovski crystals.
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The Paraments are a gift of the Lamb, Cracknell and Gilman families, given in memory of John Lamb, a friend of our parish. The Parament Committee consisted of Maggi Lamb, Ginny Graham, Liesl Gilman and Karen Gorton.
The paraments were made by Christina Laberge of Wellspring Fabricworks in Braintree, Massachusetts. Christina has a background in quilting, wedding dress construction, historical garment recreation and liturgical vestment design. She is also an accomplished church musician, providing leadership for worship for 35+ years. She is married to an Episcopal priest.
The fabric was sourced through the artist Paige Thorne. It is dupioni silk.
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A veil, in the parlance of the church, is a piece of silk, varying in color according to the ecclesiastical season, used over the chalice to cover the paten (the plate which holds the bread) and chalice (the cup which holds the wine) at certain times during the celebration of Holy Communion. |
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The Burse (comes from a word which means “purse”) and is a flat cloth case for carrying the corporal (the piece of cloth that rests under the chalice and paten). Here is what it looks like when you open it up. |
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The Stole
A stole is an ecclesiastical vestment. It is a sign of order and office. The priest’s stole hangs vertically over each shoulder. The Deacon’s Stole hangs diagonally from the left shoulder and then is secured at the right side. Stoles are designed to match the liturgical season.
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Almighty God, we thank you that you have put it into the hearts of your people to make offerings for your service, and have been pleased to accept their gifts. This is the offering which you shall receive from the people; gold, silver, and bronze, blue and purple and scarlet cloth, and finely woven linen.
V. O Lord, how excellent is your greatness;
R. You are clothed with majesty and splendor.
(From the Book of Occasional Services; the Dedication of Paraments)
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