MOM 2006 journal for pdf.pmd - University of Michigan-Flint

Father William Promesso is the priest at St. Cyprian Church. Talking with him, I found that
images were not important to his faith or to how he views God. In fact, in many situations he
finds that they are a distraction. Father Bill sees his work as more conceptual and as such, does
not require images. Overall, Father Bill feels that when it comes to imagery in the Church: “Less
is more.” By not having elaborate displays of imagery Father Bill feels that the focus is drawn to
the proper places: the Scripture readings, the Eucharist, and the people.
Nevertheless, he does find that occasionally an image recalls the works of that person and will
inspire him in prayer. He particularly likes the way material culture is used at St. Cyprian Church
because, while it does not have the elaborate displays of a more traditional setting, it incorporates
the three main aspects of imagery that are associated with the Catholic Church: the altar, statues
and stained glass windows. When asked how he sees God, Father Bill told me “When I think of
Jesus, I see a smiling young man with shoulder-length shaggy brown hair and a short, trimmed
beard.”
I spoke to some of the parishioners at St. Cyprian’s and they agree with Father Bill’s opinions
concerning material culture. When I asked one woman why she attended this church instead of a
more traditional one she replied: “Here there are no distractions, I can focus more on my prayer
and be at peace.”
After Vatican II, the use of material culture within the Roman Catholic Church was altered.
The focus shifted from lavish displays and elaborate rituals, to the Scriptures, the Eucharist and
the people. While some churches in the Metropolitan Detroit Area embraced these new changes,
others clung to remnants of the traditional style of worship. It is clear that the material culture of
St. Cyprian Church and St. Patrick Church reflects and affects the varying styles of worship,
individual faith and how Roman Catholics conceptualize God. Additionally, by changing the way
that the Church utilizes material culture, Vatican II consequently changed the way many Roman
Catholics approach their faith. Material culture, within the context of the Roman Catholic
Church, assists in creating a specific ideal in the minds of the individual and within the
community and ultimately helps people to express their faith and interact with God.
Meeting of Minds 2006 40