Episode 2 - How to create a sacred space with Alison Gore

In episode number 2, how to create a sacred space, we hear from Alison Gore, Senior Education Advisor, at Catholic Education SA to talk about sacred spaces. In this episode you’ll learn about:

What is a sacred space,

Why we often have sacred spaces when we gather,

How incorporating a sacred space can elevate our gatherings, and

How to create a sacred space by following a series of steps and practical tips.

Steps for creating a sacred space:

1. Bring it to prayer.

Before you start creating your sacred space, take a moment to pray and ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Remember you’re creating a space of welcome, where people can connect and deepen their relationship with God.

2. Think of the purpose. Along with the purpose of gathering a group and deepening their experience of God through prayer, think about the overarching purpose of gathering the group to draw inspiration for your sacred space. Is it for a retreat, school group or another special occasion? For example, for a school group you could use the school colours for your colour scheme. For the season of creation, you can draw inspiration from nature etc.

Consider what you can incorporate to help connect the group. 3. The Church’s liturgical calendar is your friend! You can use the Church’s liturgical calendar for inspiration for your colour scheme, symbolism, imagery, and scripture when creating your sacred space.

4. Play with levels. Levels give depth and add to the sacred space. Use boxes, a chair or something else and drape fabric over them to create levels.

5. Less is more. Having too many things to look at can be a distraction so simplify the process and use less items in your sacred space. Use the design principle of having odd numbers to create a beautiful and memorable space.

Other Practical tips and tricks:

• Get creative. You can get creative when creating your sacred space by using artwork or images that are evocative, incorporating nature, indigenous religious symbolism, making the space interactive or by adding different quotes from scripture or other relevant texts.

• Use what’s around you. Get creative and use what’s around you to incorporate into your sacred space, that could be a spare box or chair to create levels, flowers or leaves from the garden or those fairy lights that otherwise only come out for Christmas.

• The image or object representing God should be at the highest point of the sacred space. If you’re using an image or object to represent God, it should be at the highest point of your space. This could be a cross, crucifix or even a bible or lit candle.

• Odd numbers. Things arranged in odd numbers are more appealing, memorable, and effective than even-numbered groupings. • Make sure there’s something to look at from all angles of the sacred space, especially if you’re positioning the group in a circular shape around the space.

• Have an appreciation of beauty and aesthetics but don’t shy away from the element of truth in regards to your theme.

• Borrow, buy second-hand or on sale. It shouldn’t cost the world to set up a sacred space. See if you can borrow the items from someone or buy them for a bargain at an op-shop or on sale at stores such as spotlight or kmart.

• Fabric. When using fabrics, make sure that they’re clean and ironed. If the fabric is crinkled you could also try to make that a feature. Fabric of choice: Panne Velvet. The fabric Alison recommends that has great texture, doesn’t need to be ironed and doesn’t cost a lot.

• How to get rid of candle wax stains. Put the stained fabric in the freezer for a few hours which will let you easily chip off any wax stains. You can then cover the area with paper towel and gently iron over the stained area to remove any remaining marks.