How might our parish churches look like in 2050? #4

 

How do we make space for people in church?  Could we run an experiment in one parish in just one diocese?  A practical step for pastor and people might be to remove the fixed pews and introduce comfortable, upright chairs. These could be stacked neatly to the side when not needed. For Mass, the chairs could be arranged in a semi‑circle around a central communion table, creating a stronger sense of community, participation, and closeness.

At present, the sight of a small congregation scattered randomly across a large, mostly empty church feels strangely impersonal. A more intentional arrangement would help people see and hear one another, and foster a shared act of worship rather than a set of isolated experiences.

For larger gatherings—funerals, feast days, school events—it would still be entirely possible to accommodate everyone by expanding the seating outward. Space could also be set aside for families with young children, giving little ones room to move, explore, and feel at home in the liturgy.

Why not try it? If the experiment enriches parish life, it could be continued or even adopted more widely. If not, at least the community will have explored a creative way of worshipping and praying together.