Frequently asked questions

We are not architects, but specialists in the field of design and consultation for liturgical space (places of worship.) Some excellent architects may have little background in liturgical matters. We can collaborate with an architect on a project, supplying expertise on religious ritual and how this affects the design of the worship place. In smaller projects which don't call for an architect's expertise, we can work with the parish team or with a contractor.

We offer services and support for projects of all sizes, and we believe that even modest changes deserve proper liturgical attention. We can help you outline a procedure suitable for your needs, and advise whether other professionals would be appropriate for your situation.

We work with specialized artisans and craftspeople who can realize our custom designs. We also represent a number of manufacturers (both domestic and foreign) of high quality church furnishings, including pews.

When building or modifying an important public space like your church, it's worth aiming for the best possible results. Liturgical consultants are specialists in how the physical environment best supports prayer and ritual. In their recent publication, Built of Living Stones, Art, Architecture, and Worship, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (USA) offers these guidelines: "When a parish begins to undertake the building or renovation of a liturgical space, the parish building committee should obtain the services of specialists in liturgical design. It is the responsibility of the liturgical consultant to assist the pastor, the staff, and the entire parish with continuing education about the importance , role, and value of worship, and the impact of the church building upon worship... The liturgical consultant(s) selected by the parish work(s) with the architect and other members of the design team from the earliest stages of the process to help them apply the principles and norms of liturgical design to the practical and liturgical needs of the parish being served... ...the consultant may have expertise in design and can help to coordinate the design and fabrication of appropriate furniture and other objects to be used during liturgical services, as well as the liturgical art to be placed within the church."

At Desmarais & Robitaille we are accustomed to working with sketches or even verbal concepts suppplied by our clients. Contact us with whatever ideas or information you have on hand, and we can suggest the most appropriate means of clearly conveying your design intentions to us. Once we feel that we have a good understanding of your objective, we can produce drawings for your approval.

Although we specialize in ecclesiastical ware, we also do a considerable variety of other work, such as trophies, corporate gift items and a range of jugs, dishes and tableware. We do not ordinarily fashion jewelry, although we do specialize in rings and pectoral crosses for bishops.

We can provide you with a detailed estimate on repair work, without any charge or obligation to you. However, it is generally very difficult to do this without actually seeing the article in question. It is preferable if you deliver the item to us for this purpose, and for articles of value we recommend registered mail.

At Gilles Beaugrand we maintain archives dating back many years, in which we keep pertinent documentation on every contract. Upon request, it is possible to furnish you with the current value of your chalice, along with information regarding the details of its fabrication.

It is Gilles Beaugrand policy always to fabricate the cup of a chalice out of solid sterling silver, regardless of what materials may be used for the rest of the vessel. We use sterling silver not only to ensure the quality and nobility of our products, but because of silver's exceptional durability. The acidity found in wine will corrode and eventually pitt materials like copper and brass, even when they are gold or silver plated; but it will not affect sterling silver.

Beaugrand chalices always have solid sterling silver cups, and most frequently the interior is heavily gold plated. All that is normally required to keep it in excellent condition is to rinse it with water and wipe it with a damp soft cloth or shammy after each use. You don't need any special products, and we recommend not using any metal cleaner, since even the most gentle is somewhat abrasive and may damage the finish. If a chalice is not used for an extended period of time and a little oxidation appears, a bit of ordinary toothpaste, applied with a soft damp cloth, should remove the corrosion.

Our leaflet Stained Glass Choices contains many facts about this art medium, and guides a prospective client through the various stages of a stained-glass project. Ask us for a copy.

Have a look at our 10-stage process for a stained-glass project. It briefly outlines the various steps in the decision making process. Or simply contact us, and through discussion we can suggest a procedure which we think is appropriate for your situation.

At Desmarais & Robitaille we favour a collaborative process whereby the client becomes more knowledgeable about liturgical art and about stained glass art in particular. Rob Macdonnell, who is our head of design, is also a professional Consultant for Liturgical Space. He can help you to identify the criteria which are important for art in the worship place. When the decision-making body is well informed, it then becomes possible to reach a consensus on the style and subject matter of stained glass art.

Although we specialize in stained-glass design for places of worship (churches, synagugues, hospital chapels, etc.) we also welcome private and commercial commissions.

Our particular specialty is the design of new and original stained glass art, in a variety of styles. The talented artisans who realize our designs, however, are highly trained in traditional techniques and have a great experience in the field of restoration, with many prestigious commissions to their credit. If your windows need repair or restoration work, contact us for further information.