[Alex Murphy]

First noticed that in modern churches built with an “in the round” design. The spoke-and-wheel aisle layout makes getting down for Communion quite an adventure. Not to mention trying to navigate those aisles with a casket on a gurney.

A) What are you doing with a casket in your pew?
2) Isn't it a little late for the occupant to receive Communion?

[Mrs. Don-o]

Alex: read for details. Buckeye was not speaking of a casket in the "pew," he was speaking of a casket in the "aisle." The casket --- with the mortal remains of the deceased parishioner --- would be there for the Funeral Mass and the final blessings.

I don't have a clear idea of what the layout of a "church in the round" is like, but maybe there's no real main aisle, just a bunch of spokes, and thus an awkwardness of how you move from "back to front" when half of the seating is way over on the other side of the altar.

I'd imagine there's a problem with the Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday, too. Come to think of it, it would make any kind of procession a little unfocused.

I'm all for ad orientem.