4.1 : The Architecture, Design, and Decoration of Catholic Churches

Question 1

What are some architectual features of Catholic Church?

Answer 1

• Churches built facing east
• Churches built in cruciform shape
• Round churches
• Octagonal churches
• Stained-glass windows
• Vault
• Nave

Question 2

How do the architectual features of a Church reflect belief?

Answer 2

• Churches are built facing east as a reminder that Jesus rose from the dead, just likle the sun rises from the east.
• Churches are built in cruciform shape to reflect the cross as the symbol of the church
• Round churches represent eternity. Sephulchre in Jerusalem is round
• Octagonal churches represent a star bringing light into the world. The Nativity in Bethlehem is octagonal.
• Stained-glass windows tell stories from the Bible and were particularly useful in times when many Catholics could not read
• Churches are vaulted, creating open space and point upwards, suggesting a connection with heaven

Question 3

CCC 1179

Answer 3

“Worship is not tied exclusively to any one place. The whole earth is sacred and entrusted to the children of men”

Question 4

CCC 1181

Answer 4

“A church, ‘a house of prayer’, where the Eucharist is celebrated and reserved, where the faithful assemble, and where Jesus Christ worshipped…ought to be in good taste and a worthy place for prayer and sacred ceremonials”

Question 5

What are different churches like?

Answer 5

• In much older Churches, the sanctuary is separated from the people and often elevated, reflecting pre Vatican II ideas.
• Churches reflect the era they were built in.