4.2 Internal features of a Catholic Church

Question 1

What are some internal features of the Catholic church?

Answer 1

• The altar
• The tabernacle
• The crucifix
• The lectern

Question 2

How does the lectern facilitate Catholic worship?

Answer 2

• The lectern for Bible readings hould be a suitable place for the diginity of God’s word.
• It is the Gospel reading and so clearly expresses the meaning and importance of the redemption Christ brought..
• The Gospel can only be read by an ordained deacon or priest, or bishop who are representatives of Christ and so can proclaim his words and deeds.
• The Bible readings facilitate Catholic worship as they form the basis of the Liturgy of the Word in Mass

Question 3

How does the altar expresses the importance of redemption?

Answer 3

• The altar is made of stone consecrtated by a bishop, and should be at the centre of the church.
• It expresses the importance of redemption as it is an altar of sacrifice.
• In the mass the sacrifice of the cross is made present,right among the people, so Christ’s redemption still affects people today, as The Catechism says that “the sacrifice brough by Christ once and for all on the cross remains ever present”
• It also facilitates Catholic worship as it is the centre of the Eucharist, where the priest offers Mass and where transubstantiation takes place, and so where Catholics can be reaffirmed as part of Christ’s body.

Question 4

What does CCC 1182 say about the altar?

Answer 4

“On the altar, which is the centre of the church, the sacrifice of the cross is made present under sacramental signs”

Question 5

How does the crucifix express the importance of redemption?

Answer 5

• The crucifix reminds worshippers of Christ’s redemption brough by his sacrifice on the cross - that Jesus died to save them from sin.
• It aids worship, either alone, thanking Christ for his redemption, or in Mass, helping people to focus on Christ’s sacrifice.

Question 6

How does the tabernacle express the importance of redemption?

Answer 6

• The tabernacle, a container for the consecrated hosts, reminds Catholics of the redemption Christ brought by his sacrifice on the cross, in his body broken for them.
• The tabernacle also helps Catholics in worship as Catholics believe there is a special and holy prescence in the church keeping the hosts in the tabernacle.

Question 7

What does the Catechism say about the tabernacle?

Answer 7

The tabernacel should be kept in the most worthy place, and treated with the greatest honour

Question 8

WHat does CCC 1186 say about the church?

Answer 8

“The visible church is a symbol of the Father’s house, towards which the People of God are journeying”