church building Flashcards
why are there often strained glass used in churches?
to display stories from the bible or lives of the saint
what does the cruciform (cross shaped) signify?
the importance of the death of Jesus that achieved salvation
why were churches traditionally face towards east?
for the first Christians, it was customary to pray facing toward the Holy Land, where Jesus was born, lived, died and rose again.
the sun rises is the east and is a reminder of the resurrection of Jesus bringing new life.
what do the churches that are often very tall with domes or vaulted ceilings create?
a space which is pointing up showing a connection with God and heaven
what do the towers and steeples represent?
prayer and worship rising up to heaven, a sign of what takes place inside the building
what do modern church buildings tend to be?
simpler in design
what do some churches that are circular in design with the altar in the middle signifies?
the oneness of the worshippers and that they are all sharing in the sacrificial meal at the altar. It can also stand for the eternity of God
what will the church focus regardless of design
on the sanctuary
sanctuary
holy place
where does public workship focused?
the sanctuary where where the altar, lectern and tabernacle are (these are features you’d always expect to find in a Catholic church)
the altar
1. what is a table structure usually made out of?
2. what takes place at the altar?
3. what does the priest blesses?
4. what does “altar” remind christians of?
5. what is the altar which is also a table remind catholics of?
6. what is one of the most important sacraments?
- stone
- The main part of the Mass, the Eucharist.
- bread and wine here.
- the sacrifice and death of Jesus on the cross.
- reminding Catholics of the meal Jesus shared with his disciples at the Last Supper.
- the Sacrament of the Eucharist or Mass
the lectern
1. what is a lectern or ambo?
2. what scripture is read from here?
3. what do catholics believe at mass?
4. what do they read at services?
5. what is a lectionary?
- near the altar is a stand called a ‘lectern’ or ‘ambo’. It is from here that the priest, deacon or reader reads from.
- the Liturgy of the Word scripture
- are notished andled by listening to the word of God.
- from a lectionary.
- a book containing a collection of scripture readings appointed to use on a given day.
the baptismal font
1. what is a big stone bowl filled with?
2. what is the baptism?
3. why was baptism used to be by the main door to the church?
4. why is it tend to be at the font?
5. what happens during baptism?
- filled with water where baptism takes place.
- the first sacrament by which a person becomes a Christian.
- to show that people entered the Church through baptism.
- so that all those present can easily see a baptism when it takes place.
- a child has their original sin washed away and welcomes them into the body of Christ.
the tabernacle
1. what is it?
2. why is the host stored here?
3. what is it also a focus for?
4. why will catholics genuflect?
5. where is the tabernacle often behind?
6. where is it places in some modern churches?
7. why is a sanctuary lamp found nearby?
- a safe-like place in which the consecrated host bread are kept
- so that it can be taken to the sick and those who are unable to come to church.
- for private prayer and devotion.
- go down on one knee towards the tabernacle in honour of the presence of Jesus reserved in the Blessed Sacrament (host).
- often behind the altar
- placed in a side chapel so that people can pray in private.
- reminds Catholics of the presence of God in the tabernacle.
the crucifix
1. where will a crucifix always be?
2. what is it?
3. where is it usually on or near?
4. what does it serves as a reminder of?
5. what do catholics believe about the death of jesus?
6. what do catholics believe that jesus died for?
- In Catholic churches
- a cross with an image of the crucified Christ on it.
- It is usually on or near the altar.
- of the suffering and death of Jesus.
- death of Jesus was the price he paid for their salvation.
- Jesus died for them to forgive their sins and give them eternal life.
