Forms of Expression Flashcards
What does a church facing east symbolise?
Jesus rose from the dead and brought new life, just as the sun rises from the east. Mass is a reminder of how Catholics share in the resurrection of Jesus.
What does a cruciform-shaped church symbolise?
This reflects the cross as a symbol of the church. Jesus’ death and resurrection is one of the fundamental beliefs of Christianity.
What does high vaulted ceilings symbolise?
This suggests a connection with heaven. Cathedrals were built as high as possible to get closer to God.
What do stain-glass windows symbolise?
In the past, many Catholics couldn’t read and so to learn about the Bible stories they could look at stained glass windows.
What is a lectern? How is it used? Why is important?
It is a stand for holding the Bible.
During mass, people will stand and read from the Old Testament and New Testament. It is also where the priest will read the gospel from.
The Bible is the Word of God. The lectern represents God communicating with us his plan.
What is an altar? How is it used? Why is important?
A table that represents the table at the Last Supper.
The priest will stand at the altar when he calls down the Holy Spirit to turn the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. Catholics will bow their head when this happens.
Reminds Catholics of Jesus’ sacrifice and that through his death and resurrection, they can now go to heaven (salvation)
What is a crucifix? How is it used? Why is important?
A cross with a figure of Jesus on it.
Catholics look at the crucifix during prayer to strengthen feelings of love, hope and trust
It reminds them of Jesus sacrificing himself for them. It shows them how much God loves them and what he was prepared to do for them.
What is a tabernacle? How is it used? Why is important?
A box close to the altar where the Eucharist is kept. A lamp it kept nearby to remind Catholics that Jesus is present in the tabernacle.
When bread and wine is turned into the Body and Blood of Jesus, they keep the Body of Christ in the Tabernacle. Catholics believe that Jesus is actually present in the Body of Christ and so will genuflect (like a curtsey) towards the tabernacle when they enter and leave a church.
Moses kept the Ten Commandments in the Tabernacle. Catholics now keep the Body of Christ in their to remind them link between God’s old agreement and God’s new agreement through Jesus
How is a chalice used and why is it important?
-A cup to hold the blood of christ during mass
-Jesus is present in the Body and Blood, this brings Catholics closer to God and reminds them of his sacrifice
How is a paten used and why is it important?
-A plate which holds a large, circular host (bread). The priest will hold this up during mass.
-It represents the part of the Last Supper where Jesus broke the bread and shared it with his disciples. During mass, the Holy Spirit turns the bread into the Body of Jesus.
How is a ciborium used and why is it important?
-A covered dish which contains smaller, circular hosts (bread) before and after they are changed in the Body of Christ
-Catholics believe that Jesus is really present in the Body of Christ. If there are pieces of Jesus’ body left over after mass, the priest will NEVER throw it away. It is kept in the ciborium and then that is placed in the tabernacle after mass.
What are sarcophagi? Why are they important to Catholics?
-Tombs that usually contain past popes or saints.
-Catholics believe that if they pray to a saint or pray close to the remains of one, then that particular saint may help them with their prayers.
What are hunger cloths? Why are they important to Catholics?
-Hunger cloths were used in the middle ages to cover the altar, as many were illiterate, they learnt about God through images
-More recently, charities such as CAFOD make hunger cloths that are used by poorer countries to help them remember that God is with them throughout their pain and suffering. Hunger cloths can also help to remind Catholics of their duty to love one another as well as serve God.
What do Catholics use sacred art for?
-Express the beliefs and emotions of the artist
-Help people understand more about God
-Bring people into a deeper worship with God
-Back up the beliefs of the Catholic Church
-Give greater insight into the truths of the Catholic faith
Michaelangelo - “The Creation of Adam” what does the artwork represent?
-This image shows God creating Adam. He is seen stretching his arm out towards God. This represents the belief that all humans are made in God’s image.
-Adam is resting on land. God creates Adam naked. This represents the belief that we were all once innocent and sinless.
-God is seen to have grey hair and beard. This represents the belief that God is omniscient. God here is shown to be omnipotent as he is suspended in the air. This represents the belief that God is not on earth but above in heaven.
