forms of expression and ways of life Flashcards
Name six key features of a church.
key features of a church:
- many churches face east
- many churches are cruciform (shape of crucifix)
- some are round
- some are octagonal
- high vaulted ceilings and spires
- stained-glass windows
What belief does this feature of a church reflect:
many churches face east
many churches face east:
- the sun rises in the east, as Jesus rose on the day of the resurrection
What belief does this feature of a church reflect:
many churches are cruciform
many churches are cruciform:
- the cross is a symbol of the Church, a reminder of Jesus’ death and sacrifice
What belief does this feature of a church reflect:
some churches are round
some churches are round:
- they represent the eternal nature of God
What belief does this feature of a church reflect:
some churches are octagonal
some churches are octagonal:
- represent a star, bringing light into the world
What belief does this feature of a church reflect:
high vaulted ceilings and spires
high vaulted ceilings and spires:
- connect to heaven and reach towards God
What belief does this feature of a church reflect:
stained-glass windows
stained-glass windows:
- tell stories of the saints and from the Bible, useful when people can’t read
What are four uses of the church?
uses of the church:
- mass
- sacraments
- private prayer
- popular piety
What does the word ‘church’ mean?
‘Church’ means gathered people.
What is a lectern? What is its significance?
A lectern is a book stand from which readings are read. It is important as:
- the Liturgy of the Word is a key feature of the Mass
- the Homily and other prayers are read from there and
- redemption is achieved through responding to the Word of God
What is the altar? What is its significance?
The altar is the table that is the focal point inside a church. It is important as:
- it represents the table at the Last Supper
- it links to the Temple, an altar built by Moses
- redemption is achieved through the sacrifice made by Jesus, prepared at the Last Supper
What is the crucifix? What is its significance?
The crucifix is a cross with an image of the crucified Jesus on it. It is important as:
- it is an aid to prayer
- it is a reminder of Jesus’ suffering
- redemption is possible through the sacrifice made by Jesus in his death on the cross
What is the tabernacle? What is its significance?
The tabernacle is a box where the Eucharist is kept. It is important as:
- it is a ‘dwelling place’ of Jesus
- it is a physical reminder of the redemption made possible through Jesus’ death and resurrection
What is the baptismal font?
The baptismal font contains Holy water used to wash away original sin and begin life in the Church. It is found at the back (traditional) or front (modern) of churches.
What is a confessional?
A confessional is a small room or wooden construction dedicated to reconciliation.
What is the Stations of the Cross?
The Stations of the Cross are images from the story of the Passion of Christ.
What is a water stoup?
A water stoup is Holy water at the entrance to make the sign of the cross.