Forms of Expression and ways of Worship Flashcards
CCC 1181
‘A Church is a house of prayer in which the Eucharist is celebrated and reserved.’
What are the popular features of church architecture that reflect belief
. East facing
. Cruciform shape
. High vaulted ceilings / spire / dome
. Stained glass windows
East facing
Facing Jerusalem and the Sun rises in the East, representing new life as Jesus rose from the dead.
Cruciform shape
Represents the cross as a symbol of the church.
High vaulted ceilings/ spire/ dome
The open space pointing upwards represents a connection with Heaven. Churches are usually tall buildings to be closer to God.
Stained glass windows
Depict Bible stories in older churches as many Catholics would have been illiterate. In modern churches, the coloured glass gives a sense of beauty and serenity
What are the common features of a Catholic Church
. Sanctuary
. Nave
. Lady Chapel
Sanctuary
The Sanctuary contains the altar, the lectern, the Presider’s chair (where the Priest sits) and usually the Tabernacle. It is where the Holy Eucharist is celebrated and where God is made most present. It is most often raised up at least one step so that it is set apart from the rest of the Church.
The Nave
The Nave is an area where worshippers gather in the church. It usually has fixed seating known as pews. It can be rectangular or circular depending on the architect and style of the church.
Lady Chapel
The Lady Chapel is a small side chapel where the Virgin Mary is honored and her prayers asked for. It is often located in a transept, and sometimes used for smaller masses and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament after Maundy Thursday Mass.
Stained glass windows
Depict Bible stories in older churches as many Catholics would have been illiterate. In modern churches, the colored glass gives a sense of beauty and serenity
What are the internal features of a Catholic Church
. Lectern
. Altar
. Crucifix
. Tabernacle
. Stations of the Cross
. Stained Glass Windows
Lectern or Ambo
A stand from which the readings are proclaimed. It represents the communication of God’s plan of salvation.
Altar
Made of stone.
It is a place of sacrifice and a table of sharing.
Crucifix
A cross with the image of the crucified Jesus on it found by the altar, a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice for us.
Develops a feeling of love, hope and trust in Jesus.
Tabernacle
A box close to the altar where the consecrated host, or Eucharist, is kept. Jesus is truly present.
Stations of the Cross
Images from the story of the Passion of Christ. A reminder of Jesus’ death and suffering.
Stained Glass Windows
Tell stories of the Bible and are useful for Churchgoers that weren’t able to read
How do the internal features of a Catholic Church facilitate Catholic Worship
The building is designed to be prayed in. It is not a meeting hall.
The lectern: The readings from the Bible are read from the lectern. The homily teaches about the Gospel and readings.
The altar is the place of offering. The Holy Spirit is called on the gifts to transform them into the Body and Blood of Christ and given out in Holy Communion.
What are the Sacred Objects
. Sacred Vessels
. Sarcophagi
. Hunger Cloths
. Books
Sacred Vessels
Includes the Chalice for wine, paten for the host and ciborium which contains the hosts given to
the congregation.
Sarcophagi
Box like containerfor a corpse, carved in stone above the ground. A resting place before the Resurrection. It
has scenes of Jesus rising people from the dead which gave hope to families
They can be used in prayer, the person praying asking the person to intercede for them.
Hunger Cloths
Used to cover the altar during Lent. They contain images of Bible stories. They signify God is with us in our lives and cares for every individual.
Books
Includes the lectionary which dictates which readings from the Bible are given in each Mass. Can
also be the altar missal, the instructions for Masses during the year.
What are the two famous religious artworks in Christianity
. The Creation of Adam - Michelangelo
. The Prodigal Son - Rembrandt