History Of Christianity In Britian Flashcards
Who did the first Britons (around 800,000 BCE) worship?
Ancestors, they believed that this would influence their fortune.
Roughly when did Britons move from worshipping ancestors to worshipping nature?
3,000 BCE
Around which year did Jesus die and rise from the dead?
33 CE
Around how many years after Jesus’ death did St Paul begin a series of missionary journies?
10 years after (around 43 CE)
Who started a series of missionary journeys to teach people that Jesus is the Son of God?
St Paul
Where did St Paul travel for his missionary journies?
Modern-day Greece and Turkey; finished in Rome
When did the Romans invade Britian?
43 CE
Who did the Romans worship?
Various Gods, e.g: Jupiter, Venus, Apollo
What is the worship of many gods known as?
Polytheistic
Around how many years after the Roman invasion did traders from Eastern Roman Empire bringnthe idea of Christianity?
10 years later; around 53 CE
Were many Christians across the Roman Empire being persecuted or being forced to worship in secret due to illegality?
Yes
What does the term ‘martyr’ mean?
One who dies for their faith or belief.
Who is England’s first known Christian martyr?
St Alban
When was St Alban martyred?
250 CE
When did Emporer Constantine issue an order for there to be no action to take place against any religion?
313 CE
Who issued an order for there to be no action to take place against any religion in the Roman Empire?
Emporer Constantine
When did Emperor Constantine declare Christianity as the official religion of the whole Roman Empire?
324 CE
Around when was a young, British teenager, called Patrick, kidnapped by Irish raiders, taken to Ireland and sold into slavery, where he was a shepherd for six years?
405 CE
What is the name of the young, British teenager kidnapped by Irish raiders, taken to Ireland and sold into slavery, where he was a shepherd for six years?
Patrick
Where did St Patrick eventually escape Ireland to go to become a priest?
Britian
When St Patrick returned to Ireland, what did he:
a) do to spread Christianity?
b) become?
a) He converted many pagans.
b) He became the Bishop of Ireland, and today is Ireland’s patron saint.
What is meant by the term ‘pagan’?
One who worships many gods/godesses, typically to do with nature.
What is meant by a ‘missionary’?
A person sent to another country in order to encourage Christianity.
Around when did the Romans leave/withdraw from Britiain?
Early 400s
In place of the Romans, who came and invaded Britian?
Pagan Invaders from German and Danish tribes, called the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes.
Give some examples of any Anglo, Saxon and/or Jute gods.
Twi, Wodin, Thor, Friya
Did Christianity stay or disappear from Britian after the Angle invasion?
Christianity disappeared as many Britons decided to worship multiple gods.
In which year did a Christian Irishman bring Christianity to Scotland and mainland
Britain?
563 CE
What was the name of the Christian Irishman, brought Christianity to Scotland and mainland
Britain in 563 CE?
Columba
Where did Columba initially land in?
Iona, Scotland
What did St Columba do in Iona, Scotland?
- He built a monastery.
- He converted the pagan king into Christianity.
- He founded many more monstaries after that as well.
Which Roman Catholic Pope became convinced that the world was going to end very soon?
Pope Gregory I
Did Pope Gregory I want to eliminate paganism?
Yes, particularly in England where such beliefs were still dominant.
What did Pope Gregory I do in 597 CE?
He sent 40 monks, led by St Augustine, as missionaries to England, in order to convert the English to Christianity.
Was Augustine welcomed by the king?
Yes, and gradually the people of Kent and Essex converted to Christianity.
In which year did Pope Gregory I send even more missionaries to convert the English kings?
580 CE, the following year after St Augustine and his other monks had went to England as missionaries.
By which year were many ordinary English people converting to Christinaity?
650 CE
In which year did a huge army of Norwegian and Danish Vikings seize Scottish and Irish coastal areas, and most of northern and eastern England?
865 CE
Who blocked the Norweigan and Danish Viking attack in 865 CE?
Alfred, King of Wessex.
Did many Vikings agree to be baptised as Christians?
Yes.
What Christian learning system did Alfred, King of Wessex, create to help the illiterate people in the country?
Many lords began to provide small chapels for their people to worship. This was the beginning of the parish system.
What did William the Conqueror implement in 1066?
New stone churches which played a central role in community life in schools, markets, and entertainment venues.
Who is the first known Christian martyr in Britain?
St Alban
What happened when St Alban was going to bed?
He heard the creak of a door in the courtyard of his villa, and when he walked quietly towards the door, to his surprise, he saw one of his slaves talking to an elderly man.
What did one of St Alban’s slaves do once he saw that he was watching him talking to the elderly man?
He was terrified and quickly went away in terror.
What did the elderly man do when he saw St Alban?
He approached St Alban, who demanded to know what was going on.
What was the name of the elderly man seeking help in St Alban’s courtyard?
Amphibalus
Who was Amphibalus?
An elderly Christian priest who had fled from the town due to his rejection to offer incense to the Emperor.
Who was St Alban?
A British soldier in the Roman Army, whonwas the first known Christian British marytr.
Why did citizens in the Roman Empire have to offer incense to the Emperor?
Citizens in the Roman Empire had to offer incense to the Emperor to demonstrate political loyalty and unity, accept the Emperor’s divine status, and reinforce social unity. Refusing to participate could result in legal and social penalties, as it was seen as an act of disloyalty to the state.
What was Amphibalus begging for?
A shelter for the night.
Had St Alban heard about Christians before?
Yes, but was confused as to why they were so stubborn to not worship the Emperor.
What did St Alban decide to do with Amphibalus?
He decided to question the man further in the morning, before handing him to the governor.
What happened when Amphibalus was talking to St Alban about his belief in Jesus?
Alban came to know and believe in Jesus.
Despite it being very dangerous to give shelter to Christians, what did Alban do?
He couldn’t hand the priest over to the governor to be tortured and killed, so when soldiers arrived at his villa without warning, Alban hurriedly put on the priest’s clothes and was arrested and brought to the governor.
What did the governor tell Alban to do once he found out that the priest had escaped?
He furiously demanded the he should offer incense to the Emperor to prove his loyalty to Roman beliefs.
What did Alban declare when he rejected to offer of incense?
“I am called Alban and I worship and adore the true and living God who created all things.”
What happened to Alban once he was tortured?
He was taken to the hill outside the town and was beheaded.
What did one of the executioners request after seeing Alban’s courage and faith?
He too begged to be allowed to die for Jesus.
Did St Alban and the executioner’s witness of faith lead to many others becoming Christians?
Yes.
What was built on the martyrdom site of St Alban?
A Church was eventually built and it became a shrine and a centre of pilgrimage; a monastery was also founded, and the town of St Alban’s was also founded.
Why was it so difficult to be a Christian during the time of Alban?
Christians would have been persecuted if they didn’t prove their worship of Roman Gods.
Why did Romans persecute Christians at the time?
Christians didn’t worship Roman Gods, which was against Roman law.
Why do you think Alban was prepared to die rather than give in to the threats of the Roman governor?
He had learnt and now believed that Jesus is ‘the Way, the Truth, and the Life’.
What happened when the soldiers were leading Alban to the place of execution?
They approached a river, and Alban bent forward so that the soldiers could cross without getting wet; this is how his executioner converted instantly and refused to carry out the sentence.
What happened to the second executioner who beheaded him?
It is believed that he was immediately struck blind and his eyes fell out of his sockets.
How long did Priest Amphibalus survive after Alban’s death?
He survived only for 4 days before he was stoned to death.
Definition of a martyr:
A person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs.
When and where was St Augustine of Canterbury born?
6th Century (approx.)
Rome, Italy (estimate)
When and where did St Augustine die?
(Probably) May 25th, 604 CE
Canterbury, Kent
Where is St Augustine buried?
Canterbury Cathedral
When is St Augustine’s feast day?
27th May
Where are St Augustine’s shrines?
St Augustine’s Abbey, Canterbury (now destroyed)
St Augustine’s Ramsgate
What is a shrine?
A special religious place of prayer.
Definition of ‘Benedictine’:
A community of monks who live according to St Benedict’s teachings.
What is meant when someone is preaching?
They are spreading the word about God.
What is a ‘see’?
The area an Archbishop is responsible for.
What is Pope Gregory I more commonly known as?
Pope Gregory the Great
In 596/597 CE, who did Pope Gregory the Great send from Rome to preach in England?
40 Benedictine monks, one of whom was Augustine.
What had happened by the time the monks had reached France?
They had heard so much about the English and how fierce they were, that they wanted to return to Rome.
What did Pope Gregory tell the monks to reassure them?
He said that they had to continue with their mission so that they would have a greater reward in heaven because of this difficult task they had been asked to do.
Who else did Pope Gregory convince to join the Roman Benedictine monks?
Some nearby French priests.
When did the whole group, assigned by Pope Gregory, arrive in England?
597 CE
Who were Augustine and the group welcomed by when they arrived in England?
The English King, Ethelbert
What was the name of King Ethelbert’s wife?
Bertha
What religion was Queen Bertha?
Christian
Was Ethelbert soon baptised after hearing about believing in Jesus from the monks and his wife?
Yes.
Who was soon made the Archbishop of the English in 597 CE?
St Augustine of Canterbury
Where was St Augustine’s see?
In Canterbury
What are some possible challenges that Augustine and the monks could have faced?
- Bad weather
- Food and Water Shortages
- No Shelter at Certain Points
- Encountering those who go against Christian beliefs.
- Crossing the Channel
Between which years did the Christian Church in Europe grow much stronger?
597 - 1500
Which groups of people helped the Church to establish itself?
Missionaries, teachers, writers, artists, craftsmen and builders.
What does the word ‘Catholic’ mean?
Universal
Where is the Catholic Church’s headquarters?
Vatican City, surrounded by Rome
What does the word ‘Orthodox’ mean?
Correct Belief
Where is the Orthodox Church centred at?
Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul)
Which two main branches of the Christian Church still remain separated today, almost 1000 years later?
Orthodox and Catholic
When did the Great Schism take place?
1054
Before which century were Church leaders increasingly disagreeing amongst each other about several matters?
Before the 11th Century
Other than the Holy Trinity, what could the Orthodox and Catholic churches not agree about?
The authority of the Pope within the Church
What did the Orthodox Church believe about the role of the Pope?
The Orthodox Church was never prepared to give the Pope the sole right to determine the doctrines that Christians should hold.
What is a doctrine?
A set of beliefs.
What did the Roman Catholic Church believe about the role of the Pope?
The Catholic Church believed that the Pope was the successor of St Peter, and so his authority over the Church shouldn’t be questioned.
Who was the first bishop of Rome?
St Peter
Apart from the Pope’s role, what else did the two churches disagree about?
The doctrine of the Holy Trinity.
What are the three equal parts of the Holy Trinity?
God the Father
God the Son (Jesus)
God the Holy Spirit
What is an example of an important Christian creed?
The Nicene Creed
What did the Nicene Creed orginally state about the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit came ‘only from the father’.
What was later added onto the Nicene Creed regarding the Holy Trinity?
It was changed from:
“I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father.”
…to
“I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son.”
Which church accepted that the Holy Spirit came from both the Father and the Son, and therefore which church didn’t?
The Catholic Church accepted, whereas the Orthodox Church didn’t, as they insisted that God the Son and God the Holy Spirit both came from God the Father alone.
What does the word ‘schism’ mean?
(Great) Division
Who was the Head of the Orthodox Church in Constantinople during the time of the Great Schism?
Michael Cerularius
What is the word used to describe an act of holding false beliefs?
Heresy
What did Michael Cerularius accuse the Roman Catholic Church of?
Holding/believing in various heresies.
Who was the head of the Catholic Church during the Schism?
Pope Leo X
What did Pope Leo do in return after Patriarch Michael had accused them?
He denied that his Church was in error and instead condemneed the Orthodox Church in return.
What happened to Pope Leo the 10th the same year of the Great Schsim?
He passes away,
What happened in the same year of Pope Leo’s death?
Cardinal Humbert of France excommunicated not only Patriarch Michael of Constantinople, but the entire Orthodox Church.
Had the excommunication of the Orthodox Church ever happened before?
No, this has never been done before, or ever since.
What did the Patriarch of Constantinople state in return to the excommunication?
He denied that the Pope had had any authority over the Orthodox Church in the first place, as he claimed that his Church was totalky independant from the Roman Catholic Church.
What did the Patriarch of Constantinople state in return to the excommunication?
He denied that the Pope had had any authority over the Orthodox Church in the first place, as he claimed that his Church was totalky independant from the Roman Catholic Church.
What is a creed?
A statement or declaration of religious faith/belief.
Where and during what did Cardinal Humbert excommunicate the Orthodox Church?
During High Mass in the Cathedral of Santa (Saint) Sophia of Constabtinople.
Where and during what did Cardinal Humbert excommunicate the Orthodox Church?
During High Mass in the Cathedral of Santa (Saint) Sophia of Constabtinople.
Who was Martin Luther?
A Roman Catholic monk.
Where did Martin Luther live?
Germany
What was Martin Luther unhappy about?
Some of the bad practices that the Catholic Church encouraged.
When did Martin Luther nail a list of 95 things to the door of a church?
1517
What is the name of the list of 95 things that Martin Luther nailed to the door of a church?
The 95 Theses
To the door of which church did Martin Luther nail the 95 theses?
The door of a church in Wittenberg.
Why did Martin Luther nail the 95 Theses onto the church door?
Nailing notices to church doors was a way of making a public statement in the 16th century, similar to how a notice board works today.
Generally, what did the 95 theses criticise?
The list detailed lots of things he thought the Roman Catholic Church should try and sort out, as the church had become very corrupt.
What was one of the main problems that Martin had with the Catholic Church?
He had a particular problem with indulgences, the selling of false relics and the corrupt practices of lots of the priests at time.
What were indulgences?
Indulgences were pieces of paper that ordinary people were encouraged to buy. They were believed to have a special power to release the souls of loved ones who had died from purgatory and so get them into heaven quicker.
Why was selling indulgences a corrupt practice?
The more money you spent, the quicker the souls of your loved ones were promised to get to heaven.
Which man was famous for going around to different towns and encouraging people to buy indulgences?
John Tetzel
What would John Tetzel usually say?
“As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, a soul from purgatory springs!’
What else, apart from indulgences, were people also encouraged to buy?
Relics
What are relics?
Holy Objects.
For example, bits of material said to be from the shroud of Jesus, or little bits of bone said to be from the skeletons of saints.
Why were people encouraged to buy relics?
They were believed to bring people closer to God.
Why did Martin Luther dislike the idea of relics?
He believed it was just a scheme by the church to make many, as many of the relics sold were fake.
What did Martin Luther think about the actions/behaviour of many priests?
He thought many priests were corrupt and more interested in things like money and land, rather than doing a good job teaching people about God.
What did Martin Luther come to believe?
You didn’t need priests to worship God, instead, you just need your Bible ad your own faith.
Why was Martin Luther excommunicated from the Catholic Church?
He was protesting against the practices of the priests, including selling indulgences, and relics, and their corrupt behaviour.
Which English King originally supported the Pope against Luther’s ideas?
Henry the 8th
What did Henry the 8th originally think that Luther was?
A heretic for starting the Lutheran Church
What is a heretic?
A traitor who moved away from the Catholic Church.
What made Henry VIII want to disagree with the Pope and the Catholic Church?
The Pope refused to grant Henry a divorce from Catherine of Aragon so that he could marry Anne Boleyn.
What did Henry VIII do in return for the Pope’s rejection of divorce?
He formed his own protestant church, called the Church of England, and placed himself in charge.
Which Pope denied a divorce for Henry the 8th?
Pope Clement VII
Give some examples of Protestant Churches.
Pentecostal, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Non-denominational, Evangelical Free, and Church of Christ, Church of England, Lutheranist
What are denominations?
A recognised and independent branch of the Christian Church.
What is the largest denomination in the Christian religion?
The Roman Catholic Church.
What is the Bible considered as in the Catholic Church?
The Word of God, and inspired by God.
Which teachings do Catholics mainly follow?
The teachings built upon the teachings of the 12 Apostles, particularly those of Peter, who was the First Pope.
Do Roman Catholics confess sins and ask God for forgiveness?
Yes.
Who is in charge/head of the Roman Catholic Church?
The Pope, currently Pope Francis.
Where is Pope Francis situated?
The Vatican City, also known as the Holy See, in Rome.
What does the word ‘Catholic’ mean, and what does this symbolise?
The word ‘Catholic’ means ‘universal’ and ‘everyone’, so beliefs are held by Catholics worldwide.
Fill in the blanks:
The _____ Church is one of the _____ denominations, as it goes back over _____ years. It is quite traditional.
Catholic, Oldest, 2000
Which branch/denomination of Christianity is mainly practised in Eastern Europe?
The Orthodox Church
True or False:
Statues are of great importance for Orthodox Christians and are used in worship and at home.
False.
Icons are of great importance for Orthodox Christians and are used in worship and at home.
What are icons in the Orthodox Church?
Beautiful, elaborate paintings, often depict Christ, Mary, or the lives of Saints.
Is the Orthodox Church made up of several self-governing churches or does it have a main leader which governs all Orthodox Churches?
It is made up of a number of self-governing Churches.
What does the word ‘Orthodox’ mean?
Right Belief
a) What is the name of the ‘head’ of the Orthodox Church?
b) Does he have authority over all Orthodox Churches?
a) (Ecumenical) Patriarch of Constantinople
b) He is considered the ‘first among equals’ and has no real authority over Churches other than his.
Who is the current Archbishop/Patriarch of Constantinople?
(His All Holiness) Archbishop Bartholomew
What is the state church in England?
The Church of England; is also known as the Anglican Church, and is a Protestant Church.
Who, when and why was the Church of England created?
Henry VIII created it in the 1530s when he split from the Pope.
Who is the:
a) head/in charge of the Anglican Church?
b) leader of the Anglican Church?
The head is the King/Queen of the UK (currently King Charles III).
The leader is the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.
Why is the Protestant Church considered to be quite a modern Church?
It allows women to be priests and often allows divorce and re-marriage.
Where does the authority of the Church of England come from?
It comes from the Bible alone, as it is the Word of God.
How is the Bible interpreted by Protestants?
The Bible is interpreted to suit modern life.
Where does the word ‘Protestant’ come from?
It comes from the word ‘protest’ as some Catholics, including Luther, rebelled against the Catholic Church because they were unhappy with the way it was running the Church.
When were the Quakers founded and by who?
They were founded by George Fox around 1650.
Is the Quakers a Protestant Church?
Yes
What is the proper name for the Quakers?
The Religious Society of Friends.
What is the main purpose of the Quaker Christians?
To help those in need.
Where do Quaker Christians worship?
They worship together in simple rooms, not churches.
What does Quaker worship consist of?
It consists of silent waiting.
When do Quakers contribute or spread Good News?
Once they are inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Do the Quakers celebrate Christian festivals, such as Christmas or Easter?
No, as they believe that every day is special.
Are there any priests or leaders for the Quakers?
No
Do the Quakers believe in any form of fighting?
No
Do the Quakers believe that the Bible is the ‘Word of God’?
No, but they believe that it is a very inspirational book.
Does the Baptist Church have a leader?
No, each church governs/leads itself as they reject the idea of a state church.
Which denomination is the fifth largest Christian Church in the world?
The Baptist Church
Is the Baptist Church a Protestant church?
Yes
What is the only source of authority for the Baptist Church?
The Bible
Who do Baptists only baptise and why?
Only Older Children and Adults can be baptised so that they can decide themselves if they want to be Christian or not.
Does the Baptist Church accept or reject the idea that authority comes from the 12 apostles?
They reject this idea.
Do Baptist Christians accept or reject the idea of a hierarchy of having priests, bishops, and a pope?
They reject this idea.
Where does the name ‘Baptist’ come from?
It comes from the practice of baptising by full immersion under the water to wash away their sins.
It also resembles how baptism took place during Jesus’ time.
Where do Bishops in the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches preside (meaning ‘take the chair’ or ‘lead’) in their diocese?
Bishops preside over a cathedral.
What can you see in a cathedral that distinguishes it from a church?
A Bishop’s Seat
Most cathedrals were built centuries ago, and so who did this allow to use their skills to worship God?
Craftsmen were provided the opportunity to use their skills in the worship of God.
What are cathedrals?
Cathedrals are special church buildings that contain the cathedra (the bishop’s seat) of a bishop, which thus serves as the central and principal church of a diocese.
What is the bishop’s seat known as in Latin, and what does the Latin word mean?
Cathedra (meaning chair or seat)
What are the religiously divided areas of a country called?
Dioceses
Who leads a diocese?
A bishop (who is a senior priest).
When cathedrals were built, were bishops wealthy landowners or ordinary clergymen?
Wealthy Landowners
Were cathedrals built in the honour of a bishop?
Sometimes, but the main purpose of building a cathedral, and even a church, is to glorify God.
Sometimes cathedrals were built in honour of a bishop, but how else did cathedrals come about?
In some areas, the most beautiful and largest church in the diocese became the cathedral.
How does the bishop’s chair look like?
It is a large chair, beautifully carved in wood.
Where does the bishop sit when he conducts a service in the cathedral?
On the Bishop’s seat.
Where did the idea of a Bishop’s seat originate from?
This practice dates back centuries to the time when the bishop always sat directly behind the altar.
Where is the Bishop’s seat found today?
Directly behind the altar.
Roughly how long does it take to build a cathedral?
For many cathedrals, it often took at least half a century, yet many took longer or were rebuilt due to fires or other damage.
What is the long passageway of a cathedral called?
The Nave
Many years ago, what was the nave originally used for?
It was used by traders to sell their goods.
What did the cathedral shelter the traders from?
The traders could work in any weather as they were protected by the cathedrals’ rooves.
Did these traders consider their work as being a degrading use of a ‘house of God’?
No, although it soon became apparent that such activity could interfere with the main purpose of the building, which is for the worship and glory of God.
How was the issue of trading in a cathedral solved?
To separate business from worship, a screen was erected at the front of the cathedral to keep the altar area holy.
What was the screen that separated business from worship called?
A rood screen.
What is the origin of the name ‘rood screen’?
It often contained a ‘rood’ (a crucifix) in its design.
What is the symbol of Christianity and why?
The cross is the main symbol of the Christian religion because of its link with the death of Jesus.
Why have most of these rood screens been long since removed from cathedrals?
People nowadays want to be as close as possible to the altar as they worship God.
What are most cathedrals shaped as?
A cross.
What shape are newer cathedrals built in and why?
Newer cathedrals, such as those in Liverpool and Bristol, are round or semi-circular as it allows people to feel closely involved in the worship as the congregation is equidistant from the altar.
There are many services each Sunday, and, usually, do other services during the week take place in a cathedral?
Yes.
Who leads the services of a cathedral?
Some of the cathedral services are taken by the bishop, but he is also expected to take services elsewhere in his diocese.
Apart from regular services, what else are cathedrals used for?
They are used for special services when people travel from all over the diocese to attend, or for a school or community celebration, such as Challoner Day.
Where are important national occasions often held and by who?
Important national occasions such as a royal wedding or a funeral are often held in a cathedral.
Give evidence that Augustine was in Britain:
- St Augustine’s Cross and Inscription: around 10,000 people were baptised at this place, and it’s believed to be the place where Augustine landed and met King Ethelbert.
- St Martin’s Church: St Martin’s was the private chapel of Queen Bertha of Kent before Saint Augustine of Canterbury arrived from Rome in 597, and used it as his ‘headquarters’.
- Bertha’s Statue marks the door where Augustine, Queen Bertha, and the Bishop would have been entering and exiting the chapel.
- A letter from Pope Gregory I tells us that Ethelbert had converted to Christianity.
- A baptismal font is in the place of what is believed to be the place of Ethelbert’s Baptism.
Give a statement that shows that evidence is insufficient to prove that Augustine was in Britain.
The Venerable St Bede wrote 100 years after St Augustine’s mission.
What is the difference between a church and a cathedral?
A cathedral is a church that is run by a bishop.
Where were Christian churches built and why?
Christian churches were built on top of hills because they were the most important buildings in the area, and so they needed to be easy to see and defend.
What material was usually used to build churches?
Churches were usually built from local stone.
What did the size of a church reflect?
The size of the church reflected the size and wealth of the parish.
Why are churches and cathedrals usually built in the shape of a cross?
The cross is the main Christian symbol.
Why were churches built facing east?
East is the direction of the Holy Land where Jesus lived. It also symbolises God’s goodness lighting up the darkness.
What are the most important features of a Catholic Church?
Altar, Tabernacle, Lectern, Font, Crucifix, and a Cross.
What is the altar?
A table which holds items for Holy Communion. It is the most important part of the church.
What is the tabernacle?
A special cupboard where the consecrated Eucharist is kept for later use (to be distributed to the housebound after Mass).
What is the lectern?
A special stand for the Bible, and is used by priests and speakers to read from.
Why do many lecterns have eagles?
Eagles are a sign of spreading the word of God and are also a symbol of John the Baptist.
What does the font hold?
The Holy Water for Baptism
What is the crucifix?
A cross with the figure of Jesus on it.
What does the crucifix remind Catholics of?
Jesus’ suffering and death
What does an empty cross remind Catholics of?
Jesus’ resurrection and his victory over death.
What might churches have instead of an empty cross to symbolise Jesus’ resurrection?
A crucifix with the figure of the Risen Lord.
What are votive candles used for, and where are they found?
They are used to light as you say a prayer, and are often lit underneath an image or statue of Jesus, Mary or other saints.
What is a thurible used for?
Used to burn incense in the church.
Apart from an altar server or priest holding a thurible when processing in, where else can a thurible be placed?
It can be hung from the walls or the ceiling.
What is the spiritual reason as to why thuribles are used?
To help create an atmosphere of holiness.
What and why are confession boxes used?
Catholics use confession boxes to confess their sins in private, with the priest often listening to them, which symbolises God listening to them acknowledge their wrongdoings.
They are also used as a way to wash away sins in life and before worship.
What is a Statue of Mary or other saints used for?
They are used as an aid to prayer, though Christians do not pray to Mary or the saints, but pray to God through Mary and the saints by asking for their help in interceding with their prayers.
What is the central focal point of the Church?
The Altar
What does the altar represent?
The Last Supper, where Jesus established the sacrament of the Eucharist, and is where the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ through transubstantiation.
What is the name of the Eucharistic bread?
The Host, or the Body of Christ
What do Christians believe about Christ’s presence during Mass?
Catholics believe that Christ is fully present in the Eucharist and that the Tabernacle is a place of perpetual, or endless, adoration and reverence.
How does the Crucifix help Catholics reflect?
It reminds them of the suffering and love of Jesus and is a symbol of salvation.
Which sacrament is considered crucial for spiritual healing and reconciliation with God?
Sacrament of Confession/Reconciliation
Why is Baptism the initiation into the Catholic faith?
Individuals are cleansed of original sin and become part of the church which symbolises their spiritual rebirth.
What does the word ‘liturgy’ mean?
The Word of God
What is the ‘Liturgical Year’?
The regular cycle of events that remembers and celebrates key events in Jesus’ life.
Also known as the Christian year.
What is the Paschal Triduum?
The final three days of Lent (which are Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday).
When does the Christian Church Year begin?
On the first Sunday of Advent (usually the last Sunday of November).
When does the Liturgical Year end?
The Last Saturday of Ordinary Time, which is the Saturday after the Feast of Christ the King.
What are the four main liturgical colours?
White, Green, Red and Purple
What does white symbolise?
Joy and purity as a result of faith.
What is the colour white closely associated with?
The Worship of Jesus, and Mary, during Easter and Christmas.
It also represents the resurrection, with Christ rising in exaltation of the faith.
What other colours can be used instead of white?
Gold or Yellow
What does the colour green symbolise?
Hope, perseverance and continuous listening.
Who does the colour green accompany and why?
The daily journey of priests and the faithful as they turn to God in prayer and reflection.
When is the colour green used?
During Ordinary Time
What is the colour purple linked to?
Penance, waiting, mourning and preparation.
During which seasons of the Liturgical Year is the colour purple used?
Advent and Lent (which are periods of reflection and preparation).
When else is the colour purple used?
For the masses of the deceased, but black vestments can also be used for funerals.
What does the colour red symbolise?
The Passion of Christ and the blood spilt in martyrdom by him and the saints.
It also symbolises the Holy Spirit.
During which occasions are red vestments significantly used?
Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Pentecost, celebrations dedicated to the Passion of the Lord, feasts of the Apostles, the Evangelists (those who convert others to the Christian faith, especially through public preaching), and the Holy Martyrs.
Apart from these for main colours, what other colours are used on special occasions?
Blue, Pink (known as Rose), Black, and Gold/Yellow
When is Blue used?
For celebrations in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially in Spanish or Portuguese cultures.
When is Pink/Rose used?
3rd Sunday of Advent and 4th Sunday of Lent (called Laudete Sunday)
What does the colour pink/rose symbolise?
Joy and Solemnity (meaning sincerity)
What does Gold symbolise?
Royalty and Splendour
Who is the colour Gold typically reserved for?
Very important celebrants, including bishops.
What colour is worn by a priest for a wedding?
White
What colour is worn by a priest for a funeral?
Purple or Black
What are the 8 parts of a Catholic Mass?
- Greeting
- Penitential Rite (can be categorised with the Opening)
- Liturgy of the Word (the Creed and Bidding Prayers of the Liturgy of the Word can be categorised as a separate part of Mass)
- Offertory
- Eucharistic Prayer
- Our Father and Sign of Peace
- Communion
- Blessing and Dismissal
What happens during the greeting?
The priest welcomes the congregation to make them feel part of Mass.
What happens during the Penitential Rite?
People ask God and others to forgive their sins so that they may feel more prepared to celebrate Mass.
What is part of the Liturgy of the Word?
- The Gloria
- The Collect (Prayer for the Day)
Readings from:
- The Old Testament
- The New Testament
- The Gospel
- The Homily
- The Creed
- The Bidding Prayers (known as the Prayer of the Faithful)
What happens during the Liturgy of the Word?
Readings from the Old Testament, the Epistles (meaning letters), and the Gospels are read to allow the congregation to understand more about the life of people before, during, and after the life of Jesus. A homily, also known as a sermon, is said by a priest, deacon or bishop to link the readings to the congregation’s local and daily lives.
What is recited as a statement of faith?
The ‘Nicene Creed’ is most commonly recited by all to express what they as the Church believe about the Trinity.
What is the difference between the Nicene and Apostles’ Creed?
The Nicene Creed uses the same threefold structure as the Apostles’ Creed, but goes into more depth and detail.
Why are the bidding prayers said?
A minimum of five prayers are said to express the needs of the parish, the local community, the nation, and the world.
What happens during the Offertory?
The Bread and Wine are offered to God to show our love to Him and also as preparation for Transubstantiation.
Money is also collected and handed in for the reasons above.
What happens during the Eucharistic Prayer?
The bread and wine become the Consecrated Body and Blood of Christ through Transubstantiation due to the Catholic belief that Christ is present at Mass.
Why is the Lord’s prayer said?
The people of God ask for the food and gift of eternal life.
Why is a gesture of peace made between one another?
A gesture of peace and goodwill is done to allow people to take Communion in peace, harmony, and calmness of mind.
What happens during Communion?
The Body and Blood of Christ are received to allow people to ‘allow Christ to enter their body’ and to cure all of their sins.
What happens during the Blessing and Dismissal?
The people are sent out to go in peace, to serve the Lord, and to spread the Good News.
What may the priest sprinkle to show that the congregation has been forgiven?
Holy Water
What is the Latin phrase used to describe that the priest acts in the person of Jesus during transubstantiation?
In Persona Christi
Which cardinal temporarily was in charge of the Catholic Church after Pope Leo X’s death?
Cardinal Humbert of France
Who is the first Christian martyr?
St Stephen
Who is the first Christian martyr?
St Stephen
