) (i) Explain how Catholic beliefs about salvation influence the design of churches.

Question 1

 Many Churches are designed with the altar facing east, where the
sun rises: a symbol of the resurrection.
 Catholics believe in the resurrection of Christ and ultimately of all
believers
 The central place given to the font and the altar which are where
the two central sacraments of initiation are celebrated: Baptism
and Eucharist
 Water as a symbol of death to an old self and being born anew in
Jesus
 Catholics believe that salvation is achieved through Baptism and
celebrating the sacraments
 The altar is a symbol of Jesus’ sacrifice which saves people from
their sins
 The altar is also a symbol of communion and fellowship with Jesus
and with others gathered at the table: an image of the eternal feast
of heaven
 Catholics believe that Jesus asked them to celebrate the Mass,
whenever they are gathered together as one people
Possible sources could include:
CCC 846-848, on salvation within the Church; any reference to the
Biblical accounts of the Last Supper or of Baptism; Resurrection
accounts