Parts of the Church Flashcards
The Church Doors
The Church doors are usually the first set of doors, by which a person may enter into the Church. These doors are likely preceded by steps, which lead to the entrance of the Church.
Traditionally, these doors are a set of two doors. They are usually also at the very front of the Church facade, rather than the sides.
The Narthex
After entering through the Church Doors, the person would immediately be in the Narthex. This is the vestibule of the Church; it is a space that separates the outside of the Church with the Nave.
It may lead to the Baptistery, or the Nave.
The Baptistery
Though not found in most modern Churches, the Baptistery is a building, that is situated near or beside the Narthex. It may also be situated completely apart from the Church building itself. It is the building in which babies, and Catechumens are Baptized into the Church.
It is usually shaped in an octagonal manner, with eight sides.
The Narthex Doors
The Narthex doors are the doors that allow entrance into the Nave of the Church.
Traditionally, these doors are in a set of three.
The Nave
The Nave of the Church is where the congregation are seated in their pews.
It is located in a place where the Sanctuary is right up ahead, and is viewable.
the Confessionals
The Confessionals are stalls in which Priests sit and hear Confessions and administer the Sacrament of Penance to the Faithful.
Traditionally, the Confessionals are located on each side of the Nave.
The Altar Rail
The Altar Rail is a long rail which separates the Nave from the Sanctuary.
The Priest administers Holy Communion on the Sanctuary side of the rail; the Altar Rail often has kneelers on the Nave side on which people kneel to receive Holy Communion.
This is the formal separation between the faithful and the Sacred Ministers. No one is allowed past the Altar Rail, unless they are assisting at Holy Mass.
The Altar Rail is often not a part of modern Churches.
The North Transept
The North Transept is one of the two transepts in a Church.
It is a place where Clergy in choir and Altar Servers are seated during the Holy Mass.
It may also be the place of a side altar, depending on the structure of the Church.
The transept is often not a part of Modern Churches.
The South Transept
The South Transept is one of the two transepts in a Church.
It is the side on which the Sedalia, or the Priest’s seat is located
It is a place where Clergy in choir and Altar Servers are seated during the Holy Mass.
It may also be the place of a side altar, depending on the structure of the Church.
The transept is often not a part of Modern Churches.
The Sacristy
The Sacristy is the room(s) in which the Priest and other Sacred Ministers prepare for Mass.
The Sacristy contains all the Sacred Vestments, Sacred Books, Sacred Vessels, and all other items needed for the celebration of Holy Mass.
It is traditionally placed beside or behind the Altar itself, but its location may vary depending on the Church.
It may also be located in the back of the Church, by the Narthex.
The Sanctuary
The Sanctuary is the part of the Church that includes the Transepts, the Altar, and the Apse. It is located immediately after the Nave, and is separated from it by the Altar Rail.
It is an are reserved for those who are assisting at or celebrating the Holy Sacrifice.
The Altar
The Altar is the platform on which the Sacrifice of the Mass is celebrated upon. It is where the Tabernacle is located.
Traditionally, there must be steps that lead up to the Altar.
The Altar may be freestanding (as is in most modern Churches) or attached to the Reredos (as it is traditionally).
The Apse and Reredos
The Apse of the Church is its easternmost end. It is located directly behind the Altar.
The Reredos is a decorative screen or structure that is situated at the Apse. It often contains statues of the saints, paintings, flowers, and most importantly, the Crucifix.
Traditionally, the Altar is affixed to the Apse and Reredos.
Where the Altar is freestanding, this is not possible.
