Topic 4 Flashcards
1
Q
What is the role of church buildings?
A
- places of worship where the Catholic mass takes place
- places of personal prayer, popular piety and sacraments
- centres of community were people come together as the body of Christ
- social reasons like youth clubs
2
Q
What do churches face east, have stained glass windows and have vaulted ceilings?
A
- faces east as it it where the sun rises and represents the resurrection
- vaulted ceilings make one closer to God and symbolise his greatness
- stained glass windows to let light in and portray biblical stories
3
Q
Why are churches round, octagonal or cross shaped?
A
- round to show the eternity of God and community
- cross to symbolise the crucification and a symbol of Christianity
- octagonal meaning the light of the world brought into the world and the star of the nativity
4
Q
What are 3 forms of church architecture?
A
- gothic in the Middle Ages where churches were grand and tall
- early churches which had no physical building but were rather in people’s homes
- in the 16th century they became simple and plain
5
Q
What is the lectern and alter?
A
- is used during the liturgy of the word and readings from the bible and is used to communicate the message of salvation
- alter is where the Eucharist takes place representing the table at the last supper representing salvation. They will also be made of stone or contain the alter stone showing the strong foundation of the church
6
Q
What is the crucifix and baptismal font?
A
- crucifix is near the alter reminding of the salvation of Christ and his love for us. It shoes the human suffering Jesus faced and Catholics can look to this during prayer to be strengthened by this
- baptismal font is a reminder of both our baptism and that of Christ , washing away sin and where we can receive grace
7
Q
What is the tabernacle?
A
- holds the consecrated hosts so where Christ is truly present so Catholics genuflect towards it when entering or leaving. It is at the front most important part of the church
- the tabernacle lamp is usually nearby reminding people of Christ’s presence and the light of the world
8
Q
What are sacred objects?
A
- objects used during mass to aid prayer and be visual reminders of the faith
- the church teaches the importance and use in church
9
Q
What are sacred vessels?
A
- objects used in the celebration of the Eucharist acting as a reminder of the last supper
- the chalice holds the blood and the paten where the larger host is kept during mass
- the ciborium is where the hosts are stored in the tabernacle serving as a reminder of Christ’s presence
10
Q
What is the sarcophagi?
A
- box like container engraved with scripture for corpses of which many are popes
- they act as a reminder of the deceased so are used as objects if devotion where one can focus prayer on them
- if they represent saints people pray for their intercession
11
Q
What are hunger cloths?
A
- traditionally used over alters and depicted biblical stories to act as a visual aid to spread the word of God and themes of social justice
- used today in developing countries to signify God’s presence and spread the bible for those who can’t read
12
Q
Why are sacred objects important?
A
- form of prayer and devotion
- used in mass and worship to help b a focus point on God
- can have liturgical purposes in times of the year like hunger cloths in lent
13
Q
Why is artwork important?
A
- great way of evangelism as are accessible in public for many faiths
- room for interpretation so more personal and may reveal hidden truths
- deeper understanding of our faith and biblical stories as can be used to express faith
14
Q
What is the significance of paintings?
A
-express belief, love and glory of God
-can enhance one’s own faith
E.g. rembrant’s prodigal som
15
Q
What is the significance of icons?
A
- oldest form of art where art is painted onto wood
- they are done as a form of personal prayer and reflection
- often depict important individual of the faith e.g. Mary