Unit 4 - Forms of Expression and Ways of Life Flashcards
Churches pointing east symbolism
Jesus rose from the dead and brought new life like the sun rises from the east
Also faces Jerusalem
Cruciform church structure symbolism
Reflects the Cross as a symbol of the Church
Represents Jesus’ sacrifice
Round church structure symbolism
Represents God’s eternity
Octagonal church structure symbolism
Reflects a star, as Jesus brought light into the world
Vaulted church structure symbolism
Open space pointing upwards
Suggests connection with heaven
Stained-glass windows purpose
Tells stories from the Bible
Helpful in times when Catholics couldn’t read
Internal features importance
Helps maintain the church as the “House of God” (CCC 2691)
CCC 2691
“The church, the house of God, is the proper place for the liturgical prayer of the parish community”
CCC 1181
(The church) “a house of prayer … ought to be in good taste and a worthy place for prayer”
CCC 1179
“Worship.. is not tied exclusively to any one place. The whole earth is sacred and entrusted to the children of men”
church purposes
Receive sacraments For community to come together Practice your faith Being in presence of God Mass and Liturgies take place Quiet prayer (votive candles)
CCC 1180
“Visible churches are not simply gathering places but signify and make visible the Church living in this place”
Lectern purpose
Book stand where readings are done
Lectern significance
Scripture is key part of Mass and other liturgy
Catholics believe Bible is the Word of God where he communicates his plan of salvation
Altar purpose
Where priest consecrates the Eucharist so everyone can see
Altar significance
Represents table at Last Supper
Usually made of rock (Exodus 20:25) (Matthew 16:18)
Jesus’ sacrifice offers Catholics redemption and possibility of salvation
Crucifix purpose
Cross with crucified figure of Jesus (corpus)
Found near altar
Reminds people of Jesus’ sacrifice
Crucifix significance
Strengthens feelings of live, hope and trust as reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice
Tabernacle purpose
Box close to altar where Eucharist is kept
Close to sanctuary lamp, which reminds churchgoers of Jesus’ presence
Tabernacle significance
Catholics genuflect at tabernacle when they enter and leave church
Moses kept Ten Commandments in Tabernacle, reminding Catholics of covenants
Baptismal font purpose
Traditionally found at back of Church
Where new members of Church are baptised
Can sometimes be a baptismal pool for baptism of adults
Baptismal font significance
Baptism is first sacraments of initiation
Holy water washes away original sin and brings grace to individual
Confessional purpose
Small room dedicated for reconciliation
Stations of the Cross purpose
Images from Passion of Christ
Reminder of Jesus’ death and suffering
Statues purpose
Visual aids to assist worship
Reminder of Catholic beliefs about saints and Mary
Water stoup purpose
At entrance of church
Bowl of holy water
Reminder of baptism and belief in Trinity
Sacred vessels definition
Item used during liturgy
Sacred objects definition
Objects of devotion
Sacred vessels examples
Chalice
Paten
Ciborium
Sacred objects examples
Books Sacred vestments Cloths Sarcophagi Stations of the Cross Thurible
Chalice purpose
Holds blood of Christ
Paten purpose
Where larger host is held during Mass
Ciborium purpose
Where host are kept during communion and stored in tabernacle
Hunger cloth purpose
Container for corpses
Still used today, popes are buried in them
Reminded of life of the deceased, sometimes saints so can be used to aid prayer
Hunger cloth purpose
Used traditionally over the altar to depict stories from Bible
Used today in developing countries to show God’s presence
Art uses
Used within both home and churches
Good way of evangelisation since shown publicly
Can engage people (by analysing art)
Form of devotion and prayer
Paintings significance
Can express belief, love and glory
Can enhance ones own faith
Icons significance
Form of prayer and reflection
Depict important individuals in faith
Frescoes significance
Done in churches to show glory and greatness of God
Done as way of expressing faith in God to many
CCC2502
Sacred art is true and beautiful.. it evokes the mystery of God
Statues and sculptures uses
Personal devotion of believers
Used at home for families as focal point of prayer
Can be done publicly for others to see and focus on
Statues significance
Seen as sacred objects
Aids prayer and meditation
Sculptures significance
More visible depiction of certain people
Makes nature of piece feel more real and connect with person more
CCC701
Christian iconography traditionally uses a dove to suggests the Spirit
Cross and crucifix symbolism
Reminder of death and resurrection of Jesus
Visible signs of faith
Icthus symbolism
Used in early church as a secret symbol
Linked to apostles being fishers of men
Symbol of Christianity today
Chi Rho symbolism
Means Jesus as Christ
Used in early Church e.g. Constantinople
Dove symbolism
Symbol of Holy Spirit, baptism and peace
Eagle symbolism
Symbol of John, one of the gospel-writers
Shows divinity of Jesus
Alpha and Omega symbolism
Represents the beginning and end, eternity of Jesus and the Trinity
Linked to salvation and Paschal misery
Evangelists symbolism
Linked to creatures that surrounded the throne of God
Decorated on lectern and stained glass windows
Mystery plays facts
Focused on showing stories from the Bible
Often performed in town centres by groups
Passion plays facts
Way of showing passion of Jesus
Normally performed in town centres around Easter
Drama significance
Way of bringing life to stories in the Bible Helps other to understand stories Way of worship for performers Unites Christians together Makes stories more modern and relevant Good way to evangelise to others
Hymns facts
Written for praise, adoration or prayer
Means “songs of prayers”
Sung at certain times at Mass
Linked to time of the year
Plainchant facts
Music without instruments
Most traditional type of music
Usually in Latin
Psalms facts
Songs found in the Bible
Sung out of praise of God
Sung at Mass
150 psalms over a year
Contemporary music facts
Also known as worship songs
Used by Protestants or charismatic Christians
Appeal to young Christians
Extremely emotive
How music expresses belief
Allows community to express belief in God
Helps ones faith on a more personal level
Some music is tradition of the Church
Words and music emphasises teachings of Church
