Features of a Catholic church
Altar
The A table used for Eucharist, Mass, Lord鈥檚 Supper. Some denominations refer to it as a Holy Table or Communion Table. is in the centre of the The part of a Christian church around the altar; the holiest part of the church., and is the focal point of Catholic churches. The altar is where the bread and wine are blessed to become the body and blood of Christ. It is usually made out of marble, stone or wood and can either be plain or ornate. Inside each altar will be An object or part of the body belonging an important religious person, which is kept after their death. of two saints.
Font
This is where children and adults are welcomed into the Catholic Church. Catholics are Rite of initiation involving immersion in, or sprinkling or pouring of water; a sacrament marking the start of Christian life.over the font and it is the first A Christian ceremony based on the words or actions of Jesus in which God is believed to be present and active, eg baptism, Eucharist. The Catholic Church has seven sacraments in total. that all Catholics will receive. The font is a stand that contains Water that has been blessed by a priest or member of the clergy. in a basin at the top. They come in various styles 鈥 some can be made of marble or stone and can be very ornate. Others are made out of metal or wood and are easy to move. Traditionally the font would be situated near the door to the church, symbolising the welcoming of new Catholics.
Lectern
The lectern is a stand where the readings, Gospel and the A talk or sermon, usually on key teachings or messages from scripture. are read from. The readings and the gospel are found in the A book that lists the scripture readings to be read at specific church services throughout the year.. The readings are important as they are believed to be the word of God. The lectern is usually made out of wood, but some are more ornate and are made out of metal. The lectern will be found at the front of the church to the side of the sanctuary.
Confessional
A confessional is a box or stall that is used for the Another term for confession. This is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church.. The stall separates the priest from the person making a The acknowledgment of sin or sinfulness (wrongdoings). to ensure privacy. Most confessionals are wooden and decorative, with curtains that separate the priest and the confessor. Others may be built into the church as a permanent structure.
Statues
Statues are a prominent feature in every Catholic church. They serve as reminders of faith and are an aid to worship. A statue of Mary may help remind Catholics of her faith and trust in God, which may help them follow that example in their lives too. A church can have any number of statues, but all will have a statue of Christ, possibly the The heart of Christ, often openly displayed on religious statues or artwork. and a statue of Mary. A church may also have a statue of the saint the church is named after too.
Votive candles
A votive candle is a small candle that is lit in church as an act of prayer. In Catholic churches there will be a votive candle stand in front of statues of Jesus and Mary.
Lady chapel
A lady chapel is a side chapel or altar inside of a church building dedicated to Mary. A larger church or cathedral will likely have a chapel, whereas a smaller church may have a side altar. Not all churches will have a lady chapel.
Question
Describe two features of a Catholic church.
One feature of a Catholic church is the altar. The altar is in the centre of the sanctuary and is the focus for most of the Mass. The altar is a table upon which the bread and wine are blessed to become the body and blood of Christ.
A second feature may be the font. This is usually at the front of the church, however, it used to be at the back near the door. The font is a basin that holds holy water and is where Catholics are baptised and become part of the Church. A font can be made out of wood, stone or metal.