Homework

Explain how the interior of a Roman Catholic church is structured so that the focus is on the celebration of the Mass and the Blessed Sacrament.

Due in: Thursday 14th October 2010

A Roman Catholic Church

Lesson Aim• To understand the external and

internal features of a Roman Catholic Church.

Tuesday 12th October 2010

Read pages 58 – 59 to find out

more....

External Features

Towers and steeples represent prayer and worship. Rising up to heaven a physical representation of what takes place inside the building.

Interior of a Catholic Church

The lay out of the Church. Most traditional churches are shaped like a cross (cruciform plan). As it is symbolic of Christ's death and resurrection.

During worship Roman Catholics sit in pews. Facing forwards towards the east, towards the Holy Land.

The Sanctuary

The whole church is focused on the sanctuary, literally the holy place. This is where the altar the lectern and the tabernacle are.

Stick table A into your book

Holy Water Stoups

As you enter a Roman Catholic church you see holy water stoups. When Catholics enter the church they dip their fingers in the Holy Water and then make the sign of the cross. This is to remind them of their baptism. This action is repeated as they leave the church to remind themselves that they are being sent out into the world by Jesus to bring his love to others.

The Paschal Candle

Every, Easter a new paschal candle is placed in the church. The candle is a symbol of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead on Easter Sunday.

The Confessional Box

In Catholic Churches there are confessional boxes, where parishioners receive the sacrament of reconciliation.

Votive Candles

Catholics light candles as a symbol of prayer.

Plenary Game: What is missing

Plenary Game: What is missing

Plenary Game: What is missing

Plenary Game: What is missing