Parts and Furnishings of a Roman Catholic Church

Nave – The nave is the area of the church in which the congregation sits. In most American churches, the congregation is seated in pews (benches). Originally, churches did not have seating and the congregation stood during liturgies and ceremonies. In many older European churches (like the one shown), the congregation sits is chairs rather than pews.

Sanctuary – Coming from the Latin word for “holy,” the sanctuary is the focus of liturgies and ceremonies. It is the “stage” area of the church in which the altar and pulpit are located. It is normally at the front of the church, although in churches of a round design it may be found in the middle.

Baptistery/Baptismal Font – The baptistery is the area of the church in which baptisms take place. While some churches have a separate area or room set aside for baptisms, in many churches it is in the nave. The container used to hold the water used at baptisms is the baptismal font.

Altar – The altar is the table used in the celebration of the Eucharist. It is located in a prominent place in the sanctuary, normally in the center. The altar is normally a substantial fixture, permanent and immovable. Traditionally, altars were made of stone, but today they can be made of any strong, solid material. Set in the altar is a stone holding a relic or relics of a saint, often the saint after which the church is named.

An altar stone.

Tabernacle – The tabernacle is the permanent fixture in which the Eucharist is kept. The tabernacle is often located in the sanctuary but it does not have to be. It can be located in a prominent place near the sanctuary or even in a separate room near the sanctuary. In permanent churches, the Eucharist is kept in the tabernacle year-round, except during the Easter Triduum (the three days prior to the Easter Vigil) when it is moved to another safe location.

Sanctuary Lamp – The sanctuary lamp is the candle located in the sanctuary near the tabernacle. It is always lit when the Eucharist is present in the tabernacle, and symbolizes Christ’s constant presence in the Eucharist.

Crucifix – A central symbol of our faith, a crucifix will be found in a prominent place in the sanctuary of every Roman Catholic church.

Pulpit – The pulpit is the stand from which the priest or deacon reads the gospel and preaches the homily. The readings are also often done from the pulpit, although they can also be done from the lectern on the opposite side of the sanctuary. If you are facing the sanctuary, it is normally on the left-hand side.

Lectern– The lectern is the other reading stand found in the sanctuary. The readings can be done from the lectern, although they are also often done from the pulpit on the opposite side of the sanctuary. Often, the lectern is used by leaders of song or other prayers. If you are facing the sanctuary, it is normally on the right-hand side.

Presider’s Chair – The presider’s chair is located in the sanctuary and is the chair in which the priest or deacon leading (presiding over) the celebration sits. It is often a very substantial chair and is the largest in the sanctuary. Since it is a symbol of their office in the church, it is only to be used by an ordained priest, deacon or bishop during ceremonies and liturgies. In a cathedral (the bishop’s home church), the presider’s chair is known as the cathedra.

Sacristy – The sacristy is the room in the church in which the vessels and vestments used in liturgies and ceremonies are stored. It is often located off the sanctuary of the church.

Stations of the Cross – The 14 Stations of the Cross will be found in every Roman Catholic church. The Stations of the Cross are representations of various steps in Christ’s journey from his condemnation to his crucifixion and his burial in the tomb.

The Stations of the Cross can be traditional in design…

Or modern and symbolic in design…

Confessionals or Reconciliation Rooms – The confessionals are used during the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Older churches have the traditional three-door confessionals, the center door being the priest’s room and the two on either side of that for those whose confessions he will hear. Newer churches usually have reconciliation rooms rather than the traditional confessionals.

Paschal Candle – The Paschal candle is a large white candle which is located in or near the sanctuary. It is replaced each year and is first lit at the Easter Vigil the first Easter Mass on the night before Easter Sunday. It is lit during the Easter season and during the remainder of the church year it is lit during celebrations of the Resurrection (e.g. baptisms and funerals).

The Cross is always the central symbol on the Paschal candle. The Greek letters Alpha (Α) and Omega (Ω) are also found on the candle. The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, the symbolize God as the beginning and ending of all. The current year represents God as present in the midst of the congregation today. Five grains of incense (often encased in wax “pins”) are placed on the candle during the Easter Vigil and symbolize the wounds of Christ (the three nails that pierced his hands and feet, the spear thrust in his side and the crown on thorns on his head).

Candles – Near or on the altar there are always at least two candles. They symbolize the light of Christ overcoming the darkness of death and evil.