The role of the church in the local community p71-80 Flashcards
What are rites of passage
Marking important stages in life
What is infant baptism
Parents have their babies baptised
The child has water from the font sprinkled over their head and represents the leaving behind of sin and entering a new Christian life.
The priest baptised the child in the name of the father son and holy spiritual
A candle from the paschal candle is lit and given to the parents,to represent the moving from spiritual darkness to light
Roman Catholics rub blessed oil onto the forehead of the child to symbolise the coming of the Holy Spirit
What is confirmation
Children baptised as babies confirm their own faith
They will answer for themselves the same questions that their parents answered on behalf of them.
What is dedication
Non conformist churches can do a service of dedication for their child.
This service gives thanks to god and the parents make promises to bring the child up in the Christian faith.
What is believers baptism
This happens in non conformist churches
An individual chooses to become a Christian and asks god for the forgiveness of their sins and commits themselves to the Christian faith.
The believer will wear white to symbolise purity
Orthodox wedding services
Betrothal ceremony:
They exchange rings at the betrothal ceremony
Most rituals are repeated 3 times to represent the trinity
They are given candles to hold to symbolise their willingness to receive Gods blessing
Wedding service:
Silver crows are placed on the head of the bride and groom - representing the royalty of marriage
They circle the altar 3 times
Service Ends with a blessing
What happens at a funeral service
Bible reading - focuses the the idea of life with gif after death
Eulogy- speech where the persons life is remembered
Prayers- said for the friends and relatives of the person asking God to support them in their time of grief
Hymns- focus on an afterlife with god. Some are chosen by the person before their death
Requiem mass- a mass for the dead. The liturgy starts with the request to allow the person to have a life in heaven after death
Burial/cremation - at a burial, further prayers can be said at the grave before the committal statement.
How does the church support families
Church services mark significant events and supports them during difficult times
They visit the sick in home and hospitals
They may provide services to help families such as groups for young mothers and Sunday school
