Internal Features of a Catholic Church

Question 1

What are the main features?

Answer 1

Lectern
Altar
Crucifix
Tabernacle
Baptismal Font
Pews
Stained Glass Windows
Statues
Stations of The Cross

Question 2

What is the lectern?

Answer 2

• Raised stand where the Bible is read from
• Reading from the Bible is an important part of worship
• Gospels are placed here as they are raised up and special

Question 3

What is the altar?

Answer 3

• Focuses on the cross
• Where the Eucharistic prayer is offered and the Lords sacrifice is present each time
• Made of consecrated stone by a bishop

Question 4

What is the crucifix?

Answer 4

• Reminds the worshippers that Jesus died for them
• Speaks of both love and the unjust suffering of innocent people
• A sign that God entered his creation as Jesus and became one of them, sharing the suffering and darkness in his life

Question 5

What is the tabernacle?

Answer 5

• A container for consecrated hosts (bread taken and transformed)
• “Host” is latin for victim, reminding people of Christs’ sacrifice
• Catholics sit and pray before the tabernacle, sensing God is with them

Question 6

How is the lectern important?

Answer 6

• The Bible speaks of redemption and how to be saved from sin
• The Parable of the Sheep and Goats

Question 7

How is the altar important?

Answer 7

• Catechism reminds Catholics of how special the altar is
• The focus on the altar and cross at the centre of the sanctuary area reminds the worshippers that the Catholic faith is about redemption
• God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself

Question 8

How is the crucifix important?

Answer 8

Reminds people of the death of Christ and the belief that Jesus died to save people from sin

Question 9

How is the baptismal font important?

Answer 9

• Baptism is what makes a person a member of the church

- Getting baptised removes original sin