Church Features and Architecture

Question 1

Name the three distinct styles of cross found in churches? (3 marks)

Answer 1

Plain Cross (1 mark)
Crucifix (1 mark)
Risen Christ (1 mark)

Question 2

How does a church help Catholics worship? (2 marks)

Answer 2

Provide a physical space to worship together as a community during mass (1 mark)

Provide a peaceful place for individual worship (1 mark)

Question 3

Describe the style and significance of a plain cross, as found in a church. (3 marks)

Answer 3

Jesus is not depicted on a plain cross (1 mark)

Emphasises Jesus’ resurrection - Jesus is ALIVE (1 mark)

Tend to be found more often in Protestant churches (1 mark)

Question 4

How many stations of the cross are there and what do they remind us of? (3 marks)

Answer 4

There are 14 Stations of the Cross (1 mark)

They remind us of the fact that Jesus’ suffered (1 mark) so that we can be redeemed (1 mark)

Question 5

Describe the style and significance of a crucifix style cross, as found in a church.

Answer 5

Crucifixes feature the figure of Jesus dying on the cross (1 mark)

Roman Catholics focus on the suffering that Jesus went through (1 mark) in order to redeem us (1 mark)

Question 6

What do statues in the church encourage Christians to do? (2 marks)

Answer 6

It encourages them to follow the examples of the statues (1 mark) - guiding them towards redemption (1 mark)

Question 7

Describe the style and significance of a Risen Christ style cross, as found in a church. (3 marks)

Answer 7

Emphasises Jesus’ victory over death (1 mark)

The figure of Jesus is featured on the cross, but he is alive (1 mark) and shows that there is life after death for all who believe (1 mark)

Question 8

What were Catholic churches like before 1965? (4 marks)

Answer 8

Built facing the East towards Jerusalem, where Jesus died and rose again (1 mark)

Built in the shape of a cross - as a reminder of Jesus’ death (1 mark)

Altar was against the (East) wall (1 mark)

Mass was said in Latin (1 mark)

Question 9

What were Catholic churches built like after 1965, and how did the Mass change? (3 marks)

Answer 9

The altar is now at the centre of the church so all can see and join in with the mass (1 mark)
There are seats around the altar (1 mark)
Mass tends to be said in the local dialect rather than Latin (1 mark)

Question 10

What are the four main focal points for the congregation during Mass in a Catholic Church? (4 marks)

Answer 10

Lectern
Crucifix
Altar
Tabernacle
(1 mark for each)