Here's a quiz to help you check out what you know.
Good luck!
Which of the following is true about the architecture of Catholic churches?
The shape of the church reflects the beliefs of the worshipping community
A Catholic church does not need to be big because not many people go to church
All Catholic churches have the same architecture
What might you expect to find at the entrance to a Catholic church?
The altar - which is the primary focal point of the church
A font - where people are baptised and formally welcomed into the worldwide Body of Christ
A big crucifix to remind believers of how Jesus died to gain our salvation
What is a tabernacle?
An ornate box in which the consecrated hosts are kept
A vestment worn by a priest
A red lamp which indicates the presence of Jesus
What is a sanctuary lamp?
A red candle which indicates the presence of Jesus in the tabernacle in the form of consecrated bread.
The big candle lit at Easter symbolising the resurrection of Jesus.
The light used to illuminate the altar on the sanctuary.
What symbols are inscribed on the Paschal (Easter) Candle?
A cross and empty tomb
A cross, the year, the Greek letters ALPHA and OMEGA together with 5 pieces of incense representing the wounds of Jesus
A cross, an Easter egg symbolising new life and the year
What is special about the altar in a Catholic church?
It is the holy table where Catholics gather to eat the bread which is a symbol of the Body of Christ
It is where babies are baptised and formally welcomed into the worldwide Body of Christ
It represents the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and also the sacred meal shared by Catholics where they re-enact the Last Supper
Why is the altar placed near the East wall of the church?
Because the Wise Men came from the East
Because the sun rising in the East would illuminate the altar and remind worshippers of The Resurrection
It lines up better with the Earth's magnetic field
What is a lectern?
A stand on which the Bible is placed to be read during acts of worship. It is sometimes shaped like an eagle symbolising the Word of God flying out to God's people.
A red light situated near the tabernacle symbolising the presence of Jesus.
A type of statue.
What are the Stations of the Cross?
They are 14 or 15 pictures which are placed around a Catholic church. They represent stages on the last journey of Jesus - the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrows). They are used mostly during Lent.
14 or 15 depictions of the history of the Church charting its course through the centuries.
The stages through which a Christian goes in order to become a full member of the Church
What is the purpose of statues in a Catholic church?
To remind worshippers of exemplary believers. Catholics do NOT worship the statues but use them : to help remind them of special people, to reflect on their lives, to relate them to their own experience and to respond in such a way as to bring about the building of the kingdom of God.
To make the church look more interesting.
To help people to worship the saints.
Why are some Catholic Churches cruciform (shaped like a cross)?
Because it enables them to fit more people in.
Because it reflects the belief that Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross to win our salvation.
Because if the altar is where the arms join, the priest can look to the congregation in three directions which is a reminder of the Trinity!
You will only find a tabernacle in a Catholic Church, but why is a tabernacle often beautifully decorated and ornate?
Because it is used to store all the candles, vestments and chalices that are used in Mass.
Because it reflects the belief that God is the creator of beautiful things! (Genesis 1)
Because it is used to store the consecrated host which Catholics regard as the Body of Christ.