What are the key features of a Catholic church?

Catholic churches

  • the altar – a table where the bread and wine are blessed during the Eucharist.
  • the lectern – a stand where the Bible is read from.
  • the pulpit – where the priest delivers sermons.
  • a crucifix – a cross with Jesus on.

What are the parts of a Catholic church called?

In most churches, the sanctuary is in front of the nave, and kept separate by railing if possible. This area is home to the altar, tabernacle, pulpit and a chair for the priest or pastor. The pulpit is generally raised and used during the sermon, or instructional time of the service.

What is the area around the altar called in a Catholic church?

In church architecture, the chancel is the space around the altar, including the choir and the sanctuary (sometimes called the presbytery), at the liturgical east end of a traditional Christian church building.

What are the rooms in a Catholic church called?

Sacristy From the Latin word sacristra, meaning a room near the sanctuary or church entrance, this room contains the bread and wine, sacred vessels, the books, the vestments, everything needed in the celebration of the Mass.

What are the features of an altar?

The functions of the altar have remained the same in Christian churches down the centuries. During Mass, it serves as a table to hold a copy of the Bible and the consecrated bread and wine that are distributed to worshipers. One to three cloths cover the altar, and a cross and candles may be placed on or near it.

What is a sacristy wall?

(ˈsækrɪstɪ) n, pl -ties. (Ecclesiastical Terms) a room attached to a church or chapel where the sacred vessels, vestments, etc, are kept and where priests attire themselves. [C17: from Medieval Latin sacristia; see sacristan]

What is the layout of a church?

The entryway to the church is the narthex; the church portals are located here. The nave, or center aisle is an elongated rectangle and pews are located to each side. During processions, ceremonies or masses, people walk up the nave to the altar. The crossing is where the transepts and nave intersect.

What are the 3 parts of the church?

Churches Militant, Penitent, and Triumphant.

What are the parts of a Catholic altar?

In the Catholic Church, the altar is the structure upon which the Sacrifice of the Mass is offered….Contents

  • 1 Obligatory.
  • 2 Position.
  • 3 Material.
  • 4 Form.
  • 5 Relics.
  • 6 Surroundings. 6.1 Steps. 6.2 Canopy. 6.3 Ledge. 6.4 Altarpiece.
  • 7 Cloth coverings.
  • 8 Candles.

What is the inside of the church called?

nave, central and principal part of a Christian church, extending from the entrance (the narthex) to the transepts (transverse aisle crossing the nave in front of the sanctuary in a cruciform church) or, in the absence of transepts, to the chancel (area around the altar).