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How do churches help and inspire worship?
The care that has been put into the design and decoration of the church shows devotion to God and helps people feel that God is respected
Images like the Stations of the Cross inspire Christians to reflect on Jesus’ sufferings
Side chapels allow believers to pray in a quiet space
Statues of saints encourage and inspire Christians to follow their examples
For Catholics, what main purposes does a church have?
To provide a space where people can worship together- the most important service in worship is Mass, which is centres around the altar and so the altar is the focal point of the church
To provide a space for individual prayer- it must be quiet and peaceful
What are the features of a Catholic Church built before 1965?
Facing east toward Jerusalem- this is the city where Jesus died and rose again
In the shape of a cross- as a reminder of the cross on which Jesus died
With the altar against the east wall- the priest had his back to the congregation and spoke in Latin very quietly
What are the features of a Catholic Church built after 1965?
To ensure that as many people as possible can see and join in with the Mass
With the altar more toward the centre of the Church
Seats for the congregation around the altar
What is the significance of the lectern?
It is the reading stand from where at least two readings are given each Mass
Readings from the Old Testament remind Christians how God has guided his people from the beginning, while readings from the New Testament tell Christians about Jesus’ actions and teachings
As Jesus is the Word of God made flesh, Christ is truly present when the word of God is proclaimed
It allows the word of God to be seen and heard clearly
What is the significance of the crucifix?
It is a model or image of a cross with Jesus crucified on it
It reminds Christians of the suffering that Jesus went through to save humanity
It inspires gratitude and love for all that Christ has done for humanity
What is the significance of the tabernacle?
It is a box where the consecrated Bread is kept after the Mass
It houses the Real Presence of Christ, so Catholics like to pray in front of it
It can inspire a deep sense of peace as it reminds Catholics that Christ is still caring for them
The consecrated Bread is saved in the tabernacle to be taken to people who cannot get to Mass so they can still receive Holy Communion
What is the significance of the altar?
It is the place of sacrifice from where the bread and wine are offered to God at Mass
Christ is truly present on the altar, offering himself to the Father on behalf of humanity
In return, the Father strengthens the lives and faith of believers when they receive the Body and Blood of Christ in Communion
Why might a church choose to use an altar for the Mass?
It is a place of sacrifice and thanksgiving
For Catholics, the most important altar is the cross on which Jesus sacrificed his life
At Mass, the congregation joins in with giving thanks for Christ’s sacrifice
The use of an altar is a reminder that Christ’s sacrifice is being made again through the offering of bread and wine
Why might a church choose to use a table for the Mass?
It reminds the congregation that the Mass is a re-enactment of the Last Supper
By giving himself to his disciples in the form of bread and wine, Jesus was giving his disciples a share in the effects of his sacrifice
Using a table is a reminder that we all share in the effects of salvation
Why might Christians prefer to use a crucifix?
A reminder of the suffering that Jesus endured out of his love for humanity
Helps Christians to feel grateful for Jesus’ sacrifice and love
Many Christians like the crucifix to be present at Mass as the service re-enacts the sacrifice of Jesus’ death
Why might Christians prefer to use a cross?
A symbol of Christ’s victory over sin and death: Christ is not on the cross because he has risen
Christians who are wary about portraying Jesus through art may prefer to use a cross
Emphasises Jesus’ resurrection and the fact that Christians should be people of new life
Why might Christians prefer to use the Risen Christ?
Focuses on Christ as the risen, glorified Saviour
Reminds Catholics that in Holy Communion, they receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of the Risen Christ
Emphasises Jesus’ resurrection and how important it was
What is the relationship between free will and sin?
God made all of creation perfect but with free will- this is so that humans can actively choose him
Humans use their free will to sin- this rejects the will of God
This breaks the relationship between God, humanity and the whole of creation- Jesus helped this relationship with God to be restored
What is the significance of Jesus’ death?
He continued to show love, even forgiving his executioners (Luke 23:34)
Jesus lived his life in total obedience to the will of God the Father- including at his crucifixion where he made up for the sins of humanity, redeeming us
When he died, he joined everyone else who had died before him- showing that God is with us even in death
What is the significance of Jesus’ resurrection?
“if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” 1 Corinthians 15:17
Jesus was raised back to life by God the Father to destroy the ultimate power of sin and death
This means that people are now able to be with God after they die and people are able to overcome sin and death
What was the significance of Jesus’ ascension?
He rose up to heaven to take his place beside the Father as the Son of God- sharing his glory for all eternity
Before the ascension, he promised to send his Spirit to all people
It gives believers faith that they will also be raised up to heaven as Jesus promised- the relationship between God, humanity and the whole of creation has been restored
What is salvation in the past?
Jesus’ death and resurrection defeated the ultimate power of sin and death and made it possible for people to live after death
Some Christians believe that nothing else is needed for salvation- Jesus’ death and resurrection made salvation complete
What is salvation in the present?
While Jesus defeated the ultimate power of sin, this does not mean it does not exist- just that we have the power to defeat it
It is an ongoing process where Catholics must resist the temptation to sin and accept forgiveness when they do sin
The Holy Spirit guides people to work towards salvation
What is salvation in the future?
Salvation will be completed at the end of time when the Kingdom of God is fully established and the power of sin and death is fully destroyed
All believers will be able to share in the glory of Christ and experience the joy of heaven
This will be the final victory of the grace of God
How is redemption and salvation seen in the liturgy?
In Mass, Christ’s offering of himself to the Father on the cross is re-enacted- Catholics also offer themselves up
Catholics receive the Body and Blood of Christ in the Holy Communion which gives them the grace and strength to resist sin and get closer to salvation
Mass is a chance to experience what the heavenly banquet will be like- the victory celebration that will happen when salvation is complete
What does it mean that Jesus is ‘the example’?
Mark 14-15 shows that Jesus knew how much suffering his crucifixion would cause but he still went through with it
Through showing total obedience to God, Jesus set an example for all people to follow
What does it mean that Jesus is ‘the restorer’?
Mark 15 tells how after Jesus died, the veil that separated the holiest part of the Temple in Jerusalem from the rest tore in two
This shows that Jesus’ death broke down the barrier between God and humanity- our relationship is restored
What does it mean that Jesus is ‘the victor’?
Mark 15 shows how Jesus experienced pain, suffering and death
By bringing the presence of God into these experiences, Jesus was victorious over them
He made it possible for all people to share in the final defeat of suffering and death
What does John 20:1-18 tell us about redemption?
When Jesus first appeared to Mary after his resurrection, she didn’t recognise him immediately
This suggests Jesus was different- he had entered a new creation
This reflects the idea that redemption changed creation, making it more perfect
What does Acts 1:6-11 tell us about redemption?
Before he ascended to heaven, Jesus told his disciples they would be his witnesses ‘to ends of the earth’
This means Jesus expected his disciples to continue to spread his teachings after he was gone so everyone could accept and share in his redemption
After Jesus ascended to heaven, two angels told the disciples he would return in the future
This means Jesus will complete the redemption of the world at the end of time, when sin and death will be completely defeated
What does Acts 2:1-4 tell us about redemption?
On the day of Pentecost, the apostles were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit
This means the Holy Spirit gave the apostles the courage and ability to go out into the world and teach people about Jesus, so they could accept his redemption
How does St Irenaeus represent salvation?
Through the parallels between the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and the tree of the cross
Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating from the tree, while Jesus obeyed God by dying on the tree
Adam and Eve’s rejection of God broke humanity’s relationship with God, while Jesus’ acceptance of God restored humanity’s relationship with God
The tree of the knowledge of good and evil brought death, by separating humans from God while the tree of the cross brought life by offering the possibility of eternal life in heaven to all people
What is a strength and weakness of St Irenaeus’ symbolism?
A strength is that it helps to show the parallels between the fall of Adam and Eve and Jesus’ death
A weakness is that not all Christians agree with St Irenaeus’ interpretation of the story of Adam and Eve
How does St Anselm represent salvation?
Through the idea that Jesus’ death paid for our freedom from sin in the same way that a ransom can pay a slave’s freedom
What is a strength and weakness of St Anselm’s symbolism?
A strength is that it reflects the idea that many Christians see themselves as servants of Christ
A weakness is that it is not clear who the ransom is paid to and some Christians think this implies there is someone greater than God
What is the significance of conscience?
“Conscience reveals that law which is fulfilled by love of God and neighbour.” Gaudium et Spes
“Personal conscience should not be set in opposition to the moral law or the Magisterium of the Church.” Catechism
This is the voice of God in their heart and soul
People have an instinctive knowledge of what is right and wrong and should listen to this
However, this should not be put above the Church’s teachings and must be educated
What is the significance of the start of the Mass?
Catholics come together to celebrate the Mass- Christ is present among them when they gather together
Catholics apologise to God and each other for their sins- this strengthens their relationship with God as they accept forgiveness and redemption
What is the significance of the readings?
At least two readings are given from the Bible and at least one from the Gospels- this reminds Catholics that God has guided his people and that He loves, heals, restores and forgives all people
What is the significance of the offertory?
The bread and the wine are brought to the altar- these are brought to God as a sign of thanksgiving, on behalf of the entire congregation
What is the significance of the Eucharistic Prayer and consecration?
The priest repeats the words that Jesus said at the Last Supper- this allows Christians to share in Jesus’ offering made to God
Jesus is truly present in the Bread and Wine- reminding Christians that the Eucharist is made reality, not a past event
The bread and wine is offered up to God the Father- the Mass therefore renews the new covenant made at Jesus’ crucifixion
What is the significance of communion?
The priest offers the Bread and wine to everyone in the congregation- Catholics in receiving this are bound to Christ and the new covenant.
They also receive the grace of God which strengthens them to resist sin and follow Jesus’ teachings
What is the significance of the end of the Mass?
The priest blesses and dismisses the congregation- this empowers Catholics to share the presence of Christ with everyone they meet, helping to spread the Kingdom of God
What does it mean that Mass is ‘the source’ of Christian life?
Christ’s Body and Blood give life to the soul, just as normal food gives life to the human body
Offering the Mass on Sunday is a perfect way to ‘keep holy the Sabbath day’ as it celebrates the day of resurrection
What does it mean that Mass is ‘the summit’ of Christian life?
The offering of Christ on the cross is the highest form of prayer- as the Mass re-enacts this sacrifice, it is the highest form of prayer for Catholics
The Mass celebrates and re-enacts the most important event in Christianity
How do Orthodox Christians understand the Eucharist?
Like Catholics, they believe Christ is fully present in the Eucharist
More emphasis is placed on the symbolism and ritual
The consecration takes place behind the iconostasis- a screen that divides the holy part of the church from the congregation
How do Anglican Christians understand the Eucharist?
Some believe that the Bread and Wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus
Many believe the Spirit of Christ is received when Communion is given- Christ is only spiritually present
Christ is present in the community that shares the Eucharist
How do Quakers and Salvation Army understand the Eucharist?
These groups do not celebrate any form of the Eucharist
They believe Christ is present through the Spirit who inspires their prayers and actions
They believe the whole life is a sacrament so they do not practise any sacraments
How do Nonconformist Christians understand the Eucharist?
Many believe the Eucharist is a memorial of the Last Supper- its purpose is to remember the Last Supper and its purpose
Christ is present in the Bible readings
Christ enters peoples’ lives when they receive Communion
What is the significance of the words of institution?
“Take this, all of you, for this is my body, which will be given up for you…” Eucharistic Prayer II
When these words are said, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ
By taking Christ’s Body and Blood, his followers are able to share in the redeeming effects of his death and resurrection
What is the significance of Agnus Dei?
“Lamb of God you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us…” Agnus Dei
This remembers the events of Exodus 12, where God protected Jewish households from the Angel of Death by ordering them to cover their front door with lamb’s blood and is a reminder of God’s protection.
Jesus is the new Lamb of God as his sacrifice saved humanity from the ultimate power of sin and death- the Agnus Dei reminds Catholics of this
What is the significance of Eucharistic adoration?
This is honouring the real presence of Christ in the consecrated bread and wine
Catholics treat the bread and wine with great reverence and respect as they become the Body and Blood of Christ
Some Catholics receive Communion on their tongue to remind them they are receiving Jesus himself
What is the significance of Benediction?
This is where the consecrated Bread is put on display in a monstrance (large holder)
The Real Presence is praised and the congregation is blessed by this Real Presence
