internal features of a catholic church

The Lectern

* This is the ^^raised stand where the Bible is read from during the Liturgy of the word.^^
* The laity can read the ^^Old or New Testament^^, but only ordained members of the clergy can read the gospels.
* The priest will often often ^^deliver a homily^^ from the lectern following a gospel reading.

The importance of the Lectern

* Its important because the Gospels that are read on it clearly express the ^^nature and importance of the redemption Christ brought.^^
* The Bible reading also facilitate Catholics worship because they are ^^basis of liturgy of the word in Mass.^^

SOWA for the lectern

* ^^The Catechism^^ “ The dignity of the word of God requires that the Church there is a sustainable place for it to be proclaimed “

The Altar

* The Altar is made of ^^stone and has been blessed by the Bishop.^^ This is both an altar of sacrifice and a table of sharing.
* During the litury of the Eucharist the ^^priest re enacts the Last Supper just as Jesus commanded.^^

The importance of the Altar

* It expresses the importance of ^^redemption^^ because ^^it is an altar of sacrifice.^^
* It helps Catholics worship because it is ^^central to the Eucharist^^ as it is the altar where ^^transubstantiation occurs.^^

SOWA for the Altar

* ^^The Catechism^^ “the altar is the table of the Lord “

The Tabernacle

* A container for ^^the concecrated host.^^
* Catholics believe the ^^physical body of Christ dwells within this sacred and holy feauture.^^

The importance of the Tabernacle

* The tabernacle is important as it ^^reminds of the redemption^^ brought by ^^Christs sacrifice in his body broken for them .^^
* Helps with worship because Catholic believe there is a ^^holy and special presence in the church building that keeps the host in the tabernacle.^^

SOWA for the Tabernacle

* ^^Catechism^^ “ The dignity placing and security of the tabernacle should foster adoration before the Lord really present in the Blessed Sacrament”

The Crucifix

* All Catholic churches have a crucifix usually ^^above the altar or tabernacle.^^
* This is the f^^ocal point during worship.^^

The importance of the Crucifix

* Reminds the laity J^^esus died to save them from sin and bring them salvation.^^
* Helps with worship
* Symbol of ^^Jesus love and sacrifice and a reminder of the incarnation.^^

Divergent view about the Eucharist

* Some ^^Potestants critisize Catholics^^ for having a ^^crucifix rather than an empty cross^^ because since ^^Jesus rose from the dead^^ he is not on the Cross anymore and the ^^focus should be on celebrating this rather than dwelling on his death.^^

SOWA for the crucifix

* ^^Niceen Creed^^ “ He was crucified under Pontius Pilot”

The Baptismal Font

* Raised container containing holy water used during the sacrament of Baptism.

Importance of the Baptismal Font

* Reminds the laity of their own Baptism where they were cleansed of original sin and welcomed into the Church.

SOWA for the Baptismal Font

* ^^Catechism^^ “ the Church mut have a place to celebrate baptism “