catholic forms of expression

Name 3 ways church design reflects belief.

• Church faces east: sun rises in the east so reminds us of the resurrection

• Churches are cruciform: cross is a symbol of the church

• High vaulted ceilings: connect to heaven and reach to God

SOW for church architecture

‘Church building is an important symbol of God’ (CCC)

What is the significance of a lectern? Include a SOW.

• Liturgy of the word key part of mass

• Homily + prayers read from here

• Redemption achieved by responding to God’s word

• church must have a ‘suitable place for announcing his message’ (CCC)

What is the significance of the altar? Include a SOW.

• Represents the Last Supper table

• Links to the message to Peter ‘on this rock I will build my church’ (Bible)

• Redemption made possible due to Jesus’ sacrifice at the Last Supper

What is the significance of the crucifix?

• Aid to prayer

• Reminder of Jesus’ suffering

• Redemption made possible due to Jesus’ suffering

What is the significance of the tabernacle?

• ‘Dwelling place’ of Jesus

• Moses kept Ten Commandments in tabernacle

• Physical reminder of Jesus’ physical death

What are the sacred vessels and their importance?

• Ciborium - holds host, keeps them safe

• Paten - holds priest’s large host

• Chalice - for Christ’s blood, made with precious metals

What is a sarcophagi and its importance?

• They hold bodies of important Christians or Saints

• They remind us of the promise of heaven and resurrection

• They are a focus for prayer

How is a hunger cloth used?

• Covered in Bible stories to help people understand + remember Bible stories

• Used in developing countries to remind people that God is with them / cares for them

How is a hunger cloth used?

• Covered in Bible stories to help people understand + remember Bible stories

• Used in developing countries to remind people that God is with them / cares for them

Explain two features of The Sistine Chapel artwork

• It is painted on the ceilings and walls of the chapel (hard to paint), where the papal conclave (election) takes place

• Michelangelo was deeply religious and wanted to be accurate, so majority of the work depicts Bible stories

Explain two features of The Return of the Prodigal Son artwork

• Painted by Rembrandt who was moved by the parable and depicted it many times

• The son is in rags with bare feet, showing poverty, whilst his dagger hints at previous wealth

SOW for Catholic artwork

‘evoking and glorifying…the mystery of God’ (CCC)

How is Catholic artwork used?

• Decoration (in homes, churches, museums)

• Focus for prayer

• Helps painter express their faith + beliefs

Why are sculptures and statues important?

• Used to recall the person / thing depicted

• Used as a teaching tool when many were illiterate

• Aid to prayer - NOT worshipped

How do statues express belief?

• Catholics kneel before them, pray before them, light a candle, etc

• They attempt to produce a likeness

• They are a reflection of scripture, writings, or records

How do sculptures express belief?

• Express faith in an emotive way

• Convey message unconventionally

• Reflection upon them

How are sculptures / statues used in churches and other settings?

• Most churches have many statues, typically one of Mary

• Common to have a set of nativity statues, including in the home

• On Good Friday, teachers kiss the feet of a Jesus statue

What is the purpose and use of the crucifix?

Reminder of Jesus’ death and resurrection - which led to the forgiveness of sins

USE

• Found in all churches + most Catholic homes

• Focus of prayer

• Jewellery

What is the purpose and use of the fish?

‘Ichtus’ means fish in Greek, which stands for Jesus Christ God Son Saviour.

USE

• Originally used by early Christians as a secret signal

• Now on bumper stickers or business logos to indicate Christian owners

What is the use of the chi rho?

It was used by Romans, but now not used in worship. Used for religious decoration.

What is the purpose and use of the dove?

It symbolises peace and the Holy Spirit.

USE

• Used in Christian artwork

• Sometimes found on tabernacle

What is the purpose and use of the eagle?

It’s a symbol of Jesus’ divine nature and the power / speed of God’s message.

USE

• Used in Protestant churches for a lectern - unusual for Catholics

What is the purpose and use of the Alpha and Omega?

Jesus says, ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega’, showing his eternal nature (first and last letters of Greek alphabet).

USE

• Found on Paschal Candle

• Used as decoration

What is the purpose and use of the evangelists?

They carry the gospel to the four corners of the Earth. Matthew: angel, Mark: lion, Luke: ox, John: eagle

USE

• Decoration (stained glass windows, lectern, around altar, etc)

SOW for drama

The relationship between God and humans is a ‘covenant drama’ which ‘engages the heart’ (CCC)

What is a mystery play?

• Bible stories performed in medieval Europe

• Banned during Reformation but have since been revived

What is a passion play?

• Performed at Easter - story of Jesus’ Passion

• Banned in Reformation, now common again in Easter

• Often ecumenical projects with different Christian churches working together

How does drama express belief?

• Helps people understand + remember Bible stories

• Those acting say it is a form of worship, whilst those watching may say it is a focus for prayer

• Brings Christians together (ecumenical)

SOW for music

‘Make melody to the Lord’ (CCC)

What is the nature of hymns?

• Religious songs used for praise / adoration / prayer

• Earliest hymns are the psalms - found in the Old Testament and usually responding to a reading

• Often linked to church readings / Church season

What is the nature of plainchants?

• Singing without music

• Gregorian Chant sung in churches

What is the nature of worship songs?

• Contemporary music

• Linked to charismatic or youth movements