The Catholic Church Layout
The Sanctuary: The Elevated portion of the church where the clergy and the other ministries perform their proper functions in the worship of God. The sanctuary symbolises heaven.
The Nave: The main body of the church where the congregation gathers.
The Narthex: The lobby or "gathering space" outside of the church proper.
The Confessional: A small room with 2 divided sections anonymously, a person can sit on one side of the divider and confess their sins to the priest on the other side.
Sacristy: The room where the sacred vestments, vessels and other items used in the celebration of the liturgy are stored and prepared
Apse: The curved area behind the altar where the tabernacle is located in many churches
Altar: The sacred table on which the sacrifice of the Mass is offered to God; the table from which the faithful receive the Blessed Sacrament
Ambo: The lectern from which the readings are proclaimed.
Presidents Chair: The chair on which the priest sits during Mass.
Credence Table: The table on which the priest sits during Mass
Tabernacle: The golden container in which the Blessed Sacrament is reserved. The name derives from the Old Testament in which God dwelt among his people
Pews: The cabinet in which the congregation sits
The Nave: The main body of the church where the congregation gathers.
The Narthex: The lobby or "gathering space" outside of the church proper.
The Confessional: A small room with 2 divided sections anonymously, a person can sit on one side of the divider and confess their sins to the priest on the other side.
Sacristy: The room where the sacred vestments, vessels and other items used in the celebration of the liturgy are stored and prepared
Apse: The curved area behind the altar where the tabernacle is located in many churches
Altar: The sacred table on which the sacrifice of the Mass is offered to God; the table from which the faithful receive the Blessed Sacrament
Ambo: The lectern from which the readings are proclaimed.
Presidents Chair: The chair on which the priest sits during Mass.
Credence Table: The table on which the priest sits during Mass
Tabernacle: The golden container in which the Blessed Sacrament is reserved. The name derives from the Old Testament in which God dwelt among his people
Pews: The cabinet in which the congregation sits
What is a sacred place?
1) Find 3 images you might think represent a sacred space
2) List 5-10 of the common objects or qualities
- Bible
- Cross
- School Banner
- Candles
- Colourful
- Inviting
- Special
- Looks Good
- Wreath
- Warming
3) Give your personal opinion on what you think makes a space sacred.
- A sacred place is where you give special attention and respect. It's a place where deep thoughts from yourself are being grappled with as well as your emotions.
- A place is also sacred if you have encountered God in that space.
The Church
1) Describe the shape of the building - The shape of the church looks like a very old building. It is made out of bricks and stained glass windows appear throughout the building. the church is very tall with many triangular roofs making the building tall.
2) Describe the decorations in the space (colours, objects, furniture) - The glass windows are very bright and reflect light, the seats are brown and the walls are cream. The rest of the colour will depend on what season it is in the church. object such as crosses and pictures of Jesus and god appear.
3) How are the seats arranged - The seats arranged are in rows. the seats allow everyone to see and face the altar where the service is held.
4) Who is allowed in the church - Anyone wanting to pray or talk about their faith. The Priest and the committee are allowed to remain on the altar
5) What is the purpose of this space - Prayer, Teaching and educating and being with those of the same faith and mind
2) Describe the decorations in the space (colours, objects, furniture) - The glass windows are very bright and reflect light, the seats are brown and the walls are cream. The rest of the colour will depend on what season it is in the church. object such as crosses and pictures of Jesus and god appear.
3) How are the seats arranged - The seats arranged are in rows. the seats allow everyone to see and face the altar where the service is held.
4) Who is allowed in the church - Anyone wanting to pray or talk about their faith. The Priest and the committee are allowed to remain on the altar
5) What is the purpose of this space - Prayer, Teaching and educating and being with those of the same faith and mind