Re gcse

• " church building design matters for worship" - CCC
• " The church building is an important symbol of God" - CCC
• Churches are an important place of worship for Catholics as it is where communities gather to celebrate their faith
• Many churches face east - because the sun rises in the east as Jesus rose on the day of resurrection
• many churches are in a cruciform shape - the cross is a symbol of the church , a reminder of Jesus' death and sacrafice
• some churches are round - they represent the eternal nature of God
• some churches are octagonal - they represent a star, bringing light into the world like God does
• high vaulted ceilings and spires - connect to heaven and reach towards God
• stained glass windows - tell stories of the saints and from the bible which was useful when people couldn't read
• how churches are used

  • mass
  • other sacramets
  • popular piety
  • private prayer
• the church is known as the 'house of God'
• the lectern

  • the book stand which readings are read from
  • homily and prayers are read from here
  • " the dignity of the word of God requires the church to provide a suitable place" - CCC