6.3 memorials for the dead

• what do Catholics believe regarding resurrection?


  they believe in the resurrection of the body , the whole person, body and soul will be judged in Gods presence
• why should the body be treated with respect even after death?

  the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit
• what are memorials?

  structures or area that are built to honour and show respect to the dead
• what is a tombstone?

  a large carved stone that is placed over a persons grave, indicates location of the persons grave so it can be treated with respect
• what are 3 features of a tombstone and what do they mean?

  • often inscribed with the letters R.I.P : a prayer expressing hope that the person is in heaven enjoying the peace and happiness of the eternal life
  • catholic tombstones are often shaped like a cross : person believed in Jesus, hope they will be resurrected with Jesus to eternal life
  • have an angel carved on them : their own guardian angel who takes care of them during their life , angel will present them to God to be judged and ask for a merciful judgement
• what is a monument ?

  a structure built to remember an important person or event
• give 2 features of monuments and what they mean

  • wealthy Christians were buried in sarcophagi ( highly decorated coffins ) with the Chi Rho symbol on them : person believed in Jesus, belief Jesus died so everyone would be able to experience eternal life in Heaven
  • often decorated with skeletons and other symbols of decay : belief no matter how important or wealthy a person is they face death and God's judgement just like everyone else
• what is a remembrance garden ?

  an outside area where the ashes of people have been cremated can be buried. Catholic church insists the ashes are treated with dignity , not scattered and are buried in a sacred sight
• give two features of remembrance gardens and what do they mean

  • designed to be areas of peace and beauty : reflect on the peace and beauty of Heaven where they person who died is now hopefully present
  • quiet, reflective spaces : mourn for their loved ones in peace in a place where they feel close to them as thus is where their bodily remains are at rest