to provide a space where they can meet to worship together - most important service is mass ( centres around the altar which should be the central focus of church )
provide a space for individual prayer : church should provide a quiet peaceful space that inspires people to pray to God
how do churches help and inspire worship?
images like stations of the cross : inspire Christians to reflect on Jesus' sufferings
side chapels : smaller areas where believers can pray in a quiet space
care put into design + decoration : devotion to God and help people feel that God is respected
statues of saints : encourage + inspire Christians to follow their examples
catholic church before 1965
facing east towards Jerusalem : city where Jesus died + rose
in shape of a cross : reminder of cross on which Jesus died
altar against east wall, mass said by priest in Latin, speak very quietly with back towards congregation : people attending mass did not feel very involved
churches after 1965
ensure that as many people as possible can see and join in with the mass
altar more towards centre of church
seats all the way around the altar for congregation
