Redemption

• Lectern


  A reading desk, with a slanted top, usually placed on a stand where readings are given
• Tabernacle


  The place in the church where the consecrated hosts are kept. The tabernacle houses the real presence of Christ in the church
• Crucifix


  A representation of Jesus on the cross on which he died
• Altar


  A place of sacrifice or thanksgiving, where people offer bread and wine during Mass
• Christ usually dying in pain is shown on the Crucifix
• Many Christians prefer to use the cross and not the crucifix


  A cross does not include a figure representing Jesus, so there is no suggestion that believers are worshipping an idol – symbol of victory over death. Jesus is not on the cross because he has risen
• Some Christians believe that the best image to use is the Risen Christ


  Symbol of resurrection – it is the resurrection that brings all things to their completion and leads to the fullness of the reign of God. – gives meaning to the whole process of the incarnation, work, suffering and death of Jesus
• Tree of the knowledge of good and evil


  Metaphor used by St Irenaeus to describe the event in Genesis 3
• Tree of the cross


  Metaphor used by St Irenaeus to describe the crucifixion of Jesus
• Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating from the tree


  Jesus obeyed God by dying on the tree
• Adam and Eve's rejection of God broke humanity's relationship with God


  Jesus' acceptance of God restored humanity's relationship with God
• The tree of the knowledge of good and evil brought death, by separating humans from God


  The tree of the cross brought life, by offering the possibility of eternal life in heaven to all people
• St. Irenaeus' theory proposes that salvation was completed in the past. Salvation was brought about as a result of the fall of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. This event broke the relationship between humanity and God. Jesus atoned for our sins by dying on the cross
• Ransom


  In the slave trade, a slave could be freed if someone paid a ransom to their owner
• After the fall, humanity became slaves to sin


  The only way to atone for this is by showing total obedience to God
• Jesus showed total obedience to God


  He died for us! Allowing humans to be freed from the effects of sin
• Communion


  Sharing in a meal that unites people with each other and Christ
• Transubstantiation


  The process of the bread and wine turning into the actual blood and body of Jesus
• Mass


  A word meaning 'thanksgiving'. The service of giving the bread and wine to the worshippers in church
• We go to Mass to hear the word of God and to celebrate the eucharist. Catholics will receive the eucharist and heard the word of God. They are then equipped to go and spread the good news and share the word of God with others
• Parts of the Mass

  1. Penitential rite

  2. Liturgy of the word

  3. Liturgy of the Eucharist

  4. Thanksgiving
• The penitential rite makes Catholics aware that they are sinners and need forgiveness
• The Liturgy of the word contains Bible Readings which usually have a common theme, frequently linked to the time of year, such as Advent, Lent, Christmas and Easter
• The Liturgy of the Eucharist is the third part of Mass when the bread and wine are brought to the altar and the priest says the Eucharistic Prayer. This prayer re-enacts the Last Supper and changes the bread and wine by transubstantiation into the body and blood of Christ
• In the final part of the Mass Catholics give thanks for what they have received and are given a blessing to help them in the week ahead
• Jesus: 'Take, eat, this is my body. Take, drink, this is my blood. Do this in remembrance of me.'
• Source and summit


  For Catholics, the Mass is the 'source and summit' of Christian life
• The offering of Christ on the cross is the highest form of prayer to God as the Mass re-enacts Christ's sacrifice
• The Mass celebrates and re-enacts the most important event in Christianity
• Christ's Body and Blood give life to the soul, just as normal food gives life to the human body
• Offering the Mass on Sunday is a perfect way to 'keep the Sabbath day', as it celebrates the day of resurrection every Sunday
• Orthodox Christians' understanding of the Eucharist


  • Similar to Catholics in believing Christ is fully present in the consecrated Bread and wine
  • The Eucharist is always celebrated with the community; a Catholic priest can say Mass on his own. An Orthodox priest can conduct mass whenever and wherever
  • More emphasis is placed on symbolism and ritual
  • The consecration takes place behind the iconostasis – a screen that divides the holy part of the church from the congregation; this is because the consecration is too holy to be seen directly by the congregation
• Anglican Christians' understanding of the Eucharist


  • Some share the Catholic understanding that the Bread and Wine become the Body and Blood of Christ
  • Many believe the Spirit of Christ is received when Communion is given
  • Christ is spiritually present but the Bread and Wine do not literally become the Body and Blood of Christ
  • Christ is present in the community that shares the Eucharist
• Quakers and the Salvation Army's understanding of the Eucharist


  • These groups do not celebrate any form of the Eucharist
  • Instead they believe that Christ present through the Spirit, who inspires their prayers and actions
  • They do not practise the sacraments as they believe the whole of life is a sacrament
• Nonconformist Christians' understanding of the Eucharist


  • Many believe the Eucharist is a memorial of the Last Supper; this means its purpose is to remember the Last Supper and its importance
  • Christ is present in particular in the Bible readings
  • Christ enters peoples' lives when they receive Communion