RS: 15 Churches

Objects You Would Find Inside and Outside a Church – Revision NotesInside a Church:Altar:A special table where the priest celebrates Mass.This is where the bread and wine are offered to God.Chalice and Ciborium:The chalice holds the wine, and the ciborium holds the bread (hosts).Catholics believe these become the body and blood of Christ during Mass.Lectionary and Missal:The Lectionary contains the Bible readings used during services.The Missal includes the prayers and instructions for celebrating the Mass.Sanctuary Lamp:A red light that is always on when Jesus is present in the form of consecrated bread, showing the presence of God.Stoup and Holy Water:A stoup is a small basin at the church entrance that holds holy water.People dip their fingers and make the sign of the cross to bless themselves.Statues and Pictures:Statues of saints help people remember their lives and ask for their prayers.Other pictures, mosaics, and banners show events from Jesus’ life or offer messages of faith.Stations of the Cross:Fourteen pictures or crosses placed around the church that show the events of Jesus’ last day (His suffering and death).Incense:Sometimes used during special services — it shows that the place is holy, and the rising smoke represents prayers rising to heaven.Stained Glass Windows:Beautiful windows that tell Bible stories and show important saints or events using coloured glass.Outside a Church:Graveyard:A place where people are buried, considered holy ground.Families remember and pray for loved ones here.Crosses and Crucifixes:Found inside and outside — these show that Jesus died for our sins.Spire:A tall pointed tower, often the highest part of a church, pointing up to heaven.Bells:Rung to call people to come to church services and to mark special occasions.