Key Furnishings in the Catholic Church and What They Tell Us About the Catholic Religion

Key Furnishings in the Catholic Church and What They Tell Us About the Catholic Religion

Alter - the word alter means place of sacrifice. It reminds us of the

sacrificial alter used by the priests in the temple in Jerusalem and

it reminds Catholics of Christ sacrifice of himself on the cross for

are sins.

Is positioned at the front of church in the sanctuary for all to see.

All seats face towards it as it is the focal point

On the alter the bread and wines are changed into the body and blood

of Jesus. This happens at the consecration of the mass and is called

transubstantiation. We re-enact Christ's death on the cross and

believe he is present with us again.

We are one with him and one with each other. The word communion

reminds us of this"unless you can eat the flesh of the son of man and

drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and

drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up at the last

day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink" (john 6:53-55)

Font - babies are baptised here at the baptismal font. It is not a

pool which tells us that babies are baptised using pouring of water.

The babies are brought into the church on the faith of their parents

and they receive the holy spirit It is usual positioned at the front

as we enter or close to the alter. The paschal candle is always

standing close by. This candle represents the resurrection of Jesus.

Water is poured over the child's forehead and original sin is cleansed

from its soul. The child is now a member of the Christian community

and the Christian family. The baptismal candle is lit from the paschal

- as the two flames share it reminds us that as a result of the

child's baptism it will share in the resurrection of Jesus too.

Lectern/ ambo - is placed at the front of the church near the alter.