1. What is the name of church that takes the form of a

cross?

2. Why do modern church buildings tend to be much

simpler?

3. Some churches are circular in design. What does

this signify?

4. Why do churches traditionally face the east?

5. What do stained-glass windows typically depict?

6. Why are churches often tall with domes or vaulted

ceilings?

7. Why do many churches have towers or steeples?

8. Some churches have a recreation of

the grotto at Lourdes. Why is this?

c) Explain how the architecture of Catholic churches helps Catholics reflect on the

mystery of salvation [8]

It is common for

churches to be

cruciform in shape.

This means that

they are in the

shape of a cross.

This is to signify the

importance of the

death of Jesus.

Cruciform

Some churches have towers, others

have steeples. The tower or steeple

can be seen from long distances

away. This helps the church to

stand out from other buildings as

something special. Towers and

steeples represent prayer and

worship rising up to heaven, a

physical representation of what

takes place inside the building.

Many towers have bells that are

rung to call people to worship.

Towers/ Steeples

Modern church buildings tend to be

simpler than those that were built a

long time ago. As a result of Vatican

II and the changes it made to

worship, some churches built since

the 1960s are radically different

from those that were built before.

For example, some churches are

circular in design with the altar in

the middle. This signifies the

oneness of the worshippers and that

they are all sharing in the sacrificial

meal at the altar. It can also stand

for the eternity of God.

Vatican II

Traditionally, churches face toward the

east. This tradition is based on historic

practices. Following Jewish practices,

the first Christians prayed facing the Holy

Land, where Jesus was born, lived, died

and rose again. Also the sun rises in the

east and is a reminder of the resurrection

of Jesus bringing new life.

Facing towards the

East (Jerusalem)

Very often

stained-glass is

used in

churches.

These windows

usually display

stories from the

Bible or the

lives of saints.

Stained glass windows

Churches are often very tall with domes or

vaulted ceilings. This creates a space which

is pointing up, showing a connection with

God and heaven.

Domes/Vaulted Ceilings

Many churches have crosses or other

Christian symbols to mark them out as

Christian places of worship. It is not

unusual for Catholic churches to have a re-

creation of the grotto at Lourdes, a site of

Christian pilgrimage where a vision of Mary

was seen in the nineteenth century. This

shows how important Mary is.

Christian symbols

1. Create a detailed mind-

map (try to make this

visual)

2. Create a multiple-choice

quiz (aim for at least 10

questions)

3. Create a poster/leaflet

Turn over the mat and try to

complete your task without

looking at the information.

Then refer back to the task

mat to see what you have

missed/could have

included.