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.