Features of a Catholic Church

What is a tabernacle?

• The tabernacle is where the priest stores a glass of water that he can drink from during the service. It is usually hidden on the larger altar.

• The tabernacle is where the Consecrated Hosts, which have not been used during Mass, are kept. There is a red light left on somewhere close by to remind us that Jesus is present in the hosts.

• The tabernacle is the chair that the person in charge of the church service sits on during some parts of the Mass.

• The tabernacle is where the Hosts are kept before they are consecrated are kept.

What is presider's chair?

• The seat that the altar boys or girls sit on to the side of the Altar

• The comfy chairs with extra padding for the really old people in the community.

• The Priest celebrating Mass sits on the presidential chair during some parts of the Mass. Every Catholic church has a presider's chair. In a cathedral the chair is called a cathedra. It is for the Bishop or Archbishop.

The lectern or Ambo is...

• The place where the Word of God is read from during the service.

• The place where the ambulance can park near the side entrance.

• The reading shelf where religious materials are stored at the back of the church.

What is the sanctuary lamp?

• The light in memory of all the people who have sought sanctuary within churches during medieval times.

• The light above the confessional doors that tells a parishioner when they can enter and confess their sins.

• The red light near the tabernacle is known as the Sanctuary Lamp. A lit Sanctuary Lamp signifies the presence of God in the tabernacle that contains the Eucharist.

• The large decorative candle or lamp to the right of the Altar in all Catholic churches that is lit during the Easter Vigil reminding all people that Jesus has risen and is the light of the world.

What is the sanctuary?

• The inside of the church building.

• The area at the front of the church which contains all the sacred object and the Priest stands during Mass. It is usually elevated from the nave, where the congregation sits.

• The area set aside for families with young children where they kids can make noise and it will not be heard by the general congregation.

• The Catholic term for the toilet within the church building.

What is the altar?

• The large table on which the priest celebrates the Eucharist.

• The side table where the priest keeps his glasses and water.

• The mat inside the doorway where people move into an altared state and therefore can enter into worship.

Where in the church is the nave?

• The dishonest man is usually found in the confessional. Comes from the English word 'Knave'.

• The section in which the parishioners sit or stand. Comes from the word Latin word for Ship, referencing Noah's ark.

• The smaller windows found higher up the church walls referecning the Latin for the ship and Noah's ark.

What is a sacristy?

• The Sacristy is the process by which people become sacred and connected to God after receiving communion.

• The Sacristy is the presider's chair in the sanctuary.

• The Sacristy is a collection of pews.

• The Sacristy is where sacred vestments, liturgical vessels, etc., are stored.