Objects You Would Find Inside and Outside a Church – Revision Notes

Inside a Church:

1. Altar:
   A special table where the priest celebrates Mass.
   This is where the bread and wine are offered to God.
2. 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.
3. Lectionary and Missal:
   The Lectionary contains the Bible readings used during services.
   The Missal includes the prayers and instructions for celebrating the Mass.
4. Sanctuary Lamp:
   A red light that is always on when Jesus is present in the form of consecrated bread, showing the presence of God.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Stations of the Cross:
   Fourteen pictures or crosses placed around the church that show the events of Jesus’ last day (His suffering and death).
8. Incense:
   Sometimes used during special services — it shows that the place is holy, and the rising smoke represents prayers rising to heaven.
9. Stained Glass Windows:
   Beautiful windows that tell Bible stories and show important saints or events using coloured glass.

Outside a Church:

1. Graveyard:
   A place where people are buried, considered holy ground.
   Families remember and pray for loved ones here.
2. Crosses and Crucifixes:
   Found inside and outside — these show that Jesus died for our sins.
3. Spire:
   A tall pointed tower, often the highest part of a church, pointing up to heaven.
4. Bells:
   Rung to call people to come to church services and to mark special occasions.