After passing through the porch and into the church you come to the nave. This is the main body of the church and is where most of the principle features are.
In the nave are rows of benches called pews. These pews all face the sanctuary. On each pew there is a kneeler which gives the congregation the opportunity to pray on there knees.
On the walls around the nave are 14 pictures or stations. These are called stations of the cross and show the 14 stages that Jesus went through before his crucifixion from him being arrested to being buried in the tomb.
These pictures give the congregation something to concentrate and meditate on. It helps them remember the last days of Jesus’ life.
At the very front of the church is a raised are called the sanctuary.
On the sanctuary is the alter. This is simply a special table that stands in the middle of the sanctuary. The alter is where the host are prepared and blessed.
Also on the sanctuary is the lectern this is a stand that is next to the alter. The priest and the members of the congregation read and prays from the bible.
The lectern is a place were Catholics can spread the word of Jesus and worship him more.
Above the sanctuary is a hanging crucifix. This reminds Catholics about Jesus and how he died to free mankind from sin.
As Catholics follow Jesus it is important to remember him all of the time.
Another important features in a Roman Catholic church is a special cupboard at the very front of the church call a tabernacle.
This is were the consecrated host are placed at the end of the mass.
The sanctuary lap is when the host are in the tabernacle. The consecrated host is the bread that Catholics believe become the body of Jesus and are extremely important to Catholics.
Around the church are candles these help the congregation to remember that Jesus is the light of the world. On the sanctuary there is a large candle call the Pascal candle. This candle is special and is lit at the Easter vigil. It has an empty cross with five gold studs, this reminds Catholics of the resurrection of Jesus and the five studs represent the five wounds that Jesus received from his crucifixion.
To the side of the nave there are confessional room. These allow the congregation to talk to God through the priest and ask for forgiveness.
The confessionals are usually two small rooms with a mesh screen so the priest can hear the person but not see them.
As you can see, there are many principle features that aid Catholics in their worship.
