In St. Wilfrid’s Roman Catholic Church, the Pulpit is also a main feature, although not as significant as in the Methodist. It is, once again very ornate and beautifully decorated. Like in the Methodist Church, the Pulpit is situated at the front of the Church because it is also used for the sermon and to give across God’s word to the people. This Pulpit is also raised above the congregation, but it does not appear in such a prominent position in this Church, and it is not so large. For the Roman Catholics the Holy Communion plays a much larger part in the service than the sermon does.
The Altar in the Roman Catholic Church is the main feature. The Sacrament of Holy Communion, or Mass, is the most important part of the service. In Judaism, which is the religion that Christianity developed from, the Altar was used to offer sacrifices, which were symbols of a person’s dedication to God. These early Christians believed that, according to the Old Testament, sins are only forgiven if blood is shed therefore something had to be killed on the Altar. Animal and Human Sacrifices are no longer offered at the Altar in these churches because Christians believe that when Christ was crucified he offered the ultimate sacrifice of his life to God. Blood on the Altar, however, is present in the wine and the bread of the Mass. Roman Catholics believe in Transubstantiation, which means that the bread and wine mysteriously turn into the flesh and blood of Christ. This consecrated bread and wine must be treated with the greatest respect and reverence therefore none of it can be discarded or wasted. Any leftover blessed bread and wine will be locked away in a Tabernacle after the service.
In contrast to the Roman Catholic Church, the Communion Table is not referred to as an Altar by the Methodists, and it is much less grand. It is usually just a plain table upon which is placed a Bible, a cross, and a font. The Communion Rail surrounds the table. This is where the Methodists kneel to receive the bread and wine from the Minister. This only happens once a month, as opposed to in the Catholic churches, where it takes place every week. Methodists do not believe in Transubstantiation and they think that the bread and wine are merely symbolic rather than actually becoming the body and blood of Jesus. The Communion Table itself has some decoration on it, but it is still very plain. The carving says “To the glory of God”. There is also no need for a Tabernacle. This is because as Transubstantiation is not supported Methodists do not need to lock away the leftover bread after it has been consecrated.
The font is placed on the Methodist Communion Table, as opposed to its prominent position in the Roman Catholic Church. It is very small and it obviously considered to be a much less significant feature. In a Catholic Church you would expect to find the font at the entrance to the church. This is because when a person is baptised they enter the life of a Church just as you would enter the Church through a door.
Catholic churches also have a small basin of Holy Water positioned by the door. By dipping their hand into the water and saying a small prayer Catholics believe that they are cleansed and ready to some into the presence of God.
The Roman Catholic Church seems to be a very decorative church in comparison with the plain Methodists. Marble pillars line the aisles and the ceilings catch the eye. The beauty and colours are astounding. Along the walls the Stations of the Cross are situated. They show the traditional stages of Christ’s journey to his death. During the season of Lent it is common for Roman Catholics to walk around the perimeter of the church, pausing at each of the pictures to remember the suffering Jesus endured. The Methodists do not display the Stations of the Cross.
Also in a Roman Catholic Church but not a Methodist, is a Confessional. St Wilfrid’s Roman Catholic Church possesses three Confessional rooms. The Catholics see Confession or Repentance as one of the Seven Sacraments. A Sacrament is more than a symbol; it is a special action that Christians believe is a vehicle or channel for God’s presence, and by taking part in it they feel closer to him. The Seven Sacraments are:
- The Eucharist
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- Marriage
- Penance
- Ordination
- Anointing of the sick
In conclusion, I have learnt that there are a few main differences and many subtle ones involving the internal features of different Christian traditions related to their beliefs and practices. Methodist services tend to be Non-liturgical, simple and methodical, lasting around twenty to thirty minutes. In connection with this, their décor is simple and plain, and their beliefs are uncomplicated. The do not believe in Transubstantiation.
On the other hand, Roman Catholic Churches like St. Wilfrid’s are extremely beautiful, decorative and ornate. Their services compliment this, with great detail and emphasis on the Lord’s Supper and a strong belief in Transubstantiation and the Sacrament of Confession.
