THINGS WE SEE AT MASS
"The things that we love tell us what we are."
Saint Thomas Aquinas
Saint Thomas Aquinas
Holy Water Font
"Create in me a clean heart, O God." Psalm 51:10
We make the Sign of the Cross with Holy Water when we enter the church. It is "Holy" because it has been blessed by a priest. When we bless ourselves, we remember the day of our baptism.
Baptismal Font / Pascal or Easter Candle
"I am the light of the world." John 8:12
We received the Sacrament of Baptism at the Baptismal Font when we were babies. We became children of God, members of the Church, and heirs of heaven. The large candle next to the Baptismal Font is called the Paschal or Easter Candle. It reminds us of Jesus, the light of the world, who lives among us and is always with us. We light this candle for every baptism and every funeral.
Sanctuary / Altar / Altar Cloth / Altar Candles
"I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight." Psalm 43:4a
Once inside the church we focus on the sanctuary, sanctuary means "holy place." It is the elevated space at the front of the church where the altar is located.
The altar represents Christ. Since the altar is a symbol of Christ, we bow before it. The altar is where the Priest celebrates the Eucharist. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we remember and make present again Jesus' words at the Last Supper. Our gifts of bread and wine become Jesus' Body and Blood.
The altar cloth is a white cloth that dresses the altar for Mass.
Lighted candles are used in Catholic worship to represent the light of Christ. At least two candles are placed on or near the altar. They are signs of the love we should have for God.
The altar represents Christ. Since the altar is a symbol of Christ, we bow before it. The altar is where the Priest celebrates the Eucharist. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we remember and make present again Jesus' words at the Last Supper. Our gifts of bread and wine become Jesus' Body and Blood.
The altar cloth is a white cloth that dresses the altar for Mass.
Lighted candles are used in Catholic worship to represent the light of Christ. At least two candles are placed on or near the altar. They are signs of the love we should have for God.
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Processional Cross
"I lay down my life for the sheep." John 10:15b
A crucifix is a cross with an image of Jesus. It reminds us that Jesus died and rose to new life. The crucifix on a pole is called a processional cross. It leads our processions and stands near the altar.
Statues or Images of Mary, Jesus the Good Shepherd, and Saint Joseph
"Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38)
"All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked. (Luke 4:22)
"The good shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out." (John 10:3b)
Many Catholic churches have statues of Jesus, Mary, and the saints. We do not worship statues, but honor holy men and women of faith with works of art. These images inspire us to try to live like they did.
Pews
" Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord: cry out to the rock of our salvation." Psalm 95:1
Church seats are long benches called pews. There are books here. These books have songs to help us sing together. The songs we sing in church are called hymns. The song book is called a hymnal.
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Lectionary
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Ambo
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"We ponder your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple." Psalm 48:9
The Ambo is a special stand where the Word of God is read from the Lectionary during Mass. We listen carefully. The lector reads the First and Second Readings during Mass. The Priest or Deacon reads the Gospel. When we hear the Word of God, we meet Jesus in a special way.
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Roman Missal
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all." 2 Cor 13:14
The Roman Missal is the book used by the priest that contains the prayers of the Mass.
Tabernacle
"Give us this day our daily bread." Luke 11:3
The Tabernacle is where the Consecrated Hosts, which have not been used during Mass, are kept. In every Catholic church, Jesus is always present. You can go there and visit Him. If a person is too sick or too old to come to church. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will bring the Eucharist to them in their homes or the hospital. This way they can be one with Jesus and one with the whole family of God.
Sanctuary Lamp
"The Lord is my light and my salvation." Psalm 27:1
The Sanctuary Lamp usually hangs before the Tabernacle. When that lamp is burning, it tells us that Jesus is present in the Blessed Sacrament. We are to pay attention.
Presider's Chair
"We have waited in silence on your loving kindness, O God, in the midst of your temple." Psalm 48:9
The Priest celebrating Mass sits on the presider's chair during some parts of the Mass. Every Catholic church has a presider's chair.
Reconciliation Rooms / Confessionals
"Show me your way, O Lord. Lead me on a level path." Psalm 27:11
Reconciliation Rooms or Confessionals are where we we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also, called Penance or Confession. Here, we confess our sins to the priest and seek to make things right with God and others. The priest represents Christ. He gives us a penance, imparts absolution in the name of the Trinity, and forgives us on behalf of the Church. God's grace flows to us through the Sacrament by the power of the Holy Spirit.
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Stained Glass Windows
"They looked to Him and were radiant." Psalm 34:5
The stained glass windows in our churches show what we believe.
