A Place of Celebration, Thanksgiving and Prayer
INSIDE THE CHURCH
A Place of Celebration, Thanksgiving and Prayer
Churches are open to all people, even if there is no religious service at the time. At every entrance, there is a bowl full of water for the faithful to dip their fingertips in and make the sign of the cross in memory of their baptism, the beginning of their lives as Christians.
Every Sunday, the faithful meet to celebrate Holy Mass, to celebrate that Jesus died for them, and rose from the dead. This happens on Sundays, because Jesus Christ rose from the dead on a Sunday. Before he died, Jesus Christ shared bread and wine with his disciples and told them to celebrate like this in memory of him furthermore. This way, in every mass Christians share bread and wine, experience the presence of Jesus Christ and renew their commitment to charity and their willingness to keep the peace.
Next to the altar, there is a lectern (“ambo”). This is the place where people read from the Sacred Scriptures. During Holy Mass, the priest explains the meaning of God’s word for the lives of the faithful. People sing and pray for joy and for the glory of God. To support the singing, most churches have organs, some of these instruments being so big that they cover the whole back wall.
In Catholic churches you can find many illustrations of God. Christians believe in one God who reveals himself in three Persons: God Father, the origin of all things, the Son of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, who is the love of God. Most of the illustrations depict Jesus Christ, showing numerous scenes from his life on earth.
Many paintings, figurines and stained glass windows show scenes from the Sacred Scriptures or from the lives of saints. People especially venerate Mary, Jesus Christ’s mother. In many churches you can buy little candles and light them when you thank God or ask for something.
In churches, all people are welcome, even if they just want to enjoy the beauty and silence inside. To respect the dignity of this place, however, all men – also non-Christians – are expected to take off their hats and caps, and visitors should keep the silence and refrain from walking around during religious services – but you are still welcome to stay as a guest during a service.
If you choose to stay, you are not expected to perform the prayer postures like kneeling down or making the sign of the cross.
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