Catholic Christianity - Forms of Expression

What is it?

• Churches vary according to the style of architecture in each time and place.
• Whatever their design, churches are an important symbol of God, a sign of the living church 
• Churches are used for worship, personal prayer using votive candles and to feel a physical closeness to Jesus (visiting the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle)

Importance

• Many churches are in a cruciform  to reflect the cross as a symbol of the church.
• Churches built facing east pointing to belief that Jesus rose from dead & brought new life just as sun rises from east. Mass is reminder of how Catholics share in ressurection of Jesus
• Churches are often vaulted inside, creating an open space pointing upwards which suggests a connection with heaven.The great cathedrals were built as high as possible to get closer to God. Majority of churches have a spire for this same reason.

SOWA - 'A church, "a house of prayer in which the Eucharist is celebrated and reserved, where the faithful assemble...ought to be in good taste and a worthy place for prayer and sacred ceremonial".' CCC 1181

What is it?

• The internal features of a church help maintain it as the 'House of God' - CCC 2691
• They are referred to in the catechism because of their significance
• The prominent altar and lectern are used in liturgy while private prayer is encouraged through the contemplation at statues and the Stations of the Cross

Importance

• Lectern is important as Catholics believe that the Bible is the word of God whwre he communicates his plan of salvation. The lectern represents this communication
• Altar is important as it is the focal point throughout the mass. They will be made out of stone or contain a piece of stone which usually contains relics of a saint. God told Moses to build an altar from stone (Exodus 20:25)
• Crucifix - Focal point suring prayer as Catholics remember Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for us.

SOWA - 'on this rock I will build my church.' - Matthew 16:18

What is it?

• Sacred objects are items used during the liturgy and include sacred vessels.
• Other objects such as relics, rosary beads, candles and holy water can also be classed as sacred and are called 'objects of devotion'.
• Catholics ay have a small altar or crucifix at home to help focus their mind and belief.

Importance

• Sacred vessels help focus their devotion e.g. the chalice (cup) and ciborium (covered dish)
• Sarcophagi are a physical reminder of the occupant. Catholics can focus their prayers on the individual and ask for their intercession if they are saints.
• Hunger cloths - used during Middle Ages to cover altar during Lent. the cloths were covered in images and stories from the Bible which helped people who couldn't read. They are now used in developing countries to show the people that God is with them in there lives wherever they may be and whatever the struggle they face.

SOWA - 'the contemplation of sacred icons...enters into the harmony of the signs of celebration' - CCC 1162

What is it?

• Artwork is a visual expression of faith and helps illustrate, supplement and potray the teachings of the church.
• Can be a image or story from Bible or expression of particular beliefs of the artist
•  Includes a wide range of art such as frescoes, mosaics, drawings and paintings.

Importance

• Used to express belief, love and glory of God
• Used to influence or enhance belief
• Reflects Bible stories for those who can't read e.g. Sistine Chapel - its famous part 'the creation of Adam' reflects the Genesis story. Michelangelo was a very religious man and it is believed that he took his inspiration directly from the Old Testament.

SOWA - 'You shall not make for yourself a graven image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above' (Exodus 20:4)

What is it?

• Used to express belief by the artist and those who observe the art.
• Catholics use sculpture and statues to recall the person or thing being depicted.
• They can also be used as a teaching tool which was very useful in the early church were many were illiterate.

Importance

• Catholics do not worship the statues, they are simply an aid to prayer e.g. Madonna with child statue (ask Mary to interceed and talk to her son).
• In the Old Testament there are occasions when God directed the construction of statues (e.g. cherubs in Exodus 25: 18-20)
• Focal point of prayer, may strengthen relationship with God.

SOWA - 'Arising from talent given by the Creator, and from mans own effort, art is a form of practical wisdom, uniting knowledge and skill.' - CCC 2501

What is it?

• Symbolism is where an object is used to mean something else.
• Early imagery was deliberatley subtle and indirect so that it would only be recognised by those who were Christians.
• As Christianity grew symbolism and imagery remained and important part of worship and art.

Importance

• Cross and crucifix - worn by christians today to show their faith
• The fish - acrostic in Greek meaning 'Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour'. Also an obvious sign because of connection to the apostles, 'I will make you fishers of men' - Matthew 4:19
• The dove - Symbolises peace (Noah's ark Genesis 8:11) and Holy Spirit (Luke 3:22)

SOWA - The Spirit comes down and remains in the purified hearts of the baptized...Christian icongraphy traditionally uses a dove to suggest the Spirit.' - CCC 701

What is it?

• Drama is an exciting or emotional event that captivates and engages human beings
• The Catechism itself describes the relationship between God and humanity as 'a covenant drama which engages the heart.'- CCC 2567
• Many Catholics were illiterate and didnt understand Latin so Drama helped them to understand the Bible as well as providing entertainment

Importance

• Those participating in the plays can see it as an act of worship or carrying out their vication from God. Those observing can see it as a focal point for their own prayer.
• Can help to clear confusion over some parables or things that re not stated clearly in the Bible by modernising it e.g. mystery plays with Paschal Mystery
• Can help to understand Jesus' last days on Earth 'passion plays' as it may have more of an effect than reading or listening to the words on their own.

What is it?

• Music is a way of expressing belief
• Music can be in many forms such as traditional music, psalms, hymns and contemporary music.
• It usually connects to the order of liturgy

Importance

• Can bring people together in liturgical worship e.g. hymns all sung together in mass - 'When two or three are gethered in my name, I am there.' 
• Contemporary music in worship are thought to appeal to younger Christians making the next generation more likely to grow up in the church
• Way of praising and glorifying God

SOWA - 'make melody to the Lord with all your heart'- CCC 2641 / 'He who sings prays twice' - CCC 1156