Interior Features of a Roman Catholic Church

A table-like structure, usually of a type of stone.

This is the place where the bread and wine are offered to God and are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ.

An altar is a place of sacrifice where praise is given to God.

The place where the Word of God is proclaimed when readings from scripture take place.

A raised structure from which the priest preaches. 

In many churches this structure will be used as the lectern as well as the pulpit.

It keeps the consecrated hosts that can be taken for the Communion for the sick.

It can also be a focus for private worship.

Many Roman Catholics like to pray quietly in front of the Blessed Sacrament because they believe that Christ is fully present in the consecrated host.

A red lamp which is kept burning to show the Real Presence of Christ in the bread in the tabernacle.

It is a reminder to people of the continual love of God.

It shows strangers to the church where the Blessed Sacrament is kept reserved for private worship.

An item of church furniture which can be moved so that all those present can easily see a baptism when it takes place.

Usually found around the church to help people to pray and to ask their favourite saint to intercede for them.

14 plaques or carvings on the walls, representing the different events during the journey Jesus took to his Crucifixion.

They help people to pray.

They brighten God's house and make it a place worthy of praising God.

A side altar dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus.

This is usually a place of quiet, private prayer and it encourages Catholics to offer devotion to Mary.