Around and About
a Catholic Church		 A Tour of
Corpus Christi Church
Clifton Nottingham

The Apse



In romanesque and gothic churches the semicicular end of the sanctuary that terminates the chancel, aisles or transepts is known as the Apse. In Corpus Christi the term is being used to describe the back wall of the church behind and beyond the Sanctuary.
The Cross in the Apse draws your attention wherever you are in the church.

A cross bearing the image of Christ either as suffering Saviour or as risen Lord is known as a crucifix. A measure of its importance is that a crucifix must be on or over the altar where the most sacred of services, the Mass is celebrated.

The Cross is a term used to describe the instrument of suffering on which Christ died for the salvation of the world. The Cross is a symbol of Christ's redeeming love, profoundly respected by Christians throughout the world.
Also in the Apse are the foundation stones. The first was laid when the church was being erected. The second marks the occasion of the consecration of the church.


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