a Catholic Church
Corpus Christi Church
Clifton Nottingham
| Around and About a Catholic Church |
A Tour of Corpus Christi Church Clifton Nottingham |
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| Explanation of the Mass | Colours worn |
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The altar is a table on which the Eucharistic Sacrifice is celebrated. An altar may be fixed (joined to the floor) or movable (able to be transferred.) According to Catholic custom the table of a fixed altar is made of stone. A movable altar can be constructed from any solid material appropriate for liturgical use. During the celebration of the Eucharist an altar cloth, usually of white linen or other suitable material, covers the entire altar. A cross bearing the image of Christ either as suffering Saviour or as risen Lord is known as a crucifix. A crucifix must be on or over the altar where Mass is celebrated. As the large crucifix in the Apse is not above the altar, a small crucifix is placed in the centre of the altar to meet this requirement. Candles symbolise divine life and purity. Lighted candles are placed on the altar during the celebration of the Mass to indicate Christ's presence. |
The altar stone is used as a term to describe the small square of flat stone, consecrated by a Bishop, that contains the relics of canonized martyrs or saints. It is usually inserted in the centre of an altar that is blessed. The ancient tradition of keeping the relics of martyrs and other saints under a fixed altar is required under the Church's rules, known as Canon Law, to be preserved according to the norms given in the liturgical books. |
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The round, flat wafers used in the Eucharistic Liturgy are known as altar bread. The unleavened bread is made of pure wheat flour mixed with water and baked between iron moulds. The altar wine contained in a Chalice (like a goblet) when used for the Eucharistic Liturgy must be made from grapes, natural and unadulterated, that is, not mixed with any additives. A small quantity of water is mixed with the wine by the priest at Mass. Symbolic meanings associated with this action are the union of Christ with the people of God and the union of the human and divine in Jesus. |
| In the centre of the Sanctuary behind the altar is the tabernacle. The tabernacle is a receptacle for the exclusive reservation of the Most Holy Eucharist, that is the Real Presence of Jesus in the form of bread. We genuflect on entering church in recognition of this and as a sign of adoration and reverence. According to the Code of Canon Law (the Church's rules), the tabernacle "should be placed in a part of the church that is prominent, conspicuous, beautifully decorated, and suitable for prayer; it should be immovable, made of solid and opaque material, and locked so that the danger of profanation may be entirely avoided." The tabernacle is often covered with material of the same colour as the priest's vestments. For details of the colours used and when click on "Colours worn" above. |
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A special lamp (often called the sanctuary lamp) "to indicate and honour the presence of Christ is to burn at all times before the tabernacle in which the Most Holy Eucharist is reserved". |
| Also on the sanctuary, its position depending on the time of year, is the paschal candle. The word "paschal" refers to the passion death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, by which he brought about salvation for all humankind. The paschal candle is the Easter candle, marked with a cross, Alpha and Omega it stands as a symbol of Christ rising from the dead and to signify that Christ is the Light of the World. The paschal candle is first lit at the opening of the Easter Vigil, on every Sunday in the Easter Season and at Baptisms and Funerals. |  |
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