waht deos the inside of a catholic church look like?

Answer 1

Here, have a look:

http://www.blessedsacramentcc.org/sanctuary.jpg
http://www.heimsath.com/projects/St_Marys_Catholic_Church/images/n_sanctuary.jpg
http://www.hornfeck.com/images/Photos/Misc/Thomas_More.jpg
http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~zimzip/photos/stl/sanctuary.jpg
http://www.olegshpak.net/gallery/35550-2/070623_3_4207.jpg

Cheers,
Bruce

Answer 2

The interior can often look very different - the walls may be spartan and fairly plain, or heavily, heavily decorated.

The interior plan of a Catholic church is usually:

- Entrance at the front, with an entrance just beyond the lobby to the "sanctuary" (the place where the pews are and people sit during Mass.)

- The walls usually have representations of Jesus' condemnation, his suffering and carrying of the cross, crucifixion, and death. These are called the "stations of the cross" and there are typically fourteen of them, although only twelve are usually used in observances.

- There are typically several shrines - one is a Marian shrine, another is a shrine to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and there is often a shrine to Joseph as well. A really elaborate church building may have more, like Good St. Anne and St. Joachim. There are usually candles by the shrines with a donation box.

- At the front of the church is the focal point - an elevated platform where you will see the altar. On this is a crucifix, the altar itself, a pulpit, candles, and usually a "tabernacle" (the place that the consecrated eucharist is kept in between Masses).

Behind or beside the altar, you'll often find more private rooms, such as a "sacristy" (a room where materials and space needed for preparation of Mass can be found) and a vestry (a room for liturgical clothing and cloaks.)

Answer 3

It would help to know where you are coming from with your question. If you're Muslim, as you name suggests, the descriptions already given here should be very helpful. If you're Protestant (especially of some denomination other than Lutheran or Episcopal/Anglican), the main difference you'll probably see, besides the confessionals, is that the Catholic church is more ornate. There's a crucifix (a cross with Jesus on it), whereas most Protestant churches have only an empty cross or none at all. There's likely to be quite a bit more religious artwork than you'll find in most Protestant churches. There will probably also be a bank of candles somewhere, so that you can light one when you say a prayer. And Mary will definitely be around somewhere! Incidentally, some Episcopal churches fit this description so closely that Catholics have been known to wander in and take a while to realize that they were in the wrong place. : )

Answer 4

Go inside one and find out! You walk through the door, dip your fingers in the Holy Water, Make the sign of the cross. (if your not catholic then don't do it).

There are many rows of pews(benches) on either side. When you get up to the front there is a pulpit, behind that are some chairs, and then on the left and right sides are more pews, and then there is a small section behind the pews.

In short, the building designed in the shape of a cross. And the Windows are really beautiful stained glass windows.

Answer 5

Catholic Church has a beautifull architectural beauty inside. I have been to the Cathedaral ( Bassilica) at St. Louis. It has a painting of Jesus in the front ( middle of the wall) A stage witha fence. The stage has a dias and a mike. There are a number of beautiful chairs , with silver or golden mouldings and red cloth. There are benches to sit. In front of every bench there is a a wooden padded thing on which one can kneel while praying. There were small marble statues of St . Louis , Joan of Arc , Jesus , Virgin Mary and many saints. One of the saint was a child and I saw many people with infants kneeling before that statue of child saint. There was a confession roonm and it had the name of Rev Richards written on it and that Father was inside. Infact there are two confession rooms one on each side.I went inside the Confession room and kneeled . I told the priest that I was not catholic and just chatted with him. There was some beautiful structure on the level above the ground floor ( GF is called first floor in USA). It was very calm and serene inside. People were very friendly. I felt peace within me when I sat inside just as I feel when I am in a temple. I loved the experience. And yes ! There were books of psalms on every bench ! Many candles were lit before the statues of the saints. They looked beautiful.Everybody talks n a hushed voice in a Church.

Answer 6

One thing that many do not know is that the buildings themselves are built in the shape of a cross. The long aisle with seating on both sides leads upto a railing and the alter area. At the railing level there are wings that lead to alcove areas an each side—from above it is easy to see that this is an architectural cross..

Answer 7

Here is a picture of Holy Name Cathedral, which is the seat of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Most churches are not this large or ornate.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Holynamecathedralemptyinterior.jpg

Here is a picture of the newly-renovated church at the Catholic university I went to.

http://www.luc.edu/sacramental_life/Madonna_Della_Strada_Renovation.shtml

Answer 8

What the one's I've seen have in common is an altar, seating for the congregation, a PA system, a tabernacle, holy water, missile books, hymn books, stations of the cross, and a larger symbol behind the altar (usually a crucifix but I've seen variants)

Answer 9

Walk into one & look around.
If there is a service going on , just sit down quietly & watch.
If it is empty, but there is an attendant , ask to be shown around.
I have entered all kinds of church buildings to see the art & architecture.
Never had any problems.
Best regards

Answer 10

Mostly like any other church with a big cross in the front, and a table where they do their magic stuff. Also little closets on the side where you go to see the priest and confess your sins that he forgives you of, then he tell you to go pray some after which you will be pure again.

Answer 11

Depends. The large famous ones are like cathedrals as seen in pictures and books. The neighborhood ones are smaller and cater to the local catholic population (i.e. language etc...)

There are religious symbols, paintings, glass work etc.. important to the Cathloic faith.

It is a spiritual place like a mosque, synagogue etc...