Vestibule – The vestibule serves as a transition between the outside world and the church interior. It is a place of welcoming where we can also find an array of information pertaining to our worshiping community.
Baptismal Font – The font reminds us that it is through our baptism that we become a part of the church, Christ’s family.
Holy Water Font – The holy water font serves as a reminder of the baptismal font. When we enter the church we customarily bless ourselves by dipping our fingers in the holy water and making the sign of the cross while saying, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” When we use the holy water “in blessing ourselves on entering the church or at home, we thank God for his priceless gift to us and we ask for his help to keep us faithful to the sacrament we have received in faith.” (Book of Blessings No. 1393)
Cross/Crucifix – The cross is the dominant symbol of the Christian faith. Generally a crucifix (Latin for fixed to the cross) is displayed in the Roman Catholic Church. The crucifix reminds us of the road to Calvary where Jesus was crucified, shed his blood, and obtained our salvation.
Easter Candle – Candles are symbolic of the true light of the world, Jesus. He is the light that conquered darkness. On the Easter Candle you will see additional symbols. The alpha and omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. They signify that God is the beginning and the end. There are five grains of incense covered in wax that are inserted onto the candle in the shape of a cross. These represent the five major wounds of Christ.
Pews & Kneelers – The pews and kneelers assist us with the different postures during a Catholic Mass. Kneeling helps us express reverence and an inner sense of repentance. Standing shows attentiveness and respect. We stand during certain prayers and the reading of the Gospel. Sitting reflects an attitude of receptiveness to the
message we are about to hear.
Stained Glass Windows – The stained glass windows share truths about our Catholic faith. They depict biblical stories as well as saintly figures. Their beauty gives us a glimpse of the beauty of God.
Nave – The nave of the church is the center section of the church where the pews are found. The word comes from the Latin word navis, which means boat or ship.
Sanctuary – The sanctuary is the area where the altar, pulpit and chair can be found. The word sanctuary comes from the Latin word Sanctus, which means holy or sacred.
Presiding Chair – The presiding chair is where the priest or bishop sits during the celebration. The chair is usually larger and more prominent then the others as a symbol the presiding celebrants function in leading the celebration.
Ambo – The ambo is the pulpit from where the Word of God is proclaimed. It is generally placed in a prominent place so that the Word of God can clearly be heard as it is proclaimed.
Altar – At the altar is where the Liturgy of the Eucharist begins. The altar symbolizes a place of holy sacrifice as well as a sacred banquet. Altars are generally made of stone which represents Christ, the living stone (1 Peter 2:4).
Relics – The Church honors its martyrs and saints by placing a relic (a remnant) of a saint in the altar. You can find a small square on the top or side of the altar containing the dedicated relics of a saint.
Holy Oils – Each year at the Chrism Mass the bishop with the members of the presbyterate consecrate three holy oils: Oil of Catechumens, Sacred Chrism, and Oil of the Sick. These oils are presented to the church on Holy Thursday. The Oil of the Catechumens is generally used for baptisms. The Sacred Chrism is used for baptism, confirmation, and ordination. The Oil of the Sick is used on those who are ill.
Stations of the Cross – The fourteen images along the wall represent the journey of Christ on Good Friday on his way to the crucifixion at Calvary. The stations begin with Pilate’s condemnation of Christ and ends with Jesus being laid in the tomb. The Stations of the Cross helps us to meditate on the love of Christ manifested through his suffering and death.
Confessional – The confessional is used for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The penitent kneels or sits next to the priest. The penitent has the option of confessing behind a curtain or confess face-to-face.
Tabernacle – The tabernacle contains the Real Presence of Christ through the consecrated hosts. A red sanctuary candle to the right of the tabernacle reminds us that the Blessed Sacrament is present in the tabernacle. On Holy Thursday the light is extinguished as the Blessed Sacrament is taken to the Altar of Repose. During Eucharistic Adoration the Blessed Sacrament is removed from the tabernacle and placed in a monstrance so that all may see and adore the Blessed Sacrament.
Saints – Saints are examples of persons who lived holy lives. Statues and other images of these saints remind us of their stories and great faith. Their placement around us in the church serves to remind us that they are participating in each Mass with us.
Devotional Candles – At the devotional candle a donation is made, a candle is lit, and then the person prays for their intention. The flickering of the flame symbolizes the person’s prayer continuing long after they have stepped out of the church.
For more information check out "Inside a Catholic Church: A Guide to Signs, Symbols, and Saints", by Joseph M. Champlin.