Celebration of Faith

Places of significance / Sacred places

Anywhere that people worship is a sacred place. Below we will look inside some sacred places for Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

Before you start this section, download and complete this worksheet as you view the videos.

Sacred places in Christianity

Take a short tour with Adam Jenkins around his church, St Mary's Catholic Church in Michigan, USA. This church is a modern church building but Adam explains the different areas quite well.




Here is a more traditional Catholic Cathedral and Fr Charlie Irvin shows us around St John the Evangelist Cathedral in Wisconsin, USA. Below Fr Charlie explains about the Paschal candle and the Baptismal font.



Here Fr Charlie explains about the three holy oils in the Ambrey that are used by Catholic priests.

Here Fr Charlie explains about the ambo, the altar, the crucifix, and the cathedra.

Fr Charlie explains about the tabernacle and reconciliation (confession).

Finally Fr Charlie shows us the statues, stations of the cross, stained glass windows.

You can take a virtual tour of the Cathedral here.


Below is a lovely presentation on the Stations of the Cross. Artwork and narration by Maureen Regan.




Many Irish Catholics go on pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick each year. Watch this video to see how they do it and climb the mountain yourself in 4 minutes!





Sacred places in Judaism

Take a tour of a jewish Synagogue with Rabbi Emma in this short video.



Jews make pilgrimage to the holy city of Jerusalem. Follow this link to view the Western Wall, and then explore the rest of this site www.jerusalem.com to leaen much more about Jerusalem.


Sacred places in Islam

Lets view a mosque




Muslims go on pilgrimage to Mecca at least once a year. This pilgrimage is called the Hajj.

Want to know all about the Hajj? See below!



or check Channel 4's 12 part programme - don't worry they are short videos!

Channel 4 - the Hajj - The Greatest Trip on Earth

This is a personal account of the Hajj - 3 days pilgrimage in 14 minutes! 


Sacred Times
 
Christian Liturgical Year

This short 3 minute video explains the liturgical year, the colours associated with each time of the year.



Here Shannon explains about the signs and symbols of one of the Church seasons in America  - Christmas.





The Celts responded to the mystery around them by participating in sacred rituals. here is a short video explaining the Celtic festival of Samhain which was celebrated at the end of October.

Sign and Symbol

Signs and symbols are used in worship.




Icons are religious symbols that are used to worship and to pray with.

Sacraments

Baptism

Watch the following short video and answer these questions:
1. Why is Baptism known also as Christening?
2. What is the role of the God Parents in a Baptism?
3. Who is present at the actual baptism part of this sacrament?
4. Why would an adult choose to be baptised?
5. Who baptised Jesus?



Penance / Reconciliation / Confession
Watch the following short video and answer these questions:
1. What is the first thing a penitent says?
2.  How many elements or steps to the sacrament of Reconciliation? Name them.
3. What does Contrition mean?
4. What is an Act of Contrition?
5. What is the most important part of the sacrament of Reconciliation?



Anointing of the Sick

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Jewish Symbols
Watch this short video and have the Passover and the Seder meal explained for you. While watching, write down all the items on the Seder plate and what each item symbolises for the Jewish people.