Parts of a Catholic Church

[Figment713]

This is going to probably seem really basic to a lot of you, but for those of us not “born to the faith”, it’s one of those confusing things. And, by the way, I truly did try researching this on Google before posing the question here. (I was always taught that those things that you research for yourself stay learned).

What ARE the names for the parts of a Catholic Church. Clearly, I know what the altar is (and I even spell it correctly). I’ve learned that it’s an ambo rather than a pulpit or lectern. Beyond that, however, I’m lost. I know what/where the tabernacle is. I think I can figure out “vestibule”. Sacristy is beyond me! And, I’m certain there are names for the other areas and things that I simply don’t know.

Any help you can give me with this would be most appreciated. (Even if it’s help in the form of telling me what to put into Google to get this information. What I tried simply wasn’t working!)

 

[Gray_Sparrow]

I am a Spaniard living in Spain, and I don’t know the ‘technical’ names in English but if a sacristy is a sacristía, then that’s a room where the priests put their liturgical vestments on and in which you store the unconsecrated hosts, the albs, the censar, etc…

My advice is for you to get a catalogue of a liturgical supplier, and take it easy

It’s great that you want to learn, some cradle catholics never care.

 

[juno24]

I found this site. The site is not a Catholic site, but the glossary of terms regarding the parts of the church is accurate, as far I can see.

 

[juno24]

I also found this site, which is specific to the Catholic church. It has a layout showing where the different parts are.

Hope this helps!