Parts of the Church

[OnceUponATime]

I’m not talking about parts of the Mass, my question is about the church itself. I know that the church building, as a whole, is called the church. I also know that within the church is the sacristy (sp?) and the foyer and such. Is there a special name for the part of the church where the actual Mass is held?

 

[marty1818]

The part where the priest and altar are is called the sanctuary.

God Bless,
Matt

 

[OnceUponATime]

OK. Does that include where the people stand too or is it just the altar area? I’m sorry for all my questions, I’m really confused/curious.

 

[Deacon_Ed]

The main part of the church is called the “nave” and this is where the people generally gather. The entrance usually leads into a “vestbule” or, in some cases, a “narthex” (it’s really the same thing). The area around the altar is called the “sanctuary” and the place where the ministers vest is called the “sacristy”. If there’s a separate room for baptisms it’s called a “baptistry”. If the church is cruciform the “arms” of the cross are called the “transcepts.”

That’s pretty much it. BTW, if there is a canopy-like structure over the altar it’s called a “baldachino” (or, sometimes, a “baldachin”).

Deacon Ed