Take Me to Church Trivia Quiz

Answer: Pew

Pews are long benches, set in rows within the church. They are used by the congregation while attending mass or during quiet periods of prayer within the church. Benches first began to be used in the church in 13th century England. Initially starting out as stone benches, these were soon replaced by wooden ones.

Answer: Paten

The paten is a shallow saucer, usually gilded on the inside. It is consecrated by a bishop before it can be used at the celebration of mass. The paten is used to hold the host while the priest completes the rite of consecration.

Answer: Pulpit

Pulpit comes from the Latin word 'pulpitum' which means platform. In traditional churches, the pulpit was a separate raised platform or chamber from which the priest preached the sermon to the congregation. In most modern churches, the term pulpit is used metaphorically to refer to the place from which the priest preaches.

Answer: Chalice

The chalice is a large cup used to hold the sacramental wine. Once the priest completes the consecration rite, it is believed that the wine turns into the Blood of Christ to fulfil Jesus's command to His disciples at the Last Supper to eat His body and drink His blood.

The chalice is typically made of gold or silver and must be handled only by the priest or those given permission to help during the mass.

Answer: Altar

The altar is centrally located within the church and the focus of attention during the mass. The majority of the service is conducted at or by the altar. The large table is the setting for the Sacrifice of the Mass, or the rite when the bread (host) and wine are consecrated and considered to turn into the body and blood of Christ.

Answer: Thurible

The thurible is a small, metal incense burner that is suspended from metal chains. During High Masses or special occasions, incense is burned in the thurible during the service. The thurible is generally carried by an altar server, a young boy or girl serving in the celebration of the mass. Such an altar server is called a thurifer.

Answer: Ciborium

A ciborium is a large metal vessel shaped like a drinking cup. The ciborium holds the host after it has been consecrated by the priest during the mass and is used for distribution to the congregation. It forms a pair with the chalice which holds the sacramental wine.

Answer: Stations of the Cross

The walls of a Roman Catholic church are generally adorned with paintings or sculptures depicting the final hours before Jesus' death by crucifixion. These are known as the Stations of the Cross and mark 14 stages on Jesus' final journey. Especially during Lent and Good Friday, believers pray along the journey and contemplate the suffering Jesus endured for the sake of the world.

Answer: Aspergillum

An aspergillum is an instrument used to sprinkle Holy Water. In earlier times, a freshly cut hyssop branch was used for this purpose. These days a metal instrument is used. Mainly for masses held during the Easter season, the aspergillum is used by the priest to bless the congregation.

Answer: Rood

Rood is an archaic term used for a pole and was originally used to describe the cross or crucifix. Most Roman Catholic churches have a large cross hanging above the chancel, the entrance to the altar. This is called the rood or a triumphal cross. It serves to remind the congregation of the great sacrifice Jesus made in giving up His life to save the world.