How can we tell that Norwich Cathedral is a Christian place of worship and why is it different from your local parish church?
These are questions that can only really be answered by visiting the Cathedral and having a good look at the building and furniture yourself. Here are some ideas and suggestions for things to look out for:
- Norwich Cathedral is a medieval building built for the purpose of glorifying and worshipping God. The way that the Cathedral is built is symbolic of the human journey through life which Christians believe should follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
- Norwich Cathedral is built in the shape of a cross. The cross is the symbol of Christianity because Jesus died on a wooden cross.
- The central tower and spire are built over the centre of the cross to represent the worship of people reaching up towards heaven.
- The Cathedral faces east in the direction of Jerusalem because that is where Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose again from the dead.
A careful study of the Cathedral's furniture can show you that this is a Christian place of worship. You can also see if there are differences between the Cathedral's furniture and that in your local Parish Church.
The altar
- This is a wooden or stone table covered with a white cloth. It is also known as a communion table
- It is used in the service of Holy Communion or the Eucharist, when bread and wine are placed on the altar by the priest then blessed and shared.
- There is more than one altar in Norwich Cathedral.
The cathedra
- This piece of furniture is found only in a Cathedral and is the Bishop's Seat.
- ‘Cathedra’ is a Greek word for ‘seat’ taken into medieval Latin. This seat is used only by a bishop and is a symbol of his authority.
- The cathedra gives us the name cathedral.
- Our cathedra in Norwich is in the Presbytery behind the High Altar. See if you can discover the cathedra when you are here on a visit.
The font
- The font is usually a large stone basin used to hold water for the sacrament (religious ceremony) of Baptism. This service is sometimes called a Christening because the sign of Christ (a cross) is marked on the forehead. This is where the journey of life begins for a Christian. During a baptism service, water is poured on the head of the candidate to symbolise washing and cleansing for new life as a Christian.
- Norwich Cathedral has two fonts. The one here is made of copper and stands in the Nave on important occasions. The font shown here was given to the Cathedral by a local factory. Can you guess what it was first used for?
- In some modern churches the font is often a small portable bowl. Try to find the font in your local church - what does it look like?