Holy Spirit
The active power of God in people. It inspires people to make God present in the world. Jesus was ‘filled with the Holy Spirit’ and thus showed in his speech and actions what God is like. People who allow the Holy Spirit to work in them also speak and act like God and Jesus at […]
Holy Trinity
The concept that there is one God who shows himself in threefold form: Father, Son (Jesus of Nazareth) and the Holy Spirit.
Acts of the Apostles
A book from the New Testament that the evangelist Luke wrote as a sequel to his Gospel. In it he describes the early period of the young Church after the death of Jesus with Peter and Paul as the central figures.
Gospel
One of the four books of the Bible that focus on Jesus’s actions and sayings, his death and resurrection. The four evangelists are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. ‘Gospel’ is the Old English translation of the Greek evangeleon, which literally means ‘Good News’. This term refers to the core message of these books.
Council
A large meeting of ecclesiastical office holders, mainly bishops, presided by the pope, to make decisions concerning faith, church customs, etc. A council is usually named after the place where it was held. Examples: the Council of Trent [1645-1653] and the Second Vatican Council [1962-1965], which is also the last council for the time being.
Aisleless church
Rectangular church building without aisles. Most large chapels in Antwerp (such as the so-called Emperor’s Chapel and the so-called Shoemakers’ Chapel) have the shape of an aisleless church. Also, most of the churches that were built in the second half of the 20th century are aisleless.
Crossing
The central point of a church with a cruciform floor plan. The crossing is the intersection between the longitudinal axis [the choir and the nave] and the transverse axis [the transept].
Bay
The space between two supports (wall or pillars) in the longitudinal direction of the nave, transept, choir, or aisle.
Nave
The rear part of the church which is reserved for the congregation. The nave extends to the transept.
Sacristy
The room where the priest(s), the prayer leader(s) and the altar server(s) and/or acolyte(s) prepare and change clothes for Mass.
