Theology

I recently had the opportunity to visit St. Mary’s Roman, located in the heart of downtown Seattle. The Church stands out against the urban environment due to its towering spires and ornate stonework. Because I usually go to a Seventh-day Adventist church, I was curious to experience the liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church and see how it differs from what I’m used to. As soon as I entered, I was taken aback by the Church’s opulence and the deep devotion permeating the building. The first time I visited a Catholic church, I was eager to learn about the Catholic faith and participate in the Catholics’ unique worship. Being a Seventh-day Adventist, I found the similarities and distinctions between the two worship services utterly fascinating. I arrived early last Sunday to soak up some sunlight before the service began. A sense of urgency and eagerness built up inside me as I walked through the downtown streets. I had heard so much about Catholic churches’ stunning architecture and ornate decoration that I could hardly wait to see one in person finally. The ceremony began promptly at 9:00 a.m. and was solemn and respectful. The congregation rose and chanted a hymn of thanks as priests and altar boys in traditional garb processed down the aisle. As I grew up in a less sombre religious culture, the ceremony’s gravity and seriousness appealed to me. Overall, the service had a strong emphasis on ritual and tradition, which served to increase the atmosphere of respect and awe.

Worship, music, liturgy, and theology

            Because the Eucharist plays such a central role in Catholic worship, the liturgies of the Church are frequently highly structured and replete with ritual. The ceremony began when the priest and the altar boys went to the altar. As the congregation left the building, everyone stood to sing. After that, the priest greeted everyone there and instructed them to make the cross sign. The participants in the gathering will be asked to offer a variety of responses and prayers at various points throughout the liturgy of the ceremony. In addition, the Eucharist, widely practised during that time, was emphasized. Because they participated in the ceremony’s observation rituals and displayed a clear reverence for the sacrament, the congregation’s devotion could shine through in its glory and be seen by all. The music played during the Sunday services differed from what I am accustomed to hearing at my Adventist Church. The crowd sang songs I had never heard while organ music played in the background. The music, which is quite traditional and formal, contributed to the sense of reverence and piety in the service. There is a significant difference between the symbols and rituals used in religious services Catholics and Adventists practice. The congregation lighting candles and incense and worshipping the cross together produced a reverent and devout atmosphere.

Architecture and Aesthetics

            The stained-glass windows added a lovely aesthetic touch to the inside of the cathedral by flooding it with varying hues of light. The event was a moment for introspection and contemplation, facilitated by the dim lighting and candlelight. The cathedral’s walls and top were adorned with priceless artwork, including intricate carvings and sculptures. Being a sacred site where people came to pray and reflect, the Church was lavishly decorated with gold leaf and other precious materials. As a Seventh-day Adventist, I saw many differences between the Roman Catholic Church and my beliefs. Interiors of Adventist churches tend to be more minimalist and functional than those of other faiths.

Nonetheless, Catholic churches are purposefully designed to seem intimidating to instil a sense of fear and reverence in worshippers. In addition, the Catholic Church made more extensive use of symbolism and imagery. By looking at depictions of the saints, the Virgin Mary, and Christ on the cross, believers felt closer to God. On the other hand, Adventist churches stress spiritual introspection and the practical implementation of God’s Word. Regarding the design of its buildings, the Catholic Church was ahead of the curve. The sanctuary’s seclusion from the rest of the building contributed to an air of reverence and solemnity. To generate a sense of order and authority, the altar, pulpit, and choir loft were arranged to resemble the hierarchical structure of the Catholic Church.

Observed worship and piety

            There was a significant emphasis on the Eucharist as the primary act of worship, and the worship experience in Catholic churches is highly ritualized and structured. The priest and altar servers came to the altar at the ceremony’s commencement in a procession. When they left the building, the multitude stood and chanted. The assembly reciprocated the priest’s welcome and cross sign. The liturgy was the focal point of the service from start to finish, with people repeating the officiant’s replies and prayers. Also, the Eucharist, performed at some point throughout the service, received particular consideration. The congregation’s committed members demonstrated their devotion by treating the sacrament with respect and enthusiastically participating in the rituals related to its celebration. In addition, the music played throughout the service was unlike what I’ve heard at Seventh-day Adventist services. The crowd sang unfamiliar tunes and performed on the organ during the performance. The old and solemn quality of the music mirrored the ceremony’s overall respect and devotion. Catholic services were immediately distinct from Adventist services because rituals and symbols were employed in the former. When they started to worship the cross, burn incense, and light candles, members of the congregation began to feel respect and devotion. The altar, pulpit, and choir loft all created a feeling of hierarchy and order, representing the Catholic Church’s hierarchical organization.

            The rich heritage of the Catholic Church permeated every aspect of these rituals and symbols. My visit to The Roman Catholic Church was insightful and enlightening. Because of this, I have far greater respect for the grandeur and elegance of Catholic worship, as well as the intensity and devotion of its followers. The incredible beauty of the setting and the solemnity established by the ceremony helped to create an unforgettable experience. One thing I learned is the value of Catholic prayer’s long and storied history. There was a greater sense of the Church’s vast and storied past and rich spiritual tradition via the use of ancient songs and chants, as well as the incorporation of ritual and symbolism. The congregation’s capacity to draw inspiration from centuries of history to fortify their faith was incredibly moving as I saw the ceremony. But another significant finding was the realization that Christian worship must be conducted in a unified manner. The Roman Catholic Church highly valued services of prayer in which the whole congregation united to praise God. The crowd’s clear sense of unity and the congregation’s visible encouragement of one another shocked me. As a reminder of the variety within Christian devotion, my visit to a Catholic church was enlightening. Since then, I have come to appreciate the value of history and tradition in worship and the importance of community and cooperation in growing a robust religious practice. I left the service encouraged, revitalized, and a part of the worldwide body of Christ.