Faith, Church symbols

The Christian church-- a united community where all work in harmony to spread the message of the good news

Symbol of docility; humbleness, and suffering-- Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem

Resurrection eternal life, metamorphosis-- new life breaking fourth

Holy spirit, peace (Noah's Ark), purity, and the human soul

Soaring spirit (legend of rejuvenation), resurrection; and is the symbol of St. John the Gospel writer.

Symbol of St. Luke the Gospel writer

Oldest Christian symbol for Christ; used by the persecuted early Christians to identify themselves as believers-- secret symbol of the REdeemer.

Most common symbol in Christian art; sacred sacrificial animal

Early Christian symbol used to designate followers of the Good Shepard- Jesus Christ.

Strength, courage; always on guard. Older Churches and castles may have them at the entryways

Penance and the changing, non-permanance of earthly life. On Ash Wednesday, the beginning of LEnt, ashes are smeared on the forehead as a reminder of who we are called to be

Passion for God and martyrdom. Presence of the Holy Spirit during Pentecost.

Power, sun, Heaven. Many religious objects are of this color because of its prized qualities and its likeness to the color of the sun

No beginning or ending for God

First three letters of the Greek for Jesus

Latin abbreviation for "Jesus of Nazareth, the king of the Jews."

First two letters of the Greek word (monogram) for Christ

Calls the faithful to worship; reminder to pause from our daily routines and be grateful

Fumes of burning incense symbolize the ascent of prayer to God

Victory, triumph and a way to honor royalty

the "Holy Table" for the celebration of the Eucharist. A place of offering

Before consecration the gifts symbolic our hearts, our very selves (all our individual and shared life experiences). This is the gift we bring to God. This is what the God of Jesus changes into the presence of Christ for us as the ultimate gift in return.

Symbolies the light brought into the world by Christ

Ornate staff that resembles a shepherd's crook, which is held by bishops to symbolize their role as shepherds of Christ's flock

Literally means "a temporary dwelling". Usually a small receptacle which holds the consecrated bread.

Universal Christian symbol for Christ and Christianity; represents Christ's suffering and death = our freedom from death and destruction

Advent; Christmas; Ordinary Time; Lent; Triduum; and Easter (all time is sacred/holy in our lives)

church year calendar color for symbolizes joy and triumph

church year calendar color for symbolizes hope, life and growth

church year calendar color for symbolizes a time of expectation as well as penance

church year calendar color for symbolizes sacrificial love for God

constant reminder of baptism (belonging to Christ) symbolizes new life and rebirth

Spiritual strength, healing, and mission

Objects (sacramental) used to help foster and develop a closer relationship with Christ.