Church Talk: "Favorite" Roman Catholic Churches

General & Building Information...            

Church Classification:

"This church is best described as..."

Options: Traditional, Conservative / Moderate, Progressive / Liberal, N/A

What do these options mean?

Do you allow "progressive" posts?

Why options?  

Pref.: Traditional

Church Size: 

("select closest")

Options: Very Small, Small, Medium, Large, Very Large, N/A

Pref.: N/A

When Built: 

"When was this church built?" (Select first option that applies)

Options: Before 1800, Before 1900, Before 1960, After 1960, N/A

Note: Churches built after 1960 may be "less beautiful", "less God-centered", and "blur the lines between what is sacred and what is profane". 

"You must be able to distinguish between what is sacred and what is profane, between what is clean and what is unclean" (Lev. 10:10)

Pref.: Any Before 1960

Any Major Renovations Since 1960? 

"Any major renovations to this church since 1960?"

Options: Yes, No, N/A

Note: Many post-1960 "renovations" have been deemed "wreckovations" as sacred articles have been removed / destroyed and church buildings have been reoriented towards the community and away from God.

"Our holy and glorious temple in which our fathers praised you has been burned with fire; all that was dear to us is laid waste." (Isa. 64:10)

Pref.: No

Tridentine Masses:

"Is a Daily Tridentine Mass Offered Here?" / "Is a Weekly Tridentine Mass Offered Here?"

Daily? Yes, No, N/A

Weekly? Yes, No, N/A

Note: The term "Tridentine Mass" refers to the old Mass said in Latin (not the new Mass said in Latin). Note that the "Tridentine Mass" is not the same as the new Mass. The new Mass (which most of today's Catholics attend) was created in the 1960's and parallels many of the changes made in the Protestant Rebellion. The fruits of the new Mass have been poor and the effects are felt worldwide. Prior to the institution of the new Mass, Catholics worshiped uniformly in the "Mass of All Ages", the "Tridentine" Mass. This holy, reverent Mass has been making a comeback for many years now. Click here for more information

Pref.: Yes (Daily & Weekly)

Architectural Style (if known): 

"Examples: Contemporary/Modern, Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, etc."

Pref.: Other than Contemporary/Modern

Cathedral Ceiling?

"Does the church have a cathedral ceiling?"

Options: Yes, No, N/A

Note: A cathedral ceiling is very high, open, and is usually slanted (or pointed).

Note: Churches with great vertical proportions are helpful for directing one's thoughts toward God.

Pref.: Yes

Bell Tower?

"Does the Church Have a Bell Tower?"

Options: Yes, No, N/A

Note: A bell tower is a large column-like structure rising above the roof of the church which contains a bell (or bells).

Note: Bells have been used for centuries for various purposes, such as: summoning to prayer, announcing of services, announcing of deaths/weddings, etc. Their sound is a "welcoming sign" and both their sound and large structure may help newcomers find the church. Their tall structure is symbolic and points toward heaven.

Pref.: Yes

Dominant Proportions: 

"Would you say that the church is dominated more by horizontal or vertical proportions?" (see notes below for assistance)

Options: Horizontal, Vertical, N/A

"Ask yourself what is most noticeable inside the church - the height or width of the church? For example, if you walk in the church and the ceiling is so high that it seems to reach to heaven, select 'Vertical'. If the church has very many seats but is not terribly tall, select 'Horizontal'. If the proportions are relatively the same, select 'N/A'."

Note: Churches which emphasize the vertical may be more likely to direct one's thoughts toward God.

Pref.: Vertical

Any Moveable/Sliding Walls?

"Are there any moveable (or sliding walls) inside the church?"

Options: Yes, No, N/A

Note: Some "modern churches" employ movable/sliding walls. These may be used, for example, to make the structure more flexible so that non-sacred events may be held inside the church building. Sadly, such events may disregard the sacred character of the building and may lead to the repetition of the lamentation in Macc. 3:51: "For your sanctuary has been trampled on and profaned, and your priests are in mourning and humiliation."

Pref.: No

Address:

Street Address

City, State

Country: USA

County: County Name

Diocese: (Diocese for Parish)

Church Phone: "Parish Phone Number (including area code)"

Church Fax: "Parish Fax Number (including area code)"

Pastor's Name: 

"Please include full name/title (e.g. Monsignor John Harrison, Fr. Mark Johnson, etc.)"

No. of Priests who Regularly Assist Here: 

"Number of priests who regularly assist here. If there is no regular/permanent priest assigned to this parish, select '(priestless parish)'."

Options: (priestless parish), 1, 2, 3, More Than 3, N/A

Pref.: (at least one)

Reminder: Inclusion of information/church/Submitter, etc. herein does not imply our endorsement. We cannot guarantee accuracy of any information. Also see "Important Notice" below.

General Atmosphere / Practices...            

Is Silence Encouraged Inside the Church?

"Is silence encouraged in this church?"

Options: Yes, No, N/A

"Let all mortal flesh be silent, standing there...in fear and trembling; for the King of kings, the Lord of lords, Christ our God is about to be sacrificed and to be given as food to the faithful." (St. James)

"But the LORD is in his holy temple; silence before him, all the earth!" (Hab. 2:20)

"Silence, all mankind, in the presence of the LORD! for he stirs forth from his holy dwelling." (Zech. 2:17)

"As in all the churches of the holy ones, women should keep silent in the churches, for they are not allowed to speak, but should be subordinate, as even the law says. But if they want to learn anything, they should ask their husbands at home. For it is improper for a woman to speak in the church." (St. Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in 1 Cor. 14:33-35)

Pref.: Yes

Amount of Women who Generally Wear Head Coverings:

"Amount of women who generally wear head coverings (e.g. veils) in this church"

Options: None, Almost None, Few, Some, Many, Nearly All, All, N/A

"Any man who prays or prophesies with his head covered brings shame upon his head. But any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled brings shame upon her head, for it is one and the same thing as if she had had her head shaved. For if a woman does not have her head veiled, she may as well have her hair cut off. But if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should wear a veil. A man, on the other hand, should not cover his head, because he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; nor was man created for woman, but woman for man; for this reason a woman should have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels." (St. Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in 1 Cor. 11:4-10)

Pref.: All

Emphasis: 

"This church emphasizes the..."

Options: Horizontal, Vertical, N/A

"Select 'Horizontal' if there is a community emphasis (e.g. if handshaking / socializing / talking in church is permitted, if kneeling after Communion is not the standard posture for all the able-bodied, etc.)"

"Select 'Vertical' if the emphasis is on God (e.g. holy silence permeates church, frequent genuflections and kneeling, no physical contact with neighbor inside church, etc.)"

"Now the exhortation of the Apostle, 'Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,' requires that all Christians should possess, as far as is humanly possible, the same dispositions as those which the divine Redeemer had when He offered Himself in sacrifice: that is to say, they should in a humble attitude of mind, pay adoration, honor, praise and thanksgiving to the supreme majesty of God." (Pope Pius XII, Mediator Dei)

"Enter, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the LORD who made us." (Ps. 95:6)

"Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all who dwell in the world show reverence." (Ps. 33:8)

"Great and wonderful are your works, Lord God almighty. Just and true are your ways, O king of the nations. Who will not fear you, Lord, or glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All the nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed." (Rv. 15:3-4)

"But, assuredly, all of the duties which man has to fulfill, that without doubt, is the chiefest and holiest which commands him to worship God with devotion and piety." (Pope Leo XIII)

"Holy things must be treated in a holy way and this sacrifice is the most holy of all things." (The Council of Trent)

Pref.: Vertical

Atmosphere Inside the Church: 

"The general atmosphere inside this church is better described as"

Options: Casual, Formal, N/A

Note: Choose closest.

"Common characteristics of a 'Casual' church atmosphere: talking/noise, casual dress, clapping, physical contact with others (e.g. handshaking), etc."

"Common characteristics of a 'Formal' church atmosphere: silence, more formal dress, parishioners facing forward, etc."

"Give to the LORD the glory due his name! Bring gifts, and enter his presence; worship the LORD in holy attire." (1 Chron. 16:29)

"But I can enter your house because of your great love. I can worship in your holy temple because of my reverence for you, LORD." (Ps. 5:8)

"Therefore, we who are receiving the unshakable kingdom should have gratitude, with which we should offer worship pleasing to God in reverence and awe. For our God is a consuming fire." (Heb. 12:28-29)

Approach more reverently than if you "were about to approach all the rulers in the whole world seated together in one place." (St. Thomas More)

"When you are before the altar where Christ reposes, you ought no longer to think that you are amongst men; but believe that there are troops of angels and archangels standing by you, and trembling with respect before the sovereign Master of Heaven and earth. Therefore, when you are in church, be there in silence, fear, and veneration." (St. John Chrysostom)

Pref.: Formal

One or More of the Following?  Options: Yes, No, N/A

"Is there one or more of the following at this church...?"

   * Altar girls (female servers)

   * Communion in the hand is common

   * Sign of Peace during Mass (e.g. handshake)

   * Hand-holding during 'Our Father' is common

   * Standing during Consecration

   * Standing after Communion is common

   * Frequent use of Extraordinary Ministers (so-called "Eucharistic Ministers")

Note: All items above are a break with long-standing traditions and some have been condemned by various popes/saints. Some began as an act of disobedience against the Holy See. Certain "feel good" practices (e.g. hand-holding, hand-shaking, etc.) direct attention away from the Holy Sacrifice and onto one's neighbor. In the early days of the Church, those who were in a state of mortal sin were not even allowed inside the church building and therefore any sign of peace given was truly between those who were in the peace of Christ. Today, the "sign of peace" may be given indiscriminately to all persons, even those excluded from true peace (and thus sends a very wrong message). Try the Latin Mass & Catholic Tradition section for additional information.

"Wherever I go in the whole world, the thing that makes me the saddest is watching people receive Communion in the hand." (Mother Teresa)

"In the sacramental reception it has always been the custom in the Church of God that the laity receive Communion from the priests and that priests who are celebrating Mass give Communion to themselves. This custom should rightly and deservedly be kept as coming down from apostolic tradition." (The Council of Trent)

Pref.: No

Reminder: Inclusion of information/church/Submitter, etc. herein does not imply our endorsement. We cannot guarantee accuracy of any information. Also see "Important Notice" below.

Altar / Tabernacle / Seating / Confessionals...  

Raised Altar?

"Is the altar raised?"

Options: Yes, No, N/A

Note: If the bottom of altar is above floor level by at least one step, select "Yes", otherwise select "No".

Note: An altar should be raised. Altars which are floor level or lower demote Christ and bring Him down to our level.

Pref.: Yes

Altar Resembles Traditional Altar or Table? 

"Does the altar more resemble a table or a traditional altar?"

Options: Table, Traditional Altar, N/A

Note: An altar should not resemble a table! This is a Protestant concept which may be used to discourage belief in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It sends a message that Christ is present only symbolically in a "community banquet" (i.e. the Protestants' "Lord's Supper") rather than His Real Presence in a sacrificial act (the true belief; the Catholic belief).

Pref.: Traditional Altar

Altar Rail? 

"Is there an altar rail separating the Sanctuary from the body of the church?"

Options: Yes, No, N/A

Notes: An "altar rail" is also called a "Communion rail". The Sanctuary is the part of the church containing the altar, the pulpit, etc.

Note: Modernists reject the altar rail as it provides a distinction between the priest and the laity. Rather than honor the special power given exclusively to the ordained, these modernists prefer for everyone to be "equal". They, sadly, also reject the altar rail since they prefer for everyone to stand rather than kneel to receive the Holy Eucharist.

Pref.: Yes

Side Altar(s)? 

"Are there any side altars?"

Options: Yes, No, N/A

Note: If there is more than one altar (e.g. one in front of the church and one at the side of the church), select "Yes". Otherwise, select "No".

Note: Larger churches are more likely to have side alters. Unfortunately, the modernists have removed/destroyed many side altars in recent years.

Pref.: Yes (if large enough church)

Location of Tabernacle: 

"Location of the Tabernacle"

Options: Front Of Church, Off To Side, Other (Inside Church), Other (Outside Church), No Tabernacle, N/A

Note: If the only Tabernacle at the parish is located in a chapel which is separate from the church, select "other (outside church)".

Note: The Tabernacle - which contains the true Body & Blood of our Lord - God Himself! - should be given prominence and not hidden off to the side (or removed from the church altogether).

Pref.: Front of Church

Tabernacle Located Prominently Inside Church? 

"Is the Tabernacle located prominently inside the church?"

Options: Yes, No, N/A

Note: The Tabernacle is an enclosure (typically over a foot tall) which houses the Holy Eucharist.

Note: The missing Tabernacles present in many Catholic churches today make many repeat Mary Magdalene's lament in John 20:13, "They have taken my Lord, and I don't know where they laid him."

Pref.: Yes

Tabernacle Clearly Visible From Back of Church?

"Is the Tabernacle clearly visible from the back of the church?"

Options: Yes, No, N/A

Note: If the Tabernacle is screened off (even if it is in the front of the church), select "No".

Reminder: The Tabernacle is an enclosure (typically over a foot tall) which houses the Holy Eucharist.

Note: It is important that even those in the back of the church clearly see the sacred housing of the precious Body and Blood of our Lord.

Pref.: Yes

Tabernacle on Altar?

"Does the Tabernacle Sit on the Altar?"

Options: Yes, No, N/A

Note: "On altar" may mean directly on the altar or directly behind the main altar.

"To separate the Tabernacle from the Altar is tantamount to separating two things which, of their very nature, must remain together" (Pope Pius XII).

Pref.: Yes

Tabernacle Type:

"The Tabernacle at this church is better described as..."

Options: Fancy / Ornate, Plain / Modest, N/A

Note: Choose closest

Note: The Tabernacle should be magnificent, in consideration of what it contains.

Pref.: Fancy / Ornate

Seating Arrangement: 

"Seating arrangement inside church"

Options: Traditional, U-Shaped, Circular, Semi-Circular, Angular, Other (Non-Traditional), N/A

Note: For fan-shaped, select "Semi-Circular". Traditional seating has pews on both sides of the main center isle that face directly toward the altar. In a traditional seating arrangement (for our purposes), no pews would face the side of the altar or be at an angle.

Note: Modernists prefer seating arrangements which emphasize the community rather than those which facilitate the adoration of God. 

Pref.: Traditional

Type of Seating:

"Type of seating for congregation"

Options: Pews (with kneelers), Pews (without kneelers), Chairs, Other, N/A

Note: If more than one type of seating, choose predominant type.

Note: In recent years, Modernists have abominably ripped out pews with kneelers in favor of folding chars. Although they did it mockingly, even those who participated in the Passion knew that kneeling was the proper posture for encounters with a king: "Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" (Mt. 27:29) (emphasis added)

Pref.: Pews (with kneelers)

Kneelers Inside Church: 

"Kneelers inside church"

Options: Kneelers Throughout, Most Areas Have Kneelers, Some Kneelers, Few Kneelers, No Kneelers, N/A

Note: A kneeler is a bar (often padded) - either fixed or fold-down - in front of the pews/seats that the congregation uses to kneel on.

Note: If a church doesn't have kneelers, you should still kneel if you are physically able (bring a kneepad). "Standing may be for reverence, but kneeling is for worship."

"It is, therefore, the keen desire of the Church that all of the faithful kneel at the feet of the Redeemer to tell Him how much they venerate and love Him." (Pope Pius XII, Mediator Dei)

"All who sleep in the earth will bow low before God; All who have gone down into the dust will kneel in homage." (Ps. 22:30)

"Enter, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the LORD who made us." (Ps. 95:6)

"At the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Phil. 2:10-11)

Pref.: Kneelers Throughout

Traditional Confessionals: 

"Number of traditional style confessionals"

Options: 0, 1, 2, 3, More Than 3, N/A

Note: Traditional style confessionals are small "boxes" (or "little booths") which (usually) contain a fixed screen and a kneeler. They are anonymous and may be dark and somewhat "confining". Only one person fits in the confessional. (The Sacrament of Penance is done here.)

Note: Traditional confessionals help create an atmosphere proper to the confession of one's sins; sins which destroy our friendship with God and (if not forgiven) may cause us to suffer eternal hellfire. "For the wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23).

Pref.: One or More

'Reconciliation Rooms': 

"Number of modern style 'reconciliation rooms'"

Options: 0, 1, 2, 3, More Than 3, N/A

Note: Modern "reconciliation rooms" are more "open and casual". They are the size of a small room and can fit two people (the priest & the penitent). They may contain a chair or a kneeler and may have a curtain or screen. They may be well-lit. (The Sacrament of Penance is done here.)

Note: The casualness and "friendliness" of so-called "Reconciliation Rooms" may be less conducive to the proper penitential spirit one should have regarding sins. Instead of asking how we have offended God, they prompt us to ask (even literally) "How do we feel about our sin?", "Are we at peace with ourselves?", etc. This is a much different perspective than that of our Lord's in Mt. 5:29-30. "If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna." Important note: Don't take the above literally. Contact a good priest for assistance in applying this Scripture passage.

Pref.: 0

Reminder: Inclusion of information/church/Submitter, etc. herein does not imply our endorsement. We cannot guarantee accuracy of any information. Also see "Important Notice" below.

Decoration, Appointments, Etc...         

Prominent Image Behind Altar: 

"The front of the church (behind the altar) contains a..."

Options: Large Crucifix, Medium/Small Crucifix, Plain Cross, Risen Jesus Image, (no image), Other, N/A

Note: This refers to the most prominent image, not to smaller images.

Note: A cross must contain an image of a crucified Jesus to be considered a Crucifix. If there is no corpus (body of Jesus) attached to the cross, select "Plain Cross". If the image of Jesus attached to the cross is a resurrected Jesus, select "Risen Jesus Image".

Note: Given that the Mass is a propitiatory Sacrifice, the most appropriate image is that of our Crucified Lord. Other images tend to confuse / reduce the seriousness and solemnity of the sacred act.

Pref.: Large Crucifix

Stained Glass Windows Contain Mostly:

"Stained glass windows (if any) mostly contain..."

Options: Holy Images, Other Images, (no stained glass), N/A

Note: Holy images include pictures of Christ, the Saints, Bible events, etc. Other images include earthy items (e.g. plants, water, wheat, grapes, etc.), patterns, etc. If there is no stained glass, select "(no stained glass)".

Note: Holy images help lift our minds to God. Other images (e.g. plants, water, wheat, grapes, etc.) tend to direct our attention to earthly things.

Pref.: Holy Images

Stations of the Cross?

"Are there Stations of the Cross inside the church?"

Options: Yes, No, N/A

Note: Stations of the Cross are a collection of fourteen crosses (usually with images depicting Jesus' journey to Calvary from His condemnation to His burial). They are usually located on the sides of the church.

"The object of the Stations is to help the faithful to make in spirit, as it were, a pilgrimage to the chief scenes of Christ's sufferings and death, and this has become one of the most popular of Catholic devotions... In conclusion it may be safely asserted that there is no devotion more richly endowed with indulgences than the Way of the Cross, and none which enables us more literally to obey Christ's injunction to take up our cross and follow Him." (The Catholic Encyclopedia)

Pref.: Yes

Holy Water Font Style: 

"Holy Water Font Style"

Options: Traditional Font(s), Large Basin / Pool, No Fonts, Other, N/A

Note: This refers to the holy water fonts located inside the church (usually found to the left or right as soon as you walk in).

Note: Holy water should remind us of the glorious gift of our Baptism. Unfortunately, some large basins/pools of holy water seem to reflect an attitude of "fun" rather than direct our attention towards this greatest of gifts.

Pref.: Traditional Font(s)

Amount of Votive Candles Inside the Church: 

"Amount of Votive Candles Inside the Church"

Options: Many, Some, Few, None, N/A

Note: Votive candles are large or small candles usually located near statues inside the church. They may be real or artificial candles.

Note: The burning of candles is a long-standing tradition (and even dates back to Old Testament times). Candles symbolize self-sacrifice and the placing of a prayer before God. The orange glow, the smoke rising up, and the candle wicks may have all have symbolic meaning.

Pref.: Many (or at least some)

Type of Votive Candles: 

"Type of Votive Candles Inside the Church"

Options: (no votive candles), Real Candles, Artificial Candles, N/A

Note: If there are no votive candles inside the church, select "(no votive candles)". Select "Real Candles" if the candles are real (e.g. are wax and contain a real flame). If the candles are artificial (e.g. electric), select "Artificial Candles".

Note: Artificial candles are designed to be re-used by numerous individuals rather than being consumed. Real candles have symbolic meaning that artificial candles can never have (e.g. the candle burning itself out symbolizes self-sacrifice) and help create a holy atmosphere that cannot be duplicated by artificial candles (smell, smoke, orange glow, natural flickering, etc.).

Pref.: Real Candles

Pipe Organ Inside the Church?

"Is There a Pipe Organ Inside the Church?"

Options: Yes, No, N/A

Note: A pipe organ is a very large (or huge) musical instrument containing rows of large metal (or wooden) pipes. ("If you saw one, you would know right away that it was a pipe organ.")

Note: Called "the premier instrument" of the Catholic Church, the pipe organ has historically been considered "the only instrument sacred enough for the Mass". As Pope St. Pius X said on November 22, 1903, "The employment of the piano is forbidden in church, as is also that of noisy or frivolous instruments such as drums, cymbals, bells and the like." Even Vatican II states that, "In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church's ceremonies and powerfully lifts up man's mind to God". It is difficult to see how drums and other such instruments could be considered "solemn", but rather seem to "diminish the piety... (and offend)... the decorum and sanctity of the sacred functions" (Pope St. Pius X). As Pope Pius XII indicated, "the Church must insist that this (musical) art remain within its proper limits and must prevent anything profane and foreign to divine worship from entering into sacred music along with genuine progress, and perverting it" and that "the chants and sacred music which are immediately joined with the Church's liturgical worship should be conducive to the lofty end for which they are intended. This music - as our predecessor (St.) Pius X has already wisely warned us - 'must possess proper liturgical qualities, primarily holiness and goodness of form; from which its other note, universality, is derived.' It must be holy. It must not allow within itself anything that savors of the profane nor allow any such thing to slip into the melodies in which it is expressed."

Pref.: Yes

Choir Location: 

"Choir Location"

Options: Back Of Church, Side Of Church, Front Of Church (left or right side), Front Of Church (center), N/A

Note: Placing the choir loft in the rear of the church often provides superior acoustics and does not distract the congregation. It may also be representative of "voices coming down from heaven". The closer the choir is moved towards the altar, the more likely that it may become a distraction. A prominent choir may also reduce the atmosphere of sacredness and may tend to be viewed as entertainment.

Pref.: Back of Church

No. of Holy Images Inside Church (approx.): 

"Approximate number of holy images inside the church (not counting stained glass windows and Stations of the Cross)"

Options: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, More Than 10, N/A

Note: Holy images include crucifixes, statues/pictures of Christ, the Saints, Bible events, etc. Do not count earthy images (e.g. plants, water, wheat, grapes, etc.), patterns, etc.

Note that a single picture containing ten Bible scenes would be counted as one holy image for our purposes here.

Note: Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to find that Modernists have removed and even destroyed sacred images from Catholic churches. Sometimes church buildings are left so barren that they appear to belong to Protestants. Although they cite Vatican II for this destruction, the documents of Vatican II state: "Ordinaries must be very careful to see that sacred furnishings and works of value are not disposed of or dispersed; for they are the ornaments of the house of God."

"[F]ollowing the divinely inspired teaching of our Holy Fathers, and the tradition of the Catholic Church, for we know that this is of the Holy Spirit who certainly dwells in her, define in all certitude and diligence that as the figure of the honored and life-giving Cross, so the venerable and holy images...must be suitably placed in the holy churches of God, both on sacred vessels and vestments, and on the walls and on the altars, at home and on the streets, namely such images of our Lord Jesus Christ, God and Savior, and of our undefiled lady, or holy Mother of God, and of the honorable angels, and, at the same time, of all the saints and of holy men. For, how much more frequently through (artistic representation) they are seen, so much more quickly are those who contemplate these, raised to the memory and desire of the originals of these, to kiss and to render honorable adoration to them, not however, to grant true latria according to our faith, which is proper to divine nature alone" (Second Council of Nicaea, 787 A.D.)

"We declare that we preserve intact all the written and unwritten traditions of the Church which have been entrusted to us. One of these traditions consists in the production of representational artwork, which accords with the history of the preaching of the Gospel. For it confirms that the incarnation of the Word of God was real and not imaginary, and to our benefit as well, for realities that illustrate each other undoubtedly reflect each other's meaning." (Second Council of Nicaea, 787 A.D.)

Pref.: (higher is better)

No. of Holy Images in the Sanctuary: 

"Number of holy images in the Sanctuary"

Options: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, More Than 10, N/A

Note: Holy images include crucifixes, statues/pictures of Christ, the Saints, Bible events, etc. Do not count earthy images (e.g. plants, water, wheat, grapes, etc.), patterns, etc.

Note that a single picture containing ten Bible scenes would be counted as one holy image for our purposes here.

Reminder: The Sanctuary is the part of the church containing the altar, the pulpit, etc. 

"The beauty of the images moves me to contemplation, as a meadow delights the eyes and subtly infuses the soul with the glory of God." (St. John Damascene)

Pref.: (several)

Large Mary Statue Inside Church?

"Is there a large statue of Mary inside the church?"

Options: Yes, No, N/A

Note: Unfortunately, Modernists tend to have an aversion to Mary. Sometimes Vatican II is used as an excuse. However, this is not the teaching of Vatican II. As stated in Vatican II documents: "This most Holy Synod deliberately teaches this Catholic doctrine and at the same time admonishes all the sons of the Church that the cult, especially the liturgical cult, of the Blessed Virgin, be generously fostered, and the practices and exercises of piety, recommended by the magisterium of the Church toward her in the course of centuries be made of great moment, and those decrees, which have been given in the early days regarding the cult of images of Christ, the Blessed Virgin and the saints, be religiously observed."

Pref.: Yes

Small or Medium Sized Mary Statue Inside Church?

"Is there a small or medium sized statue of Mary inside the church?"

Options: Yes, No, N/A

Note: Unfortunately, Modernists tend to have an aversion to Mary. Sometimes Vatican II is used as an excuse. However, this is not the teaching of Vatican II. As stated in Vatican II documents: "This most Holy Synod deliberately teaches this Catholic doctrine and at the same time admonishes all the sons of the Church that the cult, especially the liturgical cult, of the Blessed Virgin, be generously fostered, and the practices and exercises of piety, recommended by the magisterium of the Church toward her in the course of centuries be made of great moment, and those decrees, which have been given in the early days regarding the cult of images of Christ, the Blessed Virgin and the saints, be religiously observed."

Pref.: Yes (or a large one)

No. of Saint Statues Inside Church (approx.): 

"Total number of saint statues inside the church (not counting statues of Mary)"

Options: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, More Than 10, N/A

"[F]ollowing the divinely inspired teaching of our Holy Fathers, and the tradition of the Catholic Church, for we know that this is of the Holy Spirit who certainly dwells in her, define in all certitude and diligence that as the figure of the honored and life-giving Cross, so the venerable and holy images...must be suitably placed in the holy churches of God, both on sacred vessels and vestments, and on the walls and on the altars, at home and on the streets, namely such images of our Lord Jesus Christ, God and Savior, and of our undefiled lady, or holy Mother of God, and of the honorable angels, and, at the same time, of all the saints and of holy men. For, how much more frequently through (artistic representation) they are seen, so much more quickly are those who contemplate these, raised to the memory and desire of the originals of these, to kiss and to render honorable adoration to them, not however, to grant true latria according to our faith, which is proper to divine nature alone" (Second Council of Nicaea, 787 A.D.)

"If anyone does not confess that Christ our God can be represented in His humanity, let him be anathema. If anyone does not accept representation in art of evangelical scenes, let him be anathema. If anyone does not salute such representations as standing for the Lord and His saints, let him be anathema." (Second Council of Nicaea, 787 A.D.)

"Those, therefore, who dare to think or to teach otherwise or to spurn according to wretched heretics the ecclesiastical traditions and to invent anything novel, or to reject anything from these things which have been consecrated by the Church: either the Gospel or the figure of the Cross, or the (representational) picture, or the sacred relics of the martyr; or to invent perversely and cunningly for the overthrow of any one of the legitimate traditions of the Catholic Church; or even, as it were, to use the sacred vessels or the venerable monasteries as common things; if indeed they are bishops or clerics, we order (them) to be deposed; monks, however, or laymen, to be excommunicated." (Second Council of Nicaea, 787 A.D.)

Pref.: (higher is better)

Statues Inside Church Best Described As: 

"The statues inside the church are best described as"

Options: Traditional / True-To-Life, Modern / Symbolic / Artistic, N/A

Note: In the name of Vatican II, some Modernists have introduced in Catholic churches images and statues that may fairly be described as appalling. However, this is not in keeping with the teaching of Vatican II. As stated in the documents of Vatican II: "Holy Mother Church has therefore always been the friend of the fine arts and has ever sought their noble help, with the special aim that all things set apart for use in divine worship should be truly worthy, becoming, and beautiful, signs and symbols of the supernatural world...The Church has been particularly careful to see that sacred furnishings should worthily and beautifully serve the dignity of worship" and "Let bishops carefully remove from the house of God and from other sacred places those works of artists which are repugnant to faith, morals, and Christian piety, and which offend true religious sense either by depraved forms or by lack of artistic worth, mediocrity and pretense."

Pref.: Traditional / True-To-Life

Interior Decoration: 

"Interior decoration of the church is best described as...(choose closest)"

Options: Ornate, Medium, Plain / Sparse, N/A

This refers to permanent decorations and not banners, signs, etc.

Note: Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to find that Modernists have removed and even destroyed sacred items from Catholic churches. Sometimes church buildings are left so barren that they appear to belong to Protestants. Although they cite Vatican II for this destruction, the documents of Vatican II state: "Ordinaries must be very careful to see that sacred furnishings and works of value are not disposed of or dispersed; for they are the ornaments of the house of God."

"[F]ollowing the divinely inspired teaching of our Holy Fathers, and the tradition of the Catholic Church, for we know that this is of the Holy Spirit who certainly dwells in her, define in all certitude and diligence that as the figure of the honored and life-giving Cross, so the venerable and holy images...must be suitably placed in the holy churches of God, both on sacred vessels and vestments, and on the walls and on the altars, at home and on the streets, namely such images of our Lord Jesus Christ, God and Savior, and of our undefiled lady, or holy Mother of God, and of the honorable angels, and, at the same time, of all the saints and of holy men. For, how much more frequently through (artistic representation) they are seen, so much more quickly are those who contemplate these, raised to the memory and desire of the originals of these, to kiss and to render honorable adoration to them, not however, to grant true latria according to our faith, which is proper to divine nature alone" (Second Council of Nicaea, 787 A.D.)

"Whoever takes away or intends to take away what other faithful have given from the heritage of their possessions for the care of their souls, the honor of God, the beauty of His Church and the use of its ministers, assuredly turns the gifts of others into danger for his own soul." (Pope Pius VII, quoting the Synod of Aachen)

Pref.: Ornate

Most Artwork Is: 

"Most artwork inside the church is best described as"

Options: Realistic / True-To-Life, Symbolic / Artistic, N/A

Note: In the name of Vatican II, some Modernists have introduced in Catholic churches "artwork" that may fairly be described as appalling. However, this is not in keeping with the teaching of Vatican II. As stated in the documents of Vatican II: "Holy Mother Church has therefore always been the friend of the fine arts and has ever sought their noble help, with the special aim that all things set apart for use in divine worship should be truly worthy, becoming, and beautiful, signs and symbols of the supernatural world...The Church has been particularly careful to see that sacred furnishings should worthily and beautifully serve the dignity of worship" and "Let bishops carefully remove from the house of God and from other sacred places those works of artists which are repugnant to faith, morals, and Christian piety, and which offend true religious sense either by depraved forms or by lack of artistic worth, mediocrity and pretense."

Pref.: Realistic / True-To-Life

Traditional Artwork: 

"How much of the artwork inside the church is traditional?"

Options: All, Most, Some, None, N/A

"[F]ollowing the divinely inspired teaching of our Holy Fathers, and the tradition of the Catholic Church, for we know that this is of the Holy Spirit who certainly dwells in her, define in all certitude and diligence that as the figure of the honored and life-giving Cross, so the venerable and holy images...must be suitably placed in the holy churches of God, both on sacred vessels and vestments, and on the walls and on the altars, at home and on the streets, namely such images of our Lord Jesus Christ, God and Savior, and of our undefiled lady, or holy Mother of God, and of the honorable angels, and, at the same time, of all the saints and of holy men. For, how much more frequently through (artistic representation) they are seen, so much more quickly are those who contemplate these, raised to the memory and desire of the originals of these, to kiss and to render honorable adoration to them, not however, to grant true latria according to our faith, which is proper to divine nature alone" (Second Council of Nicaea, 787 A.D.)

"[S]acred furnishings should worthily and beautifully serve the dignity of worship" (Second Vatican Council)

"Those, therefore, who dare to think or to teach otherwise or to spurn according to wretched heretics the ecclesiastical traditions and to invent anything novel, or to reject anything from these things which have been consecrated by the Church: either the Gospel or the figure of the Cross, or the (representational) picture, or the sacred relics of the martyr; or to invent perversely and cunningly for the overthrow of any one of the legitimate traditions of the Catholic Church; or even, as it were, to use the sacred vessels or the venerable monasteries as common things; if indeed they are bishops or clerics, we order (them) to be deposed; monks, however, or laymen, to be excommunicated." (Second Council of Nicaea, 787 A.D.)

Pref.: All

Modern Artwork: 

"How much of the artwork inside the church is modern?"

Options: All, Most, Some, None, N/A

Note: "Modern artwork" for purposes of this question includes 1960's style and 1970's style (and later) artwork.

Note: In the name of Vatican II, some Modernists have introduced in Catholic churches "artwork" that may fairly be described as appalling. However, this is not in keeping with the teaching of Vatican II. As stated in the documents of Vatican II: "Holy Mother Church has therefore always been the friend of the fine arts and has ever sought their noble help, with the special aim that all things set apart for use in divine worship should be truly worthy, becoming, and beautiful, signs and symbols of the supernatural world...The Church has been particularly careful to see that sacred furnishings should worthily and beautifully serve the dignity of worship" and "Let bishops carefully remove from the house of God and from other sacred places those works of artists which are repugnant to faith, morals, and Christian piety, and which offend true religious sense either by depraved forms or by lack of artistic worth, mediocrity and pretense."

Pref.: None

External Appearance: 

"The external appearance of this church is better described as..."

Options: Simple / Plain, Fancy / Elegant, N/A

Note: Choose closest

"[Y]ou should undoubtedly always give special attention to the beauty of the house of God and the splendor and dignity of objects dedicated to the divine service. Such beauty and splendor often greatly inspire the faithful, and draw them to the veneration of sacred realities." (Pope Pius VI)

"[T]he house that is to be built for the LORD must be made so magnificent that it will be renowned and glorious in all countries." (King David, 1 Chron. 22:5)

Pref.: Fancy / Elegant

Outside Beauty: 

"What best describes the physical beauty of this church (from the outside)?"

Options: Extremely Beautiful, Very Beautiful, Beautiful, Kind of Beautiful, Ordinary, N/A

Note: Choose closest.

"[Y]ou should undoubtedly always give special attention to the beauty of the house of God and the splendor and dignity of objects dedicated to the divine service. Such beauty and splendor often greatly inspire the faithful, and draw them to the veneration of sacred realities." (Pope Pius VI)

"[T]he house that is to be built for the LORD must be made so magnificent that it will be renowned and glorious in all countries." (King David, 1 Chron. 22:5)

Pref.: (the more beautiful the better)

Internal Appearance: 

"The internal appearance of this church is better described as..."

Options: Simple / Plain, Fancy / Elegant, N/A

Note: Choose closest

"[Y]ou should undoubtedly always give special attention to the beauty of the house of God and the splendor and dignity of objects dedicated to the divine service. Such beauty and splendor often greatly inspire the faithful, and draw them to the veneration of sacred realities." (Pope Pius VI)

"[T]he house that is to be built for the LORD must be made so magnificent that it will be renowned and glorious in all countries." (King David, 1 Chron. 22:5)

Pref.: Fancy / Elegant

Inside Beauty: 

"What best describes the physical beauty of this church (from the inside)?"

Options: Extremely Beautiful, Very Beautiful, Beautiful, Kind of Beautiful, Ordinary, N/A

Note: Choose closest.

"[Y]ou should undoubtedly always give special attention to the beauty of the house of God and the splendor and dignity of objects dedicated to the divine service. Such beauty and splendor often greatly inspire the faithful, and draw them to the veneration of sacred realities." (Pope Pius VI)

"[T]he house that is to be built for the LORD must be made so magnificent that it will be renowned and glorious in all countries." (King David, 1 Chron. 22:5)

Pref.: (the more beautiful the better)

Reminder: Inclusion of information/church/Submitter, etc. herein does not imply our endorsement. We cannot guarantee accuracy of any information. Also see "Important Notice" below.

Special Characteristics (if applicable)...              

"List any special characteristics of this church (optional)"

(e.g. historical significance, relics, other unusual/special characteristics)  

"[Y]ou should undoubtedly always give special attention to the beauty of the house of God and the splendor and dignity of objects dedicated to the divine service. Such beauty and splendor often greatly inspire the faithful, and draw them to the veneration of sacred realities." (Pope Pius VI)

"Those, therefore, who dare to think or to teach otherwise or to spurn according to wretched heretics the ecclesiastical traditions and to invent anything novel, or to reject anything from these things which have been consecrated by the Church: either the Gospel or the figure of the Cross, or the (representational) picture, or the sacred relics of the martyr; or to invent perversely and cunningly for the overthrow of any one of the legitimate traditions of the Catholic Church; or even, as it were, to use the sacred vessels or the venerable monasteries as common things; if indeed they are bishops or clerics, we order (them) to be deposed; monks, however, or laymen, to be excommunicated." (Second Council of Nicaea, 787 A.D.)

Reminder: Inclusion of information/church/Submitter, etc. herein does not imply our endorsement. We cannot guarantee accuracy of any information. Also see "Important Notice" below.