Christianity in the Middle Ages |
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| The Priest offerred mass at the altar Photograph by David Restall |
Going to church in the early Middle Ages was a bit like going to a football match today - people came to watch as supporters, not to join in. The priest offered mass (communion) for the people at the altar, taking the bread and wine to remember Jesus' death on the cross. The ordinary people only took the bread and wine once a year at Easter, having first confessed their sins with the priest. |
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There were no hymns to sing, not usually a sermon to listen to, and not even anywhere to sit. Instead the people came to church each Sunday and stood to watch the priest - and to talk to their friends! The church building was mostly empty of special furniture so that it could also be used by the community for other things, much like a modern community centre or village hall. |
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The Medieval Church at Kingston St. Mary Photograph by Mike Strange |
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