Post by Cassiopeia on Dec 13, 2020 18:36:02 GMT -5
"The Church" is a mixed-and-matched blend of several Christian denominations from the real world, but leans heavily on the Catholic church. Here is a list of practices and terms which will be used.
Priest: Male officiant of services. Ordained after attending seminary for four years.
Addressed as Father So-and-so, or just Father. A priest may not marry. All priests can read and write Latin after their training.
Deacon: Male assistant to a priest. Deacons undergo only one year of training and may marry. Generally a layman (not a nun or monk) with a day job, but does extra work for the local parish.
Parish: the local church and its surrounding area.
Nuns: women who have committed themselves to a life serving God and taken a vow of celibacy. They live in a convent, generally, although some also serve in local churches. A nun may not host church services. Addressed as Sister So-and-so--many change their names when becoming a nun; for example, a woman named Cerdwyn is now Mary or Theresa.
Monk: Basically the same thing as a nun. Monks live in a monastery. They practice a life of celibacy and asceticism and are committed to God but don't have the same training as priests to host sacraments or church services. Addressed as Brother So-and-so. Like nuns, some change their name.
Confession/Reconciliation: Just what you think of from television, except usually terribly awkward and not quite so dramatic. You tell the priest your sins and he chooses a number of Our Fathers for you to say or tells you to donate to the church or an orphanage. Some people feel a lot better after, others feel generally let down.
Rectory: where the priest lives.
Church Services:
The usual church service is referred to as 'mass' and lasts about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on how chatty your priest is. The ceremonial parts of the rites are said in Latin. The readings from the bible are also in Latin. Prayers? Latin. The only part that would be said in the common language is the 'homily,' in which the priest sums up what the bible stories were, and what lessons he wants the congregation to learn from it.
Mass is held on Sundays (usually in the early morning, perhaps 7 or 8 am) with other activities following, such as Bible study or 'Sunday School' for children.
A mass may also be held on Wednesday evenings.
A priest is available in or around his church most days, to listen and give advice to parishioners, host baptisms, weddings, and funerals, or to assist those seeking solace from the church.
Holidays are fairly typical, and show some reflections of the "old ways." Easter and Christmas are the big ones.
Nations with Church presence: Teronna, Tresteria, Aralore
Priest: Male officiant of services. Ordained after attending seminary for four years.
Addressed as Father So-and-so, or just Father. A priest may not marry. All priests can read and write Latin after their training.
Deacon: Male assistant to a priest. Deacons undergo only one year of training and may marry. Generally a layman (not a nun or monk) with a day job, but does extra work for the local parish.
Parish: the local church and its surrounding area.
Nuns: women who have committed themselves to a life serving God and taken a vow of celibacy. They live in a convent, generally, although some also serve in local churches. A nun may not host church services. Addressed as Sister So-and-so--many change their names when becoming a nun; for example, a woman named Cerdwyn is now Mary or Theresa.
Monk: Basically the same thing as a nun. Monks live in a monastery. They practice a life of celibacy and asceticism and are committed to God but don't have the same training as priests to host sacraments or church services. Addressed as Brother So-and-so. Like nuns, some change their name.
Confession/Reconciliation: Just what you think of from television, except usually terribly awkward and not quite so dramatic. You tell the priest your sins and he chooses a number of Our Fathers for you to say or tells you to donate to the church or an orphanage. Some people feel a lot better after, others feel generally let down.
Rectory: where the priest lives.
Church Services:
The usual church service is referred to as 'mass' and lasts about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on how chatty your priest is. The ceremonial parts of the rites are said in Latin. The readings from the bible are also in Latin. Prayers? Latin. The only part that would be said in the common language is the 'homily,' in which the priest sums up what the bible stories were, and what lessons he wants the congregation to learn from it.
Mass is held on Sundays (usually in the early morning, perhaps 7 or 8 am) with other activities following, such as Bible study or 'Sunday School' for children.
A mass may also be held on Wednesday evenings.
A priest is available in or around his church most days, to listen and give advice to parishioners, host baptisms, weddings, and funerals, or to assist those seeking solace from the church.
Holidays are fairly typical, and show some reflections of the "old ways." Easter and Christmas are the big ones.
Nations with Church presence: Teronna, Tresteria, Aralore