NaveedAcross its denominations, Christianity shares a set of core practices. Details vary between Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant traditions, but the essentials below are common to most.
Worship and the church service
Most Christians gather weekly, usually on Sunday, for a service that includes singing, prayer, a reading from the Bible and a sermon. Catholic and Orthodox worship centres on the Eucharist (Mass or Divine Liturgy); many Protestant services centre on preaching.
Prayer
Prayer can be formal (such as the Lord’s Prayer, taught by Jesus) or personal and spontaneous. Catholic and Orthodox Christians also use set prayers and, in Catholicism, the Rosary.
Baptism and communion
- Baptism – initiation into the faith, using water. Some traditions baptise infants; others baptise only adults who profess belief.
- Communion (the Eucharist / Lord’s Supper) – sharing bread and wine in remembrance of Jesus’ last supper. Catholic and Orthodox teaching holds that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ; most Protestants see it as a symbolic memorial.
Bible reading
Reading and studying the Bible – individually and in groups – is central, especially in Protestant traditions where scripture is the final authority.
The sacraments
Catholic and Orthodox Christianity recognise seven sacraments (including confession, confirmation, marriage and anointing of the sick). Most Protestant churches recognise two: baptism and communion.
The church year
Major seasons include Advent (preparation for Christmas), Christmas, Lent (40 days of fasting and reflection before Easter), Holy Week and Easter, the most important festival, marking the resurrection of Jesus.
FAQ
Do all Christians take communion?
Nearly all traditions practise it, but frequency and meaning differ – weekly in Catholic and Orthodox churches, monthly or quarterly in many Protestant ones.
Why do Christians go to church on Sunday?
Sunday is traditionally the day of Jesus’ resurrection.
What is Lent?
A 40-day period of fasting, prayer and self-denial leading up to Easter.
Related reading
- See the three major branches of Christianity.
- Public figures who practise Christianity include Scottie Scheffler and Hakeem Jeffries.
