Religion being force that is cross cultural, no matter what part of the world you are in you find a place of worship. Whether it be one god or many goods, many people look to this “leader” for the proper way to live. I observed two very different religious services I will be discussing my observations of the catholic and Hinduism religions. Both services I attended had a similar meaning to them but presented in a vastly different way. Corpus Christi Catholic Church is locating in a working class neighborhood on 56th street. The church is nothing to awe about it’s a modest looking building tan in color. Stained glass windows are really the only striking feature that you see. The landscaping was nicely done gives a nice line for the eye to follow. Brick pavers made the walk way to the church doors. The mass I attended was a Sunday night mass; I have to say that I was kind of in shock with the dress of the church members. I thought I was always your Sunday best when you attend church but was I wrong. Majority of the attendee’s were in or jeans or shorts, polo style shirts, and t-shirts. The members of the church that were in attendance were predominantly female and white most in their 30 and up. The majority of the women that were there appeared to be single moms with their children. There were approximately 45 people in attendance; the number of members is around 300 members that attend the numerous masses. To get inside you walk though double doors at the front of the church that were made of a heavy wood. Upon entry there is a table with a bowl of holy water that each member dips their hands in to and then makes the sign of the cross. Then they go to their seats which is pew style seating with kneeler for prayer. The church was pretty simple on the inside there was a stage at the front where the priest and the band are as well as a projection screen that displayed the prayers and songs. At the very back of the stage area on the wall is Jesus on the cross. In between each one of the stained glass windows is the one of the Stations of the Cross. To start the service the band started and down the center aisle of the church came three altar boys one with a cross and 2 with candles, behind them was the priest with the Bible held high above his head. The priest was dressed in a green and white robe. The priest is a man around 55-60 years of age also at the service up was the deacon who was also a man approximately 60 years old. The voices of every person seemed to fill the room as they joined in pray and song. At the end of the service the priest pour the wine in to the goblets and put the wafers on a tray. He began talking about the wine being the blood of god and the wafer is the body of god. The line formed almost every member of the church waiting for their “piece” god. When you approach the Hindu Temple of Tampa you can be in awe. The size and the beauty of this building are absolutely remarkable. The architectural elements and all that gods and goddesses cover every inch of this temple honestly took my breath away. The ground of the temple are very simple not too much going on. In front the temple there is a smaller area where people go to pray. When you enter the temple you shoes must be left outside. You then walk up at set of stair the spilt in to at Y when they come back together you are met buy a very beautiful statue. That statue that welcomes you is the protector lord Shiva. If you look down is little foot prints paint on the floor that go into the temple and those are the footprints of baby Ganesha. Once you enter the temple those architectural elements continues along the walls that are to the right and left of the door is the disciples. These statues form pillars along the walls. On the other walls are out coves that are lined with black granite tile and the manifestation of “god” are each out cove elaborately decorated. Each person that came in made their rounds praying
