The Roman Catholic Church Intro

In this chapter, you will explore the influence of the Roman Catholic

Church in Europe during the High Middle Ages, from about 1000 to

1300 C.E.

The Church was the center of life in medieval western Europe. Almost

every community had a church building. Larger towns and cities had a

cathedral. Church bells rang out the hours, called people to worship,

and warned of danger.

The church building was the center of community activity. Religious

services were held several times a day. Town meetings, plays, and

concerts were also held in churches. Merchants had shops around the

square in front of the church. Farmers sold their produce in the square, and markets, festivals, and fairs were held there, as well.

During the Middle Ages, the Church provided education for some and it helped the poor and sick. It was a daily presence from birth to death. In fact, religion was so much a part of daily life that people even said a certain number of prayers to decide how long to cook an egg!

Christian belief was so widespread during this time that historians sometimes call the Middle Ages the “Age of Faith.” People looked to the Church to explain world events. Storms, disease, and famine were thought to be punishments sent by God. People hoped prayer and religious devotion would keep away such disasters. They were even more concerned about the fate of their souls after death. The Church taught that salvation, or the saving of a one's soul, would come to those who followed the Church's teachings.