Liturgical Items of Note
Amice
An oblong white linen vestment
worn over and around the neck by
clergy that helps to cover any
clothing worn underneath the alb.
The amice is optional today, but
symbolizes
the
helmet
of
salvation that helps the priest to
fend of the assaults of the enemy.
Dalmatic
The outer vestment worn by
deacons during Mass. Unlike the
chasuble, it has sleeves and opens
at the sides, reaching below the
knees. Typically, the color and
decoration of the dalmatic will
match (or be similar to) the chasuble worn by the
priest.
Alb
A full-length white linen garment
worn by clergy (and sometimes
servers by extension) during
liturgies. This symbolizes the
whiteness and purity of Christian
dignity through baptism.
Cassock
A black garment that reaches to
the feet that buttons up the
middle. When worn with the
roman collar, it is a clerical
garment, although in some places
it may be worn by a server,
master of ceremonies, or cantor
without the roman collar. The
cassock itself is not a vestment
but is often worn underneath the alb. Colors other
than black in a cassock denote office (for
monsignors, bishops, cardinals, and popes). It can
also be worn with a surplice, which is a white,
large-sleeved, loose-fitting garment that reaches to
the knees (looks like a cutoff alb).
Cincture
The cord or rope worn around the
waist to gather and confine the alb.
The cincture symbolizes purity and
chastity.
Stole
The vestment that is a long narrow
band of material worn around the
neck of priests and over one
shoulder for deacons. The stole is
a sign of authority and is properly
worn underneath the chasuble or
dalmatic during Mass.
Chasuble
The sleeveless outer garment
worn during Mass by a priest.
This vestment is worn on top
of all others (alb, stole, etc.).
it symbolizes the yoke of
Christ and is a sign of priestly
office. The c hasuble is a
sign of charity as well and is worn over the stole to
symbolize that authority (symbolized by the stole)
is exercised through charity.
Cope
A long semicircular cloak, usually
richly ornamented, open in the
front and fastened at the breast by
a chain or clasp and reaching to
the knees, this vestment is never
worn during Mass but during
other liturgical occasions by
clergy.
Humeral Veil
An oblong, rectangular cloth
that is placed over the
shoulders and clasps in front
of the chest. It is used during
Benediction of the Blessed
Sacrament as well as during
the procession of the Blessed Sacrament or during
the transfer of the Eucharist from one tabernacle to
another.
Liturgical Items of Note
Chalice
A sacred vessel which holds
the wines that is consecrated
at Mass to become the Blood
of Christ. By the 9th century,
these vessels were made of
precious metals. The chalice
is consecrated by a priest and
set aside for only this purpose.
Pyx
A small silver dollar sized vessel
large enough to hold a few hosts in
order to carry communion to the
sick. Like a paten or ciborium, a
pyx is made of a precious metal
and is often carried in side a small
pouch worn around the neck,
which is called a burse.
Paten
A round, thin,
convex plate made
of a precious metal
which holds the
bread which is
consecrated
at
Mass to become the Body of Christ. Many patens
have tall sides that make them shaped almost like
bowls so that they may holds a greater number of
hosts. Like the chalice, the paten is consecrated by
a priest and set aside for only this purpose.
Corporal
A sacred cloth of
white linen which is
placed upon the altar
(on top of the altar
cloth) and upon which
is placed the sacred
vessels used during
for the celebration of the Eucharist. It is folded
three times each way when not in use or after use –
this method of folding ensures that any fragments
that fell upon the corporal during the celebration of
the Eucharist are not lost and instead held within the
linen until it can be purified.
Ciborium
A sacred vessel that looks
similar to a chalice, but has a
lid. These are used for holding
hosts for reservation in the
tabernacle. Som etimes, the
ciborium may be used to
directly distribute communion
in place of a paten.
Purificator
A small piece of white
absorbant
linen,
approximately 8”x16”,
folded
in
three
lengthwise, and folded
down in half. Typically
purificators are marked
with a cross. These linens are used to wipe the lip
of the chalice after the distribution of the Precious
Blood and to dry the chalice after it is purified
following Communion.
Monstrance
Named after the Latin word
monstrare (meaning “to show”) the
monstrance is a sacred vessel used
to expose the consecrated Host
during Eucharistic Adoration or
during a Eucharistic proce ssion.
Typically very ornate and made of
precious metal, they contain a clear
window in the center that allows for
the display of the Host.
Thurible & Boat
Also known as a censer, the
thurible is an enclosed vessel
as the end of a chain or chains
which
contains
burning
charcoal.
Once filled with
incense from the boat (the
small vessel which accompanies the thurible, it is
swung during the liturgy and sends out smoke
through small openings.