Sacred Altar Vessels:
Chalice
The large cup used at Mass to
hold the wine that becomes the
Blood of Christ.
Ciborium
A covered container used to hold
the hosts that will be used for
distribution of Holy Communion.
It is also used to reserve the
Blessed Sacrament in the
tabernacle. The plural of
ciborium is ciboria.
Flagon
A pitcher which is used to hold
the wine for consecration.
Paten
A saucer-shaped dish
(left) or bowl (right). It
holds holds the bread that
becomes the body of
Christ.
Cruets
These are the smaller glass
pitchers that hold the water and
wine which is poured into the
Chalice during the Liturgy of the
Eucharist.
Lavabo Dish or (Finger Bowl)
and Water Pitcher
The dish that is used for
washing the Priest's hands
during the preparation of the
gifts.
Altar Linens:
Corporal
A square piece of white cloth
(shown here folded) spread over
the altar cloth. The chalice,
paten and ciboria are placed on
it during the Liturgy of the
Eucharist. (not pictured is a red
cross embroidered in the cloth).
Pall
This is a stiff, square white cloth
cover that is placed over the
chalice to protect its
contents.(notice the cross)
This is also the term used to
describe the large cloth which is
used to cover the casket at a
funeral Mass.
Purificator
This is a rectangular, white cloth
used to clean the chalice.
(notice the red cross
embroidered in the cloth).
Finger towel
A rectangular cloth napkin used
by the priest to dry his fingers
after they have been washed
during the preparation of the
gifts. (notice that this cloth does
not have a red cross)
Other items you will use or see:
Holy Water Bucket &
Aspergillum
Also referred to as the holy
water sprinkler. The Aspergillum
is the long tube shaped item
that holds the holy water to
sprinkle the faithful or articles to
be blessed.
(pictured left) Thurible
The metal container that
holds the hot charcoal for
the incense. This is carried
by the thurifer in the right
hand. It can also be called
the censer.
(pictured left) Boat
A small metal container
that holds the incense to
be put into the thurible.
There is a spoon and
cover. This is usually
carried by the thurifer in
the left hand.
(pictured right) Thurible
and Boat stand in the
Sanctuary.
Pyx
This is a small metal case about
the size of a pocket watch. It is
used by a minister of Holy
Communion to carry
consecrated hosts. Communion
is regularly brought to
individuals that may be sick at
home or in the hospital.
Baptism Shell
This item is used to pour water
on the head of a child or adult
who is receiving the Sacrament
of Baptism.
Monstrance
A monstrance is the vessel used
to display the consecrated host
during Eucharistic Adoration or
Benediction. The word
monstrance comes from the
Latin word monstrare, meaning
"to show".
Lunette & Pyx
Pictured in the right foreground,
a Lunette is the circular
receptacle that holds the
consecrated host used during
Adoration and Benediction. It
slides into the center of the
Monstrance pictured above.
When the ceremony is
completed, the lunette with the
host is placed in this special Pyx
which is kept in the tabernacle.