Altar Servers

Words You Will Hear

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These are words you will hear around Church and at Mass. Each word is accompanied by one or two photos. To view the photos, click on the words/links provided.

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Alb – The long white robe worn by the priest or deacon or server.

Altar – Large table where the Liturgy of the Eucharist is celebrated and upon which the bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ.

Ambo – The podium or pulpit from where the Scriptures are proclaimed.

Aspergellium – Holy water sprinkler.

Baptismal Font – Large basin of water where baptisms occur.

Boat – Container in which the incense if kept.

Book of Gospels – Book from which the deacon or priest reads the Gospel.

Chalice – The cup which holds the wine that becomes the Blood of Christ.

Chasuble – The outer, often colorful, vestment worn by the priest.

Ciborium – Metal container that holds the hosts that are either already consecrated or will be consecrated.

Cincture – The cord that goes around the waist of the alb (Altar Servers do not wear this at Visitation).

Cope – Long white cape worn by the priest or deacon at liturgies outside of the Mass.

Corporal – Large white cloth that is placed on the altar like a placemat, on which the sacred Vessels are placed during the offertory.

Credence Table – Side table by the altar servers where the sacramentary, chalice(s), cruets and other objects are kept during Mass.

Cruets – Small pitchers which contain water and wine.

Funeral Pall – (Image 1, Image 2) – Cloth which covers the casket at funerals. It is a symbol of the deceased’s baptismal garment.

Holy Water Sprinkler and Bucket – The small bucket and sprinkler that are used to bless people or objects (the sprinkler is also called an aspergellium).

Humeral Veil (Image 1, Image 2) – A white garment worn on the priest’s shoulders; it is used when handling the monstrance.

Lavabo Bowl and Towel – Used to wash the priest’s hands.

Lectionary – The book containing the Scripture readings for Mass.

Monstrance – The ornate gold container that has a place to put the Host in the middle; it is used for Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Pall – A firm, square “envelope” of cloth placed on top of the chalice.

Paschal Candle – The large Easter Candle by the baptismal font and placed before the casket at a funeral. It symbolizes the light of Christ.

Paten – Metal plate on which the large host is placed.

Purificator – White cloth that is folded lengthwise and is used to wipe the chalice.

Sacramentary – The large red book from which the priest reads the prayers of the Mass.

Sacrarium – The left sink in the sacristy into which water from the cleansing of sacred vessels is poured. It does not drain into the sewer but directly into the ground.

Sacristy – Room where Mass vestments and Mass supplies are kept and where the priests and deacons vest.

Sanctuary – Raised area in the front of the church where the altar and ambo are located.

Stole (Image 1, Image 2) – The long, narrow band of cloth that goes over the priest’s or deacon’s shoulders. It hangs straight in front of the priest or across the chest of the deacon.

Tabernacle – The large box in which the consecrated hosts (the Blessed Sacrament) are kept. The Sanctuary Lamp (a red candle) is always lit by the Tabernacle.

Thurible/Censor – The metal container on the chain in which incense is burned. The small container where the incense rocks are kept is called the Incense Boat.

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