Items used at Mass & Liturgies

Objects + Vessels + Vestments +Books

Objects within the Church
Ambo or Pulpit
Altar
“Table of the Word” where
Table of the Lord
Scriptures and Gospel are
where the bread
proclaimed.
and wine are
changed into the
Body and Blood of
Jesus Christ.

Presider’s Chair. Cross

The Chair for Priest Celebrant Crucifix to remind us that the
where Mass begins and ends, Mass and Jesus Death on the
and he sits during reading of Cross are the same sacrifice to
Holy Scriptures. God the Father.
The Deacon would sit to the
right of the Celebrant.

Tabernacle Sanctuary Lamp

The shrine where the Candle that burns in the Church
Eucharist is kept as a to remind us that Jesus is present
place of exclusive in the Tabernacle.
reservation of the
Blessed Sacrament.
Always genuflect
before the Tabernacle
because Jesus is
present inside.

Paschal Candle Baptismal Font

Blessed at the Easter Vigil. It A place used for Baptisms.
represents the Light of Christ. Baptism is the way we enter into
The Paschal Candle is lit from the Church by being made children
the Easter Vigil through of God.
Pentecost, and at baptisms and
Funerals.

Offertory Table Credence Table

Small table in the back Table holding the vessels
of Church (Vestibule), to be used during the Mass,
where Wine and Bread which include, the Chalice,
(hosts) are placed before Patten, Communion Cups,
Mass to be carried to the Cruets, and Lavabo Dish.
Sanctuary during the Presentation of the Gifts.

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Complied by Deacon Michael DeVivo
Sacred Vessels/Objects
Paten Chalice
A round metal plate used by The vessel used by the Priest to hold the
the Priest to hold the Hosts wine that becomes the Blood of Christ.
(bread) that becomes the
Body of Christ.
Communion Cups PYX
Used to give the Precious Blood of A container for the Eucharistic
Jesus to the people at communion. bread, specifically, the small
They are kept on the Credence Table containers used to carry communion
and brought to the Altar at the to the sick or Choir.
Preparation of the Altar.
Ciborium (Ciboria) Ciborium
A round bowl-like vessel Vessel containing the hosts that
containing the hosts that become the Body of Christ and is
become the Body of placed on the Offertory Table in the
Christ. Used for Holy Vestibule before Mass to be carried to
Communion and to reserve the Blessed the Sanctuary during the Presentation
Sacrament in the Tabernacle. of the Gifts.
Cruets and Tray Lavabo Bowl & Towel
Cruets contain the wine A dish 'Lavabo bowl' and the
and the water used 'Finger Towel', used by the
during the Mass. Priest to wash his hands before
beginning the Consecration.
Thurible & Boat Corporal
The Thurible (Censor) holds the A white linen cloth placed on top
charcoal and incense burned at of the Altar cloth, where the
solemn occasions. vessels (Paten and Chalice)
The Boat holds the incense to be containing the bread and wine are
placed in the Thurible by the placed. [A symbol of the Shroud
Priest. that wrapped
the body of Jesus in the tomb. (Shroud of Turin)]
Purificator Pall
The cloth used to wipe the edge of the The stiff, square, white cover placed
chalice containing the Precious Blood over the Chalice to protect its
and used to dry the vessels after contents.
purification.

Processional Cross & Candles Candle Lighter and Snuffer

Crucifix on pole which is carried by Server’s long or short handled object with
the Cross Bearer and the Candles extendable wax taper for lighting candles
carried by the Candle Bearers in the on one side and inverted cup for
opening procession. Placed in the extinguishing candles on the opposite side.
stand in the Sanctuary during Mass
and carried out by the serves in the
recessional at end of Mass.

Monstrance Lunette (Luna)

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 The vessel used to display a large The container with glass sides
consecrated host during exposition that holds a large host that is
of the Blessed Sacrament. placed in a monstrance for
(Latin: monstrare – “to show, to Solemn Exposition of the
point out”) Blessed Sacrament.
(Latin: Luna – “moon”).

Aspergillum Aspersorium
Bucket that holds Holy Water.
An aspergillum is a
liturgical implement used
to sprinkle Holy Water.

Ablutions Bowl Holy Water Font

A bowl on the Credence Table A vessel containing Holy Water
used by the Ministers of Holy used for Blessing yourself when
Communion to wash their entering the Church. Reminds us
fingers after distributing Holy of our Baptism in the Body of
Communion during the Mass. Christ – The Church.

Sacred Vestments
Alb Cincture
Symbolizes: Purity – Symbolizes: Chastity
Reminder of our Baptism. A long cord used for fastening the
A long white robe worn by the Alb at the waist and to adjust it to
Celebrant, Deacon, and Altar proper length. Usually white, may
Servers. be liturgical color of the day.

Priest Stole Deacon Stole

Symbolizes: the clerical office, Symbolizes: the clerical office,
immortality, and the Yoke of Christ immortality, and the Yoke of Christ
The stole, matching the liturgical The stole, matching the liturgical color, is
color, is a long, scarf-like vestment a long, scarf-like vestment worn over the
worn over the Alb and under the Alb and under the Dalmatic. It is the mark
Chasuble. It is the mark of the Office of the of the Office of the Deacon. A Deacon
Priest. A priest wears it around the neck, wears it over his left shoulder, fastening it at his
hanging down in front. right side.
Chasuble Dalmatic
Symbolizes: Charity and the Symbolizes: Charity, Justice,
Yoke of Christ. and the sufferings of Christ
The sleeveless outer A loose-fitting robe with open
garment, covering the Alb sides and wide sleeves worn by
and stole of the priest. Its a deacon on more solemn feasts.
color varies according to the Its color varies according to the
feast. feast.

Cope Humeral Veil

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 A large cape worn by A long cloth, usually white,
Priest in processions and which goes over the
other sacred actions, in celebrant's shoulders and
keeping with the rubrics covers his arms. This is
proper to each rite. attached by a clasp in the
front.
For example, Baptisms,
and during Benediction of The veil is used to hold the Blessed Sacrament in
the Blessed Sacrament. the Monstrance during Benediction.
Liturgical Books
Roman Missal Book of the Gospels
A visible sign of Jesus Christ the
Contains all the prayers and
Word of God. Carried in procession
rituals said by the Priest and
at the entrance of the Mass by the
Deacon during Mass.
Deacon or Lector and placed at the
center of the altar.

Lectionary Presider’s Book

Contains the Sacred Contains the prayers and
Scripture Readings for Mass announcements needed by the
and usually is place on the Priest when he is at the chair.
Ambo before Mass.

Hymnal/Missalette
Provides the congregation the
parts of the mass for a
specific season in the
liturgical year including
instructions on when to stand,
sit, or kneel.

Special Places In Church

Narthex: (Sometimes called the vestibule). Nave – A central part of the church, where the
The area located just inside the main entrance faithful gather to worship together and the pews are
of the church and the entrance to the body of located.
the Church. It also provides room for book or
pamphlet racks, bulletin boards, and the Holy
Water Fonts.
Sacristy: Room where the sacred vessels and Sanctuary – A Sacred, consecrated area around the
vestments are kept and where Priest/Deacon Altar of a church where the Holy Sacrifice of the
and Servers Vest and Prepare for Mass. Mass is celebrated; and the Altar, Ambo,
Tabernacle, Credence Table , Priest, Deacon, and
Server chairs are located.

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Complied by Deacon Michael DeVivo