SACRED VESSELS

& VESTMENTS

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish

Altar Server of the Blessed Sacrament
 OBJECTIVE

• The practical server must know and understand the

various objects and vestments in the liturgy. In this
discussion you will learn the names and purposes of
each vessels and vestments.
SACRED OBJECTS
CORPORAL

A sacred cloth of white linen

around twenty inches square upon
which the chalice, paten and ciboria
are place during Mass. When not in
use, it is folded three times each way
so as to form nine equal squares and
placed in the burse.
PALL

A square of linen, stiffened

with starch, cardboard, or
plastic, set on the chalice to
prevent dirt or insects from
falling into it.
PATEN

The plate on which the bread (big

host) used by the presider is placed
and consecrated during the Mass. It
is usually same material as the
chalice and is place on top of the
chalice at the start of the Mass.
PURIFICATOR
A small piece of white absorbent
linen, approx. eight by sixteen inches,
folded in three lengthwise, and
marked with a cross in the center,
employed during the mass. It is used
to wipe the lip of the chalice after the
reception of the Precious Blood and
to dry the chalice after it is washed at
the end of or after Mass.
CHALICE

A vessel used to hold the

Precious Blood of the Lord at
the Mass.
CIBORIUM
A paten in the form of a
chalice with a lid because the
Sacred Body of our Lord is
placed in it. It is used to contain
the Hosts reserved in the
tabernacle.
CRUETS

The vessels used to hold

the wine and water at the
Mass.
PITCHER and BASIN

Used to hold and catch the

water for the washing of the
hands of the presider after the
Offertory and Communion.
They are always paired with a
towel.
FINGER TOWEL

Small cloths used by the

celebrants at various times in the
liturgy, for instance at the
Preparation of the Gifts in the
Mass, or by bishop when
administering the Sacraments of
Confirmation and Holy Orders.
COMMUNION PLATE

Used during Communion,

held by a server under the chin
of those who receive
communion directly into the
mouth.
BELL

It is rung by a server at the

Mass, at the two elevations and
as a warning or signal before
the consecration. It has a
practical use, to draw attention
to the most sacred moments of
the liturgy.
SACRAMENTARY

The volume of presidential

prayers for the officiant of the
Eucharist and for any rites
connected with the Mass.
LECTIONARY

The liturgical book that

holds the Scriptural readings
used during the Liturgy of the
Word in the Mass. This is usually
placed at the ambo or Lectern.
SACRAMENTARY STAND

It is placed on the altar at the

preparation of the gifts. It takes
various form, a metal or
wooden book-rest or a cushion.
THURIBLE

It is a metal bowl hanging by

three chains from a disc. The
cover, pierced to allow smoke to
rise, is usually held by a fourth
chain, which passes through the
hole in the disc, so that the
server can raise it.
INCENSE BOAT

It is shaped like a boat, with

a hinged lid and a matching
spoon. From the boat the
grained of incense are spooned
onto the burning coals in the
thurible.
CREDENCE TABLE

It is movable table to the side

of the altar, covered with white
cloth, upon which are placed the
things needed for sacred
functions, particularly the Mass,
such as chalice, cruets, basin, and
finger towel or cloth.
PROCESSIONAL CROSS

It is a large crucifix, set on a

long staff, to be carried in
procession, and perhaps used as
the altar cross at Mass.
PROCESSIONAL CANDLES

Are two tall candlesticks

carried in procession by two
servers.
MONSTRANCE

Is a larger vessel, really a

stand to display the Host at
exposition of the Blessed
Sacrament. It is designed so
that we can see the Host and
adore the Lord.
LUNETTE

It is a gilt clip which holds

Host when exposed in the
monstrance.
PYX

A round container which

holds the Host and lunette in
the tabernacle. A smaller pyx,
like a old-fashioned watch case,
is used to take the Eucharist to
the sick.
ASPERGILLUM & ASPERSORIUM
(HOLY WATER VESSEL)
Is also known as the “bucket” and
the sprinkler as an “aspergil”. The
sprinkler may take the form of a
brush or of a hollow bulb, perhaps
containing a sponge, with openings
so that drops of water may be
sprinkled on people or objects.
OIL STOCK

Usually takes the form of a

metal cylinder, with
compartments for the
sacramental oils (oil of the sick
and oil of Chrism for Baptism
and Confirmation).
VESMENTS
ALB

Is a white garment reaching

to the ankles. It is derived from
the Roman tunic and is a sign of
purity. The word “alb” comes
form the Latin word for “white”
STOLE
Is a distinctive sign of those who
have received Holy Orders as they carry
out the ministry in sacrament and
worship. The priest wears the stole
around the neck and hanging down in
front. The deacon wears his stole on his
left shoulder, crossing it like a sash under
his right arm. It is of the color of the
season or day. It stands for authority in
the community.
CHASUBLE

Is the major Eucharistic vestment,

worn over the stole and the alb. It is
the color of the season or day. There
are various style of chasuble. It
stands for charity “And over all these
put on love, that is, the bond of
perfection.” Col. 3:14).
DALMATIC

Is worn by the deacon. It

resembles a large coat, of the
color of the season or day. It is
worn over the stole and the alb.
COPE

Is a large semi-circular cloak, held

at the front by a clasp or band of
fabric. It is used for solemn
celebrations of the sacraments and
for Benediction of the Blessed
Sacrament.
HUMERAL VEIL

Is a large white shawl, worn

around the shoulders while carrying
the Blessed Sacrament in procession
and while giving the Eucharistic
blessing at the benediction.
MITRE

Is a double-pointed head-dress,
with two lappets hanging at the back.
It has been used by bishops since the
12th century. The ordinate mitre may
be adorned with embroidery or
gems. The simple mitre is of plain
white fabric.
PECTORAL CROSS

Is the bishop’s necklace. It is

worn under the chasuble and
the dalmatic, under the cope
but above the mozeta.
RING

Is worn at all times as a sign

that the bishop is wedded to
Christ in the service of his
Church as shepherd of the flock
and should always be worn.
SKULL CAP

Is a small violet cup worn by

the bishop and a small white
cup worn by the pope.
PALLIUM
Is given to the residential
archbishops. They wear it above the
chasuble in their jurisdictional
territory when pontificating solemnly
and during ordinations, consecration
of the church, dedication of an altar,
blessing of an abbot or consecration
of virgins.
ACTIVITY