Holy Family Alter Server Promotion

Ablution cup

covered dish of water on the side of the tabernacle used by the priest, deacon, or extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion to wash their fingers after distributing Communion.

Alb

long, white vestment reaching from the neck to the ankles, secured around the waist by a cincture; name comes from Latin word for “white” symbolizing the purity of baptism

Altar

table of the Lord on which the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered; symbolizes Jesus himself, and reminds us of the Last Supper and the Cross, where Jesus offered his life for our salvation

Altar cloth

Long cloth that covers the top of the altar and hands over the ends

Ambo

Pulpit from which the readings and homily are given

Ambry

cabinet for storing holy oils

Amice

rectangular vestment of white cloth with two long ribbons attached to the top corners: worn around the neck and shoulders whenever alb does not completely cover clothing, symbolizing resistance against temptation

Aspergillum

instrument used for sprinkling holy water, comes in two main forms (brush/branch dipped into water or perforated ball at the end of a short handle)

Aspersorium

small, metal bucket containing holy water for blessings

Binder

three-ring binder used by priest and by lector/deacon for Creed, petitions, announcements

Boat

small metal containers used to hold incense

Book of the Chair

medium-size book which contains only the prayers said by the priest at the chair

Book of the Gospels

large book rom which deacon or priest proclaims the Gospel at mass, used on Sundays and special occasions; carried in processions by deacon, otherwise placed on altar before mass

Burse

square container for holding the corporal, selected for the liturgical color of the Mass

Candle lighter/snuffer

long-handed instrument with wax wick and bell-shaped cone for lighting and extinguishing candles

Cassock

ankle-length garment with sleeves, worn by clergy and servers; buttoned down the front

Censer/Thurible

metal container that contains burning charcoal on which incense is placed, carried and swung by attached chains; altar server who carries it is called the thurifer

Chalice

cup of precious metal that holds the wine which becomes the Blood of Christ after the consecration

Chalice veil

clothing covering used to hide the chalice and paten up to the preparation of the altar and after communion

Chasuble

sleeveless outer vestment which is slipped over the head, hands over the shoulders, and overs the stole and alb; selected for the liturgical color of the Mass; symbolizes the yoke of Jesus and the virtue of charity

Ciborium

large cup or container of precious metal with a lid of the same material, which holds the body of Christ after the consecration and us used for distribution of Holy Communion and storage of Hosts in tabernacle

Cincture

long cord worn over the alb, used for fastening alb at waist, symbolizes the virtue of chastity

Communion rail

low fence around the sanctuary where people kneel to receive Holy Communion

Communion paten

small round plate of precious metal with a handle, used by altar serves to protect the Body of Christ from falling to the ground during distribution of Holy Communion

Cope

long cloak or cape, open on front and fastened with am morse, worn for special precessions and blessings, selcted for the liturgical color of the season

Corproal

square white linen cloth on which chalices and ciboria are placed at Mass; name comes from Latin word for ‘body’ always folded and unfolded in a ay that protects any particles of the Host from being lost

Credence table

table in the sanctuary where the the things for mass are placed during Mass

Cruet

small glass or metal container that holds wine or water for Mass

Hand towel

linen or cotton cloth used to dry the priest’s hands

Host

small round piece of bread that comes the Body of Chirst after the consecrations; made of only wheat, flour, water, without yeast

Humeral veil

Long rectangular vestment usually white, worn over the back and shoulders with its two ends handing down in front; used mainly for processions and Benediction

Incense

mixture of dried tree sap and other plant materials which fives smoke and fragrance when burned; symbolizes our prayers rising to God; used to show honor to holy objects and persons

Kneeler

cushioned bench for kneeling during prayer

Lavabo

bowl and pitcher of water used to wash priest’s hands at the preparation of the altar

Lectern

stand with slanted top used by lector/deacon for reading the Prayers of the Faithful; also used by singers

Lectionary

large book which contains the Scripture readings for Mass

Lunette

thin, circular receptable with a glass face that holds the consecrated Host used for Adoration and Benediction, slides into monstrance on a track

Missal

book contained the prayers said by priest during the Mass, aka Roman Missal

Monstrance

large, ornate vessel or precious metal used to hold the consecrated Host for Adorations, Benediction, and Eucharistic processions

Nave

central, open space of the church, Holy Family has two naves (old wing, new wing)

Oil flask/stock

glass or metal container that holds holy oil (oil of catechumens-OS or OC, oil of sick-OI, or Sacred Chrism-SC)

Pall

square piece of carboard or plastic which is covered by linen and used to cover the chalice

Paschal candle

Large, decorated candle blessed at Easter, symbolizing the Risen Jesus, used during Easter season and for baptisms and funerals

Paten

small round plate of precious metal that holds the Host

Processional Cross

cross or crucifix mounted on a pole and carried in procession as a standard, usually accompanied by candles, altar server who carries it is called ‘crucifer’

Purificator

white linen cloth used by priest or deacon to wipe and dry the chalice, has a small cross where the cloth folds

Pyx

metal case in which the lunette is kept in the tabernacle, a smaller version shaped like a pocket-watched is used to bring Holy Communion to the sick and homebound

Sacrarium

Sink with drain going directly into the ground, sometimes fitted with a cover and lock, used to dispose used holy water, blessed ashes (not for Holy Eucharist)

Sacristy

rooms where vestments and sacred vessels are kept and prepared for Mass, also where priest and servers put on vestments for Mass

Sanctuary

space in the church around the main altar, distinguished from the nave by the its elevation, stairs, and rail

Sanctuary lamp

candle kept burning near the tabernacle as a sign of honor and to remind us of the presence of Jesus un the Blessed Sacrament

Stole

long cloth of the same liturgical color as the chasuble; symbolizes the authority of the priest/deacon (priest s around neck, deacons left shoulders, fastened like a sash)

Stoup

holy water bowl at the entrances of the church

Surplice

white tunic, often reaching to the knees, worn over the cassock by clergy and servers

Tabernacle

decorated safe with a lock used to keep the Blessed Sacrament secure

Torch/Processional Candle

candle inside glass container placed on top of a pole for use in processions

Vestibule

small entrance hall between the outer and interior doors of the church

Missal stand

small lectern used for the Roman Missal at the altar