Catholic Mass Items

Christian Outreach

altar

the sacred table in the sanctuary where the Eucharistic sacrifice is offered, typically made of stone or wood and covered with a white cloth

altar purpose

the central focal point of Mass where the bread and wine are consecrated and become the Body and Blood of Christ during the Eucharistic prayer

altar wine

sacramental wine (typically red wine made from grapes) used for Mass

altar wine purpose

poured into the chalice during the Preparation of the Gifts to be consecrated and become the Blood of Christ during the Eucharistic Prayer

ambo

the elevated reading stand or lectern in the sanctuary from which Scripture is proclaimed

ambo purpose

the place where the Word of God is proclaimed during Mass, including readings from the Lectionary and the Gospel; also used for the homily and General Intercessions

bells (altar bells/sanctus bells)

small brass bells (typically three) on a stand or held together, rung by altar servers

bells purpose

rung during the consecration (elevation of host and chalice) to alert the congregation to the most sacred moment of Mass

cassock and surplice

traditional vestments for altar servers: a long black robe (cassock) worn with a shorter white garment (surplice) over it

cassock and surplice purpose

worn by altar servers during Mass and other liturgical celebrations to distinguish them as ministers serving at the altar

chalice

a sacred cup made of gold or silver with a wide bowl, stem, and ornate base

chalice purpose

holds the wine that will be consecrated and become the Blood of Christ during the Eucharistic Prayer

chasuble

the outermost sleeveless vestment worn by the priest over the alb and stole, often decorated with a cross or other design

chasuble purpose

the principal vestment for Mass, worn by the priest; its color changes according to the liturgical season (green, purple, white, red, etc.)

ciborium

a covered cup (similar to a chalice but with a lid topped with a cross) made of gold or silver

ciborium purpose

holds the consecrated hosts for distribution during Communion and for reservation in the tabernacle

corporal

a square white linen cloth with a cross embroidered in the corner, unfolded flat on the altar

corporal purpose

spread on the altar during the Preparation of the Gifts; the chalice and paten rest on it; catches any fragments of the consecrated host

credence table

a small side table in the sanctuary, usually covered with a white cloth, used to hold items needed during Mass

credence table purpose

holds the cruets, extra purificators, lavabo bowl and towel, and other vessels before they are needed at the altar

cruets

small glass or metal vessels (usually a matching pair) used to hold wine and water for Mass

cruets purpose

one cruet contains wine for consecration; the other contains water to mix with the wine and for the priest’s hand-washing (lavabo); brought to the altar during the Preparation of the Gifts

hosts

round, thin wafers of unleavened bread made from wheat, flour, and water

hosts purpose

the bread that will be consecrated and become the Body of Christ during the Eucharistic Prayer, then distributed during Communion

lavabo towel

a white linen hand towel, often with decorative borders or a cross, used during the Lavabo ritual

lavabo towel purpose

used to dry the priest’s hands after they are washed during the Preparation of the Gifts, symbolizing purification

lectionary

a large liturgical book containing Scripture readings assigned for each day of the liturgical year

lectionary purpose

used by the lector or deacon to proclaim the first and second readings, and the Gospel during the Liturgy of the Word; placed on the ambo for proclamation

offertory table

a table (usually at the back or side of the Church) where gifts are placed before being brough forward in procession

offertory table purpose

holds the bread, wine, and monetary gifts before they are carried to the altar during the Preparation of the Gifts

paten

a round, flat plate made of gold or silver with slightly raised edges

paten purpose

holds the large host (priest’s host) that will be consecrated during Mass and broken during the Lamb of God

pitcher (Lavabo Pitcher)

an elegant glass or metal pitcher with a handle and spout

pitcher purpose

used by the server to pour water over the priest’s fingers during the Lavabo (hand-washing) ritual after the gifts are prepared

presider’s chair

the dignified chair in the sanctuary where the priest (presider) sits during parts of the Mass

presider’s chair purpose

the priest sits here during the Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, and Concluding Rites; symbolizes the priest’s role as leader of the assembly

processional cross

a large crucifix (cross with the corpus of Christ) mounted on a long pole or staff

processional cross purpose

carried at the head of processions (entrance and recessional) and sometimes placed near the altar during Mass

purificator

a white rectangular linen cloth, often with a cross embroidered in the center, folded lengthwise

purificator purpose

used to wipe the chalice after each person drinks from it during Communion and to dry the chalice and paten after they are washed following Communion

Roman Missal

the official liturgical book containing prayers, instructions, and texts for celebrating Mass

Roman Missal purpose

used by the priest at the altar for prayers including the Eucharistic Prayer, Preface, and other presidential prayers throughout Mass

tabernacle

an ornate, secure receptacle (usually gold or brass) with a door and lock where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved

tabernacle purpose

stores consecrated hosts after Mass for adoration and for bringing Communion to the sick; a sanctuary lamp burns nearby to indicate Christ’s presence