Altarations Vocabulary Quiz Review

Ambo

From the Greek word meaning "step," this is the elevated platform (or lectern) from which the scripture readings and homily are performed.

Chalice

a sacred, cup-shaped vessel used by the priest during Mass to hold the wine that becomes the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ

Chasuble

From Latin for "hooded cloak," this is the outer vestment the priest wears over his alb and stole. It is a sign of the priest's charity, as well as his authority to act in persona Christi as celebrant of Mass.

Ciborium

a cup-shaped sacred vessel with a lid used in the Catholic Church to hold, distribute, and reserve the consecrated Eucharistic hosts (the Body of Christ)

Consubstantial

This word in the Nicene Creed refers to Jesus, the Son of God, being "of the same substance" as God the Father. Jesus shares the same divine nature as God the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Elevation

At various points in the mass, you will see several items raised up. This is called elevation. The elevation of the host and chalice during the Eucharistic prayer are the most important.

Epiclesis

From the Greek word for "calling down upon," this movement is the symbol of the priest "calling down" the Holy Spirit upon the gifts, so they will be transformed into the Christ's body and blood

Fraction Rite

During the moment the congregations recited the Lamb of God the fraction rite occurs. The priest breaks off a small piece of the consecrated host and drops it into the chalice containing Christ's Precious Blood. This symbolizes Christ's body was broken for us and that when we receive Communion we are united with him and one another.

Genuflection

From the Latin word genuflectere for "to bend one's knee." Kneeling down on one's knee is an outward sign of our interior reverence for the presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the Tabernacle. Kneeling is a sign of adoration: falling on our knees before the King of the universe.

In Persona Christi

The priest acts in the person of Christ with Jesus's authority and power, given to them at their ordination. They are serving as Christ on earth when they perform the mass.

Lectionary

From the Latin word Lectio meaning "body." The official liturgical book that contains the scripture readings for the mass.

Liturgy of the Word

This component of the mass contains the first reading, responsorial psalm, second reading, gospel acclamation, homily, profession of faith, and universal prayer.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

This component of mass contains the presentation of gifts and preparation of the altar, prayer over the offerings, Eucharistic Prayer, and the common right.

Monstrance

From a Latin term meaning "to show forth," this is the sacred vessel in which the Eucharistic host is exhibited for adoration.

Paten

a small, shallow plate or disk—usually made of precious metal like gold or silver—used in the Catholic Mass to hold the Eucharistic bread (the Host) before and after it is consecrated

Purificator

a small, rectangular white linen cloth used during the Catholic Mass to clean and dry sacred vessels

Sanctuary Lamp

a continuously burning candle or oil lamp placed near the tabernacle to signal the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist

stole

The long narrow strip of fabric around a priest's neck that symbolizes his priestly authority. Deacons where the stole diagonally across the body. The color reflects the seasons of the church.

Tabernacle

From the Latin word meaning "tent" or "hut," this fixed, locked box, usually behind the altar, is where the Eucharist hosts are reserved

Transubstantiation

the Catholic belief that the bread and wine used during Mass change into the actual body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ.