Sacred Linens and Vessels
MAKING A LIST, CHECKING IT TWICE
The celebration of Holy Mass requires sacred linens and vessels. The items below provide a quick checklist of the things needed to be prepared and set up for Mass.
SACRED LINENS
ALTAR CLOTH: The cloth that covers the mensa (tabletop) of the altar. It must be white.
CORPORAL: The cloth on which the chalice, paten, and ciborium are placed on the altar. It is traditionally square and, when not in use, folded into thirds in both directions. It is placed on top of the altar cloth during the preparation of the altar and gifts, and in a sense resembles a place mat at a formal dinner. The word corporal comes from the word that means “body.” It catches any fragments of the Eucharist.
PURIFICATIOR: The napkin-like cloth used to wipe the edge of the cup containing the precious blood and used to dry the cup after its purification.
PALL: The flat, square, cloth covered board that is used to cover the chalice so that nothing falls into the Precious Blood (i.e., insects).
SACRED VESSELS
CHALICE: The name for the cup-like vessel used to hold the wine that then becomes the Precious Blood.
PATEN: The name for the small plate on which the Eucharistic bread is placed.
CIBORIUM: (Plural: ciboria) The goblet-like vessels used for the Eucharistic bread. Contemporary ciboria are more commonly made in the form of plates or bowls. Both styles are made with a covering lid.
CRUETS: Small pitcher-like vessels containing the wine or water for the Eucharist.
ABLUTION CUP: Cup/jar-like vessel of water the Ministers of Holy Communion dip their fingers in to capture any particle of the consecrated host that may have clung to their fingers during the distribution of Holy Communion. Their fingers are then dried with a purificator.
LAVABO SET: The bowl and pitcher used to wash the celebrant’s hands at Mass.
LAVABO TOWEL: The linen cloth used to dry the celebrant’s hands at Mass.
OIL STOCK/AMBRY: Containers that contain the Holy Oils used for the Sacraments: The Oil of Catechumens, The Oil of the Sick, and the Sacred Chrism.
EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
LUNETTE: The container with glass sides that holds a large host that is placed in a Monstrance for Solemn Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
MONSTRANCE: The vessel used to display a large, consecrated host during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. It frequently has the shape of a large cross with a base so that it can stand upright on a flat surface. At the juncture of the two sections, there is a clear window for the lunette with the host to be placed. Older styles have jeweled rays streaming forth from the window.
SACRED VESSELS
PYX: A small container used to carry Holy Communion to the sick.
BURSE: Small, usually black, rosary case-like pouch, frequently attached to a string, into which the pyx containing the Eucharist is placed. It is typically worn around the neck of the minister bringing Holy Communion to the Sick.
UP NEXT
Next week, we will look at what it means to participate in the Sacred Liturgy.