Question | Answer |
This is a platform where the readings and homily take place. | Ambo |
The table in the sanctuary at which the bread and wine are prepared and transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. | Altar |
A stand with a basin or pool containing water in the area of church where Baptism takes place. | Baptismal Font |
A perforated metal ball or tube on a handle usedby the priest that holds holy water to sprinkle the people or articles to be blessed. It is kept in a glass or metal container that holds the holy water. | Aspergillum and Container |
These are rung during the consecration of the Mass. | Bells |
A small metal container (sometimes shaped like a boat) which holds the unburned incense to be putinto the thurible. It has a cover and comes with a spoon. | Boat |
The book which contains the Gospel readings. | Book of Gospels |
The brass device with a long wooden handle, used to light and extinguish candles. It has a taper in a brass tube, by which fire is applied to the candles, and a bell-shaped device for extinguishing them (the snuffer). | Candle Lighter/Snuffer |
The metal cup (either gold or silver) used to hold the wine that will be consecrated at Mass. | Chalice |
Metal containers with a lid used to store consecrated hosts in the tabernacle. | Ciboria (plural) Ciborium (singular) |
The large, square white cloth which is placed on the altar underneath the chalice and platen. | Corporal |
The table located to the left of the Altar, used to hold the purificators, chalices, and other items needed for the celebration of the Mass. | Credence Table |
The person assigned to carry the processional cross. | Crucifer |
Water and wine containers | Cruets |
The table in the back of the center aisle where the bread and wine are placed before Mass begins. | Gift Table |
Used by the priest for the ritual washing o hands before Eucharistic prayer. The word "Lavabo" comes from the Latin word lavare which means "I shall wash." | Lavabo Bowl and Towel |
The book which contains the Scripture readings | Lectionary |
this is a large, ornate sunburst-like vessel used to hold the Blessed Sacrament for Benediction and Eucharistic Adoration. | Monstrance |
A piece of cardboard or plastic which is covered by linen and used to cover the chalice. | Pall |
The tall candle which is blessed and used during the Easter season, baptisms, and funerals. | Paschal Candle |
the plate used to hold the large hosts which will become the consecrated Body of Christ. | Paten |
The chair in which the priest sits. | Presider's Chair |
The cross used to lead a procession. The cross is mounted on a pole to be held high and straight with the Body of Christ (corpus) facing forward. | Processional Cross/Crucifix |
A long narrow piece of folded linen cloth, which sometimes has a small cross sewn on it. It is used by the priest and Eucharistic Minister to wipe the chalice after a person takes a drink from it. | Purificator |
The small metal container which is used to hold consecrated hosts(s) when visiting the sick or homebound. | Pyx |
The book of prayers and instructions used by the priest during the liturgy. | Roman Missal |
Sacristy sink with a drain directly into the earth for the fitting disposal of water used for some sacred purpose. | Sacrarium |
The room next to the Sanctuary where the priests, altar servers, and other ministers prepare for the Mass. | Sacristy |
The raised area in the front of the church. It is considered a holy and special area because this is where the sacrifice of the Mass in offered and where the word of God is read. It should be approached with great respect. | Sanctuary |
The gold "safe" in which the Blessed Sacrament (Consecrated Host) is stored. | Tabernacle |
The metal container extended from a chain in which charcoal and incense are burned for liturgical ceremonies like Benediction or special occasions. | Thurible |
The person who carries the thurible and incense boat. | Thurifer |
What the priest and altar servers wear during Mass | Vestments |
A long whte linen robe worn by the priest and altar servers | Alb |
A cord made of silk or cotton with tassels on the ends. It is used around the waist to secure the alb so that it will not interfere with walking. | Cincture |
A long strip of cloth worn by the priest around his neck and shoulders. | Stole |
Colored vestment worn only by the priest. | Chasuble |