Glossary of Terms

Furnishings:

Altar - the place where the Sacrifice of the Mass is offered, the table in the center of the sanctuary.

Presider’s Chair - the Priest’s chair in the sanctuary.

Ambo (also known as Lectern, Pulpit) - where the Word of God is proclaimed.

Tabernacle - the place where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved.

Offertory table - table in back of church where the bread and wine are placed.

Credence table – table on the main floor behind the sanctuary        where vessels for mass are placed when not being used.

Processional Cross - cross carried by the server.

Acolyte Candles - candles carried in procession.

 

Vessels:

Chalice - any of the cups that hold the altar wine and the Blood of Christ.

Paten - flat metal dish that holds the altar bread and the Body of Christ.

Cruet - small glass pitcher in which water or wine is placed.

Flagon - larger glass container in which the wine is placed.

Communion Cup– smaller chalice used to  distribute the precious blood to the people.

Ciborium- the metal dish or bowl that holds the altar bread and the

Body of Christ

Censer (also called a Thurible) - metal vessel attached to a chain in which incense is burned.

Incense Boat - metal vessel containing the incense.

Monstrance - the vessel in which the consecrated host is displayed during Benediction and Eucharistic Adoration.

Aspergillum– the device used to sprinkle holy water.

 

Linens:

Altar cloth - the cloth covering the altar.

Corporal - square linen that sits on the middle of the altar cloth.        Nothing is ever to be placed on the Corporal by a server.

Purificator - the folded linen used to wipe the rim of the chalice.

Finger Towel - towel used by the Priest to dry his hands.

Pall– stiff, square, white cover that is placed over the chalice to keep bugs out.

 

Books:

Book of the Gospels – the book containing all the Gospels for the Sundays of the Church Year

Lectionary - the book containing all the readings for Mass.

Sacramentary - the red book containing all the prayers for Mass.

Vestments

Alb– white ankle length garment worn by altar servers, priests and deacons.

Cincture– rope belt worn with an alb.

Stole– narrow strip of cloth worn over the alb by priest and deacons. Priests wear the stole over the front and deacons wear it to the side.

Chasuble– round outer vestment worn by a priest at Mass.

Dalmatic– a rectangular garment worn sometimes by deacons. Dalmatics have sleeves and chasubles do not.

 

 

 

 

ICD Church Map Key

1. Baptismal Font

2. Offertory Table

3. Altar

4. Presider’s chair

5. Ambo

6. Server’s chairs

7. Processional Cross Stand

8. Credence Table

9. Tabernacle

Altar

 

 

 

Presider’s chair

 

Ambo

 

 

Tabernacle

 

 

 

Offertory Table

 

 

Credence Table

 

 

 

 

Chalices

 

 

 

Paten

 

 

Cruets

 

 

 

Flagon

 

 

 

 

Ciboriums

 

 

 

Thrurible

 

 

 

Incense

Boat

 

 

Aspergillum

 

 

Corporal

 

 

 

Purificator

 

 

 

Sacramentary

 

 

 

 

Alb

 

 

 

Cincture

 

 

Stole

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chasuble

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