November 24, 2008

Liturgical Vocabulary

Alb – long white robe, worn by the servers.

Altar Servers – those who assist the Presider throughout the Mass.

Boats – those who carry the Incense Container.

Chalice – the cup the priest uses when changing the wine into Precious Blood.

Ciborium – a small bowl with a lid used in distributing Holy Communion. It can also be a chalice with a lid.

Communion Bowl – any bowl specifically used for distributing Holy Communion.

Communion Cup – the cup or Chalice used for the distribution of the Precious Blood.

Corporal – the folded linen cloth used to place the Sacred Vessels on the center of the altar.

Cross Bearers – those who carry the Processional Cross in the Processional and Recessional.

Lavabo Towel - the terry-cloth towel used to dry the Presider’s hands after he washes them.

Pall – the large white cloth used at funerals to cover the casket.

Paten – a small plate used to distribute Holy Communion.

Purificator – the folded linen cloth used to clean the Chalice. When setting up for the next Mass, we set out a purificator for each Chalice or cup.

Thurible – Incense Burner.

Thurifers – those who carry the Thurible or Incense Burner.