Frequently Asked Questions
Compiled by Chris Williams
Click on a word and you will be taken to the explanation.
[A's]
Acolyte' Candles
Agnus Dei
Alb
Alleluia
Altar
Altar Bread
Altar Candles
Altar Frontal
Altar Missal
Ambo
Amice
Angelus
Antiphon
Asperges
Aumbry
[B's]
Bell
Benediction
Boat
Biretta
Book of Gospels
Burse
[C's]
Candles
Canon
Canticle
Cassock-Alb
Cassock
Chalice
Chalice Veil
Chasuble
Ciborium
Cincture
Collect
Concelebration
Cope
Corporal
Cotta
CredenceTable
Credo
Crozier
Crucifer
Crucifix
Cruet
[D's]
Dalmatic
Doxology
[E's]
Elevation
Epistle
Extinguisher
[F's]
Flagon
Font
[G's]
Gaudete Sunday
Genuflect
Girdle
Gloria in Excelsis Deo
Gospel Book
[H's]
Holy Oils
Holy Water
Host
Humeral veil
{I's]
Incense
Incense Boat
Intinction
Introit
{K's]
Kyrie Eleison, Christe Eleison
[L's]
Laetare Sunday
Lavabo
Lavabo Bowl
Lavabo Towel
Lectern
Lectern Fall
Lectionary
Legilium
Liturgical Colours
Liturgy
Lunette
[M's]
Mitre
Monstrance
[N's]
Nave
[O's]
Offertory
[P's]
Pall
Paschal Candle
Paten
Pectoral Cross
Penitential Rite
Piscina
Postcommunion
Preface
Purificator
Presidential chair
Processions
Processional Cross
Pyx
[R's]
Reader
Royal Peculiar
[S's]
Sacrament
Sacramentary
Sacristan
Sacristy
Sanctuary
Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus
Sanctus Bell
Sanctuary Lamp
Scarf
Sedilia
Skullcap
Snuffer
Soutane
Stations of the Cross
Statues
Stocks
Stole
Surplice
[T's]
Tabernacle
Tabernacle Veil
Thurible
Tunicle
[V's]
Verger
Vestments
[Z's]
Zucchetto
Acolyte
General name for person who serves at the Eucharist or other servoces.
Acolyte' Candles
These two candles are carried either side of the cross in the processions at the beginning and end of the Eucharist. Also used to flank the Gospel when it is proclaimed and at each side of the altar during the consecration.
Agnus Dei
Latin for 'Lamb of God'
Alb
A long full length tunic of white linen, cotton or polyester worn over the cassock. Often with a hood or cowl or stand-up collar to
mask the shirt or collar beneath. Traditioanlly worn since the fourth century. The name comes fron the LAtin word, 'albus', meaning white. Some parishes dress their servers in alb and cincture.
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Alleluia
Literally 'Praise God!'. Just as a psalm is said or sung before the Epistle or second scripture reading. So is an 'alleluia verse' said or sung prior
to the reading of The Gospel as an acclamation, serving to express our interior delight in God. The reason for the joy is found in the ensuing Gospel reading where the joyful message of salvation is heard.
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Altar
Usually of stone or of other solid construction. The table on which the liturgy of the Sacrament takes place in the Eucharist.
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Altar Bread
AKA Host - Strictly speaking, the consecrated Bread. In practise, the name is often used for the unconsecrated altar bread. The priest's host is often larger than the others so that members of the congregation can more easily see it.
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Altar Candles
Symbolically representing Christ as 'Light of the world'
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Altar Frontal
An embroidered or decorated cloth that hangs to the front of the altar also known as the ‘antependium’. The frontal like the chasuble, dalmatic and stole, is of a liturgical colour appropriate to the feast or season.
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Altar Missal
A book that the priest uses at his chair and at the altar. It can also be called the Missal.
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Ambo
The desk from which the readers, deacon and priest proclaim the readings. The lectern is commonly of cast brass in the form of an eagle. Also known as an Ambo.
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Amice
A covering of white linen or cotton for the neck and shoulders; traditionally square with two long fixing tapes. Worn beneath an alb that has no cowl or collar. Used to protect the chasuble or dalmatic from perspiration and to conceal ordinary clothing worn beneath.
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Angelus
The church bell; the angelus bell, is rung in a sequence of three times three, then nine to remind us of the Incarnation.
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Antiphon
A short verse used at the beginning and end of a Canticle or psalm. See Introit.
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Asperges
The sprinkling of the congregation with Holy Water by the priest during a service. Comes from the Latin meaning ‘sprinkling’.
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Aumbry
A recess in the wall of a church where the Blessed Sacrament and the holy oils are reserved.
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Bell
The Church bell is rung or the bells are pealed to call people to worship and to remind everyone that the church is in use and has a message to loudly proclaim. The church bell in some churches is rung three times at the elevations of the Host and Chalice to signify the most solemn moments of consecration in the Eucharist. See also ‘Sanctus’ bell.
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Benediction
A service where the Blessed Sacrament is placed in the monstrance where the congregation reveres the sacrament and is blessed. From the Latin meaning ‘blessing’.
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Boat
So called because it is usually shaped like a boat, it contains the incense, which will be burned in the thurible.
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Biretta
A square cap with three projections or horns and a tassel. Worn by priests and bishops; Black for priests, purple for bishops, red for the clergy of Royal peculiars. The tassel or pom-pom can be black, purple or red according to rank. Not often seen today.
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Book of Gospels
Decorated book containing all the Gospel readings for the Church's year. It is brought to the lectern or among the congregation during the Gospel acclamation. It may be carried into church as part of the entrance procession or put on the altar or in a special place before the celebration begins.
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Burse
A decorated ‘envelope’ in liturgical colours that contains the Corporal. Not seen often today.
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Candles
Symbols of the risen Christ. Used as an aid to devotion, for example near a statue of Our Lady or the patron saint of the church. As they burn their life away they are symbolic of prayer and sacrifice.
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Canon
The prayers said after the preface and sanctus, prior to the Lords prayer. The solemn prayers of consecration of the bread and wine in the Eucharist. During the Canon the Elevation of the Host and Chalice take place.
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Canticle
Literally means ‘little song’, a short prayer usually deriving from the bible.
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Cassock
Full length gown with sleeves worn by priests and servers. They can be single or double breasted. Single breasted cassocks are sometimes called a Soutane and can be worn with a shoulder cape. Priests and Deacons wear black, a variety of coloured buttons and piping can be added to indicate higher rank. Bishop’s wear purple, Canons, Choristers and Deans of Royal Peculiars Red.
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Cassock-Alb
A modern ‘combined’ garment now becoming increasingly popular, worn instead of the cassock and alb. Worn by priests, deacons, choristers and servers.
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Chalice
The cup usually of precious metal that is used during the Eucharist to contain the precious Blood of Christ. When prepared for the celebration of the Eucharist, the chalice is ‘layered’ as follows: empty chalice, purificator, paten with celebrant’s host, pall, chalice veil and on top the burse containing the corporal.
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Chalice Veil
A decorated cloth in liturgical colours about 21 inches square (53cm), used to cover the chalice on the altar or credence table prior to the Eucharist.
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Chasuble
The outer garment worn by the priest at the celebration of The Eucharist. There are two basic forms or styles of chasuble. The full or half Gothic or medieval-shape and the Baroque, Roman, Latin or Spanish with heavily decorated back and pinched waist. The chasuble, like the dalmatic and stole, is of a liturgical colour appropriate to the feast or season.
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Ciborium
A container that holds the many breads for the congregation both before and after the consecration. Similar to the chalice but with a lid. Reserved in the aumbry or tabernacle if containing the Blessed Sacrament.
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Cincture
Also known as a ’Girdle’. A rope belt that is tied around the waist traditionally over an alb to secure the stole. Used by servers wearing cassock-alb’s.
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Collect
A short prayer, following a set pattern, used at the end of the Gathering in the Eucharist, and at the end of the Intercession in daily prayer.
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Concelebration
Where two or more priests or bishops join together in The Liturgy of The Sacrament at the Eucharist.
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Cope
An ankle length cloak of rich fabric. The cope is worn by bishops and priests.
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Corporal
Its name comes from the Latin word 'corpus' meaning a 'body'. It is a square of white cloth 16-18 inches (41-46cm) square, on which the chalice and paten are placed during the Eucharist, to catch particles of the Blessed Sacrament, should any fall from the vessels. The corporal is placed on the altar either before or during the preparation of the gifts.
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Cotta
Of white linen, cotton or polyester having a square neck revealing the cassock. The hem reaches to the fingertips when the hands fall at the sides, the sleeves end half way down the arms. Cottas can be decorated by the substitution of lace to the hem and to the sleeves. Rarely seen today is a cotta made entirely of lace. Worn over the cassock by priests, deacons, choristers and servers. A priest or deacon conducting or participating in a service wears a stole over the cotta.
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Credence Table
The little wooden side table on which all the things that are necessary for the Eucharist are placed, such as the chalice, paten, ciborium and cruets.
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Credo
‘I believe’ in Latin, the first words of the Creed. The universal confession of faith by christians
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Crozier
Carried by a Bishop. Looks like a shepherd's crook and reminds us that the Bishop is chief shepherd of the flock of Christ in his diocese or area.
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Crucifer
The server who carries the processional cross at services. Also known as the cross-bearer.
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Crucifix
A cross on which is the figure of Jesus.
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Cruet
A jug that contains water or wine for the Eucharist. Can be of glass or precious metal.
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Dalmatic
A sleeved tunic worn by Deacons over the Alb when assisting at The Eucharist. The dalmatic; like the chasuble and stole, is of a liturgical colour appropriate to the feast or season.
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Doxology
A prayer of praise to God. From the Greek word ‘Doxa’ meaning ‘Glory’. See ‘Gloria’.
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Elevation
The ‘major elevation’. When the priest raises the consecrated Host and then the Chalice containing the consecrated wine high up for the congregation to see and adore Christ present in the Sacrament. At the end of the Canon the ‘little elevation’ occurs as a final sacrificial gesture to sum-up the Eucharistic act and as a preparation for communion.
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Epistle
A portion of scripture read after the Collect and before the Gospel in the Eucharist. Generally, but not always taken from the Epistles of the Apostles, and above all from those of St. Paul.
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Extinguisher
A small cone fixed to the end of a pole used to ‘put out’ candles. Also known as a ‘Snuffer’.
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Flagon
Larger version of the cruet used in festival celebrations.
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Font
A pool or vessel of water in which people are baptised.
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Gaudete Sunday
Third Sunday of Advent. Rose coloured vestments may be worn. So called from the first word of the Introit In the Latin Mass.
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Genuflect
A momentary bending of the right knee to show special reverence to the Blessed Sacrament. The priest genuflects following the elevations of the host and chalice at the Eucharist. We all genuflect on approaching the aumbry or tabernacle. A bishop as our father in Christ is also honoured with a genuflection when processing in a service. During the Credo we also genuflect when the words ‘…and dwelt amongst us…’ are said, to revere the fact of the divine Christ’s birth among us as a human.
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Girdle
Also known as a ’Cincture’. A rope belt that is tied around the waist traditionally over an alb to secure the stole. Used by servers wearing cassock-alb’s.
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Gloria in Excelsis Deo
‘Glory be to God on high’, the greater doxology or ‘ascription of glory’, sung by the angels on Christmas night (Luke 2:14). The Gloria is said or sung after the ‘Kyrie’ in the Eucharist concluding the penitential rite in The Gathering. It is not said or sung during Advent or Lent. The lesser doxology, ‘Glory be to the Father…’ is said after each psalm in daily prayer. See ‘Doxology’.
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Gospel Book
A large decorated book containing only the Gospel readings for the Eucharist.
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Holy Oils
Used in the anointing at baptism (Oleum Catechumenorum), confirmation, consecration and ordination (Chrisma) and the anointing of the sick (Oleum Infirmiorum). These are consecrated by the bishop at the cathedral Eucharist on Maundy Thursday.
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Holy Water
Ordinary water sanctified by the blessing of the church. Symbolises a desire to be washed or purified from sin. Used in baptism, the asperges and at funerals.
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Host
Strictly speaking, the consecrated Bread. In practice, the name is often used for the unconsecrated altar bread. The priest’s host is often larger than the others so that members of the congregation can more easily see it .
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Humeral veil
A wide scarf, usually about nine feet long (3m) and two feet (61cm) wide, placed around the shoulders of the priest or deacon held by a clasp at the front, when carrying a Ciborium or Monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament.
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Incense
Made from aromatic gums from various trees and shrubs or from solidified oils from herbs and scented flowers. The grains are sprinkled by the priest on hot charcoal discs contained in the thurible, giving off sweet smelling smoke. Used to hallow or bless things or people.
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Incense Boat
So called because it is usually shaped like a boat, it contains the incense, which will be burned in the thurible.
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Intinction
Lightly dipping the consecrated host in the consecrated wine.
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Introit
Also known as the Entry Antiphon or Entrance Chant. A short prayer or antiphon said at the beginning of the Eucharist.
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Kyrie Eleison, Christe Eleison
Greek for ‘Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy’. Said or sung prior to the Gloria.
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Laetare Sunday
Laetare Sunday – Fourth Sunday of Lent. Also known as mid-lent or Refreshment Sunday. Rose coloured vestments may be worn. A slight relaxation of the solemnity of Lent is permitted, flowers may decorate the altar. So named from the first word of the Introit in the Latin Mass.
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Lavabo
At the preparation of the gifts the priest washes his hands to signify the cleansing of the sins of those gathered and to prepare himself for what he is about to do. After communion the priest cleanses his fingers and the sacred vessels of any particles of the host or drops of consecrated wine that may remain and consumes them. From the Latin ‘I will wash’.
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Lavabo Bowl
Used at the preparation of the gifts.
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Lavabo Towel
Finger towel about 24 inches (61cm) by 12 inches (30cm) used by the priest to dry his hands during the offertory before proceeding to the consecration.
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Lectern
The desk from which the readers, deacon and priest proclaim the readings. The lectern is commonly of cast brass in the form of an eagle. Also known as an Ambo.
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Lectern Fall
An embroidered or decorated cloth used to decorate the lectern. The fall like the chasuble, dalmatic, stole and frontal is of a liturgical colour appropriate to the feast or season.
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Kyrie Eleison, Christe Eleison
Lectionary - A book containing all the scripture readings, antiphons, collects and prayers for the services of the Church year. It is placed on the lectern before Mass begins, or it may be carried in the entrance procession.
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Legilium
A portable lectern from which the liturgy of the word may be conducted.
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Liturgical Colours
These are different colours used to show the progress of the church seasons and feasts. The principal colours are White or Gold, Red, Purple or Violet and Green. Less common today are Rose and Black.
White or Gold – symbolising purity or rejoicing
Feasts of Our Lord (except the Passion)
Feasts of Our Lady, angels and saints who were not martyrs.
All Saints
John the Baptist
John the Evangelist
The conversion of St. Paul
Funerals (White sometimes)
Red – symbolising sacrifice
Palm Sunday
Good Friday and Feasts of The Passion of Our Lord
Pentecost
Feasts of apostles, evangelists and martyrs.
Purple or Violet – symbolising penitence
Advent
Lent
Funerals (sometimes)
Green – symbolising growth
Ordinary Time
Rose – symbolising a slight relaxation of purple or violet
Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday)
Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday)
Black – symbolising mourning
Funerals (sometimes)
Liturgy
The form and order of ceremony used in public worship.
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Lunette
A crescent-shaped clip made of gold or of silver-gilt which is used for holding the Host in an upright position when exposed in the monstrance.
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Mitre
A tall pointed hat in two pieces as worn by a Bishop. It reminds us of the tongues of fire that seemed to light upon the apostles on the first day of Pentecost.
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Monstrance
A metal container on a stand. It is used at expositions and benedictions of the Blessed Sacrament. It may be plain or very elaborate, but it always has a little glass window through which you can see the host.
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Nave
The part of the church where the congregation sits.
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Offertory
The offering of bread and wine for the Eucharist.
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Pall
A square board covered in white linen about six inches (15cm) square, used to cover the chalice during the Eucharist.
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Paschal Candle
A very large candle. Blessed at the Easter vigil Eucharist, it represents the risen Christ. During the Easter season the paschal candle has its place in the sanctuary. At Pentecost it is placed in the baptistery or next to the font. It is used all through the year at baptisms and sometimes at Funerals.
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Paten
A thin metal plate on which is placed the priests host for consecration during the Eucharist.
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Pectoral Cross
A cross or crucifix worn by a bishop.
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Penitential Rite
The part of the Eucharist or other service where God’s mercy is asked for and sins are confessed.
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Piscina
Built into the south or Epistle wall of the sanctuary. A shallow basin with a hole in its centre which serves as a drain directly to the consecrated ground outside. From the Greek meaning ‘fish bowl’.
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Postcommunion
Concludes the communion rite. A prayer of gratitude and thanksgiving for receiving the Sacrament, a prayer requesting that the full effect of Sacramental grace may be received.
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Preface
The introductory prayer at the beginning of the Eucharistic prayer of consecration or Canon.
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Purificator
A white linen cloth about 15 inches (38cm) by 9 inches (23cm) that is used during the distribution of the wine at communion to cleanse the lip of the chalice and by the priest for cleansing the chalice and ciborium after communion.
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Presidential chair
The chair on which the president or chief celebrant sits. Usually the three stone seats on the south side of the sanctuary.
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Processions
An outward and collective expression of a desire to show grief, joy or mourning. To give honour and solemnity to a service, such as Corpus Christi.
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Processional Cross
This is carried into church at the head of a procession by the Crucifer, as a sign of our faith, and is the basic symbol of Christianity. It reminds us that Jesus died for us.
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Pyx
A small metal container, used to take Holy Communion to the sick at home or hospital. Reserved in the Aumbry or Tabernacle in a silk-lined bag attached to which are cords, so that it can be hung around the priest’s neck.
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Reader
Licensed by the bishop as a lay minister after a period of training to preach, teach and lead worship. To distribute Holy Communion during the Eucharist and for home and hospital visiting. Can also take funerals.
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Royal Peculiar
A parish or church exempt from the jurisdiction of the diocese in which it lies, coming under the direct authority of The Crown, Westminster Abbey and St. Georges Chapel Windsor are two examples.
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Sacrament
An outward and visible sign, which indicates and reassures those involved that they are receiving an inward and spiritual grace.
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Sacramentary
A book that the priest uses at his chair and at the altar. It can also be called the Missal.
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Sacristan
The person who cares for the sacred vessels and vestments and prepares the altar and sanctuary for services.
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Sacristy
The room where the clergy and servers prepare themselves for the Service.
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Sanctuary
Sacred part of the church where the Altar, Lectern and presidential chair are. Today the Sanctuary altar is often referred to as the High Altar. Also known as the chancel.
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Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus
‘Holy, holy, holy…’. The ‘angelic hymn’ which concludes the Preface.
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Sanctus Bell
Hand held bell rung by a server when the ‘Sanctus’ is said or sung and at the consecration during the Eucharist. Also rung during benediction.
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Sanctuary Lamp
The lamp that is kept burning in the sanctuary or near the aumbry to show that the Blessed Sacrament is present.
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Scarf
Broader than a stole, worn around the neck and falling calf length to the front. Black for priests blue for readers.
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Sedilia
The chair on which the president or chief celebrant sits. Usually the three stone seats on the south side of the sanctuary.
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Skullcap
Also known as a ‘skullcap’, coloured purple. Worn by a bishop beneath the mitre.
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Snuffer
A small cone fixed to the end of a pole used to ‘put out’ candles. Also known as a ‘Snuffer’.
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Soutane
Full length gown with sleeves worn by priests and servers. They can be single or double breasted. Single breasted cassocks are sometimes called a Soutane and can be worn with a shoulder cape. Priests and Deacons wear black, a variety of coloured buttons and piping can be added to indicate higher rank. Bishop’s wear purple, Canons, Choristers and Deans of Royal Peculiars Red.
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Stations of the Cross
These depict, usually in fourteen stages, the journey of Jesus to Calvary, his crucifixion on the cross and his laying in the tomb. Used as a focus for meditation on Our Lords Passion.
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Statues
Images of Our Lord, Our Lady and the saints. Honoured not adored. Honoured for whom the statue represents. Used as an aid to devotion and prayer.
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Stocks
Usually of silver, three small airtight containers used to contain the holy oils. Kept in the Aumbry. Most priests have their own single stock containing oil of the sick, which they keep on them to enable sick calls to be made without delay. The lids are engraved with the letters ‘B’, ‘C’ and ‘I’. See also ‘holy oils’.
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Stole
Worn around the neck by priests and deacons; the mark of ordination. It shows that the priest is celebrating one of the Sacraments. It also shows that the priest has the duty to preach the Word of God. A priest wears the stole around the neck and falling equally to the front, the deacon’s stole is worn over the left shoulder and falling to the right side where it is fastened. The stole, like the chasuble and dalmatic, is of a liturgical colour appropriate to the feast or season.
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Surplice
Of white linen, cotton or polyester having a round neck revealing the cassock. The hem reaches to the calf, the sleeves are wrist length. Worn over the cassock by priests, deacons, choristers and readers. A priest or deacon conducting or participating in a service wears a stole over the cotta; a priest can wear a black scarf over the surplice in place of a stole. A reader wears a blue scarf over the surplice. The surplice is never worn beneath a chasuble or dalmatic.
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Tabernacle
A decorated secure niche or metal cupboard where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved. Situated on or above the high altar.
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Tabernacle Veil
The embroidered or decorated cloth of liturgical colour covering the tabernacle.
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Thurible
Container for the burning of incense, usually suspended on three chains.
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Tunicle
A short tunic worn by Sub-Deacons over the Alb when assisting at The Eucharist. The Tunicle; like the chasuble and stole, is of a liturgical colour appropriate to the feast or season. Rarely seen today.
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Verger – Or Virgir
A layperson who acts as a caretaker and attendant for a church or cathedral.
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Vestments
Chasuble, dalmatic, tunicle stole and cope. The special garments worn by priests and deacons during the Eucharist or other services. Originating
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Zucchetto
Also known as a ‘skullcap’, coloured purple. Worn by a bishop beneath the mitre.
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