Altar Servers

Helpful Definitions for Altar Servers >>> return to Altar Servers
Ablution Cup	A covered dish of water by the side of the tabernacle used by the priest, deacon or extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion to wash their fingers after distributing Communion.
Alb	The white robe worn over street clothes by priests and deacons and in some parishes altar servers.
Altar	The table of the Lord in the sanctuary.
Altar Cloth	The tablecloth for the altar which is always white.
Ambo	The lectern from which the readings, gospel and homily are given.
Ambry	A niche or box in the wall or a special container to hold the holy oils: the oil of the catechumens, the oil of chrism and the oil for anointing the sick.
Aspergillum	The holy water sprinkler used for blessings.
Aspersorium	The pot or small bucket used to hold holy water and the aspergillum used for blessings.
Baptismal Font	The large multi-tiered water feature located to the side of the sanctuary containing water that has been blessed with the Paschal Candle and is used in the baptism of new members into the Catholic Church.
Bells	Located in the sanctuary and are rung by the altar server during the consecration of the Mass.
Boat	A metal vessel which contains the incense and a small spoon for use with the thurible.
Book by the Chair	A small Sacramentary with prayers for the Mass that is used by the priestís chair.
Book of the Gospels	The ceremonial book of the gospels carried in procession from which the Gospel is proclaimed by the deacon.
Candles	Used at the tabernacle, the altar, and in procession to indicate the presence of Christ in the sacred mysteries being celebrated.
Cassock	A long tunic like garment which reaches from the neck to the heels which is warn by altar servers and some clergy. It may be red, white, blue or black.
Censer	A name sometimes used for the incense thurible. See thurible below.
Chalice	A cup of precious metal that holds the wine which becomes the Blood of Jesus during the consecration.
	Also the secondary chalices used when communion is given under both species of bread and wine.
Chasuble	The coloured outer vestment worn by the priest.
Ciborium	A large cup or container of precious metal with a cover of the same material which will hold the Body of Jesus after the consecration for distribution of Holy Communion to the faithful.
Cincture	The cord used as a belt for an alb or for our altar serverís cassock.
Corporal	A white linen cloth, usually with a cross in the center, used to protect any particles of the Precious Body and Blood of Jesus from falling to the altar cloth. It is always folded and unfolded as to protect any particles from being lost.
Credence Table	The table in the sanctuary where the cruets, chalices and ciborium are kept before and after the Consecration.
Cruets	The small glass vessels containing the water and wine used for the Mass.
Dalmatic	The coloured outer vestment worn by the deacon. Unlike the chasuble the dalmatic has sleeves.
Finger Bowl	The small bowl used to wash the hands of the priest during Mass.
Finger Towel	A small white towel used to dry the hands of the priest during Mass.
Holy Water Font	Small bowls located near all the doors of the church filled with holy water.
Lunette	A thin, circular receptacle, having a glass face that holds the Blessed Sacrament used for adoration and benediction. It slides into the monstrance on a little track.
Lectionary	The book of readings used for the liturgy of the word found at the ambo.
Monstrance	This is a large, ornate vessel used to hold the Blessed Sacrament for Adoration, Benediction and solemn Eucharistic processions.
Pall	A square piece of cardboard or plastic which is covered by linen and used to cover the chalice.
Pall	Also the white covering draped over the casket at a funeral.
Paten	A small saucer shaped plate of precious metal that holds the Host.
Paschal Candle	The large ornate candle blessed at the Easter Vigil that is used at funerals, baptisms, and Sundays from Easter until Pentecost.
Processional Cross	The cross carried to lead the processions in our liturgical celebrations.
Purificator	A linen cloth used by the priest or deacon to dry the chalice after washing and purifying it.
Pyx	A case, about the size of a pocket watch, in which Communion is carried to those who are sick or unable to come to church.
Pyx	Also a lager pyx is used to hold the lunette for the monstrance when it is kept in the tabernacle.
Sacristy	The room where the priest and deacon vest before Mass.
Sacramentary	The book used at the altar containing the prayers said by the priest during the Mass.
Sacrarium	A sink located in the sacristy with the drain going directly into the ground.
Sanctuary	The sacred space elevated before the congregation.
Sanctuary Lamp	The elaborate red lamp near the tabernacle which, when lit, indicates the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle.
Stole	A long narrow vestment worn over the alb of the priest. The priestís stole is worn over his neck and drapes down the front of the alb. The stole is a sign of the priestís ordination and is a symbol of his authority.
Stole	Also a long narrow vestment worn over the alb of the deacon. The deacon's stole is worn over his left shoulder, comes across his chest, and drapes down his right side. The stole is a sign of the deaconís ordination and is a symbol of his authority.
Surplice	A short white vestment worn by altar servers and clergy over a cassock.
Tabernacle	The ornate receptacle where the Blessed Sacrament is reposed after Mass.
Thurible	The metal container in which charcoal and incense are burned. The smoke from the thurible is used for blessing the altar, the book of the gospels, the offertory gifts, the priest and the people during solemn celebrations. The thurible is sometimes called a censer. The altar server who assists with the thurible is called a thurifer.
Vestments	Special robes worn by priests, deacons and altar servers.
Vestment Colours	Green: is a sign of hope and is worn during Ordinary Time. White: is a sign of joy and happiness and is worn during Easter, Christmas, feasts, weddings and funerals. Red: is a sign of blood and of the Holy Spirit and is worn when we commemorate the passion of Christ, when we celebrate our martyrs and it is worn on Pentecost and for Confirmations in honour of the Holy Spirit. Purple: is a sign of penance and conversion and is worn during Advent and Lent.