| Glossary of Liturgical Terms for Altar Servers (index) |
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| Altar and Sanctuary It is here that the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered. This picture shows everything that is necessary for Mass, and gives the proper name of the furniture of the sanctuary. 1 - The Crucifix 4 to 9 - Large Candlesticks |
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Alb A wide linen robe reaching to the feet and covering the whole body. The vesting prayer is: Make me white, O Lord, and cleanse my heart; that being made white in the Blood of the Lamb I may deserve an eternal reward. The alb, or tunic, was worn in ancient times by all who enjoyed any dignity. The garment with which Herod clothed Our Lord. Signifies the purity of conscience demanded of God’s priests. |
| Altar Candles candles required (2) for each mass service. |
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Altar Cloth A large cloth that covers the altar during Mass. It is usually large enough to extend down the both sides of the altar. After Mass, this cloth is removed. |
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Altar Stone Historically, altars were made with a top of stone. This top had five crosses carved into it and a place for relics of martyrs to be entombed. Difficulty in the creation of such altars, led to the creation of the altar stone. This stone is 10 inches square and embedded in the top of the altar. This stone also had the five carved crosses and the relics. When Mass was celebrated outside of a church, a special cloth (antimension) was used in place of the altar stone. Today, the altar stone is no longer required. An altar stone is in the St. James chapel altar below. The Church altar does not have a stone or relics in the altar. |
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Amice The amice is a piece of fine linen in the form of an oblong. The priest places it for a moment on his head, and then allows it to rest upon his shoulders. |
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Ambo / Pulpit Also known as the Ambo, the Pulpit is a stand that holds the book(s) used by the presiding priest, lectors and cantors. |
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Aspergillum The Aspergillum is the sprinkler dipped in water for sprinkling |
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Baptismal Font a fairly large container which hold Holy blessed water. Individuals may use it to bless themselves during church and it if often used by Deacons and Priests to Baptize infants and adults to the Catholic faith. |
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Bells Bells have been used in churches for centuries. Large bells, usually found in towers were used to call the congregation to service. During Mass in some churches, a small hand bell is rung during the eucharistic prayer when the bread and wine are shown to the assembly. Additionally, a special bell is sometimes used at funerals. |
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Bible The traditional book of religious writings for both the Judeo and Christian beliefs. |
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Boat used to hold incense before it is applied to the censor for masses requiring incense for special blessings. Boat with unburned incense below. |
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Book of Gospels A religious book containing the passages from the four gospels proclaimed at the Mass. Additionally, it is presented to deacons at their ordination and held over the heads of bishops at their ordination. |
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Breviary The name most often used for the book containing the "Liturgy of the Hours" which is sometimes called the divine office. |
