Altar Server Guidelines
Order of Mass | Serving Procedures | Glossary | St. Tarcisius

Altar Server's Glossary of Terms

Ambo / Pulpit. The lectern at which the Scripture readings are proclaimed by a lector, deacon, or priest.

Ambry. A cabinet which holds the holy oils for Baptism, Confirmation, and the Sacrament of the Sick, etc.; we have a shelf rather than a cabinet over behind where the music group sing.

Aspergillum / Sprinkler. The "wand" which is used to sprinkle people with holy water.

Baptismal Font. A stand with a basin or pool containing water in the area of church where Baptism takes place.

Book of Gospels. The book which contains the Gospel readings. It is usually carried in procession and placed on the altar.

Chalice. The cup used by the priest which contains the wine / blood of Christ. Chalices should be made of precious metal.

Ciborium. The bowl which holds the hosts and is stored (when full with consecrated hosts) in the tabernacle. The ciborium should be made of precious metal. Ciboria is the plural form of ciborium.

Communion Cups. Goblets used for the distribution of Holy Communion. We currently use a glass one.

Corporal. The large, square white cloth which is placed on the altar underneath the chalice and platen. When not in use it is hung over the rack back by the credance table.

Credence Table. The table on which are placed the cruets, chalice, lavabo bowl, Communion Cups, etc.

Cruets. The glass containers which hold wine and water. At Sunday liturgies a large pitcher or decanter is used for the wine.

Eucharistic Minister. (Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist) A person who helps distribute the Body and Blood of Christ.

Incense Boat. The small brass bowl that holds the incense.

Lavabo Bowl. The dish or bowl in which the priest washes his hands during Mass.

Lectionary. The book which contains the Scripture readings.

Lector. A person who reads the Scriptures during Mass.

Paschal Candle. The tall candle which is blessed and used during the Easter season, baptisms, and funerals.

Paten. The plate that holds the large host.

Presider's Chair (Celebrant's Chair). The chair in which the priest sits.

Sanctuary. The area of church which contains the altar, ambo, and presider's chair.

Processional Cross / Crucifix. The cross / crucifix carried in processions.

Purificator. The folded, narrow cloth that is used to wipe the rim of the Communion Cups as people drink from it.

Pyx. The small metal container which is used to hold consecrated host(s) when visiting the sick or homebound.

Sacramentary. The book that contains the various prayers of the Mass.

Sacrarium. The sacrarium is a special sink found in the sacristy of most Catholic churches. The drain opens into a pipe that runs straight down into the earth. The basin often hides beneath a hinged cover. The sacrarium provides for the proper disposal of sacred substances. Most notably, after Mass the vessels which held the Body and Blood of Christ are rinsed and cleansed there.

Sacristan. The person whose ministry is the care of the sacristy, sanctuary, vestments, sacred vessels, etc.

Tabernacle. The large metal or wood container in the church which holds the consecrated hosts. A candle Sanctuary Lamp is left burning at all times by the tabernacle.

Thurible / Censer. The metal container hung by a chain that holds charcoal and is used to burn incense.

Thurifer. The person who carries the thurible and incense boat.