Sacred Vessels
 

 Chalice:  The word chalice is from the Latin ‘calix’ meaning cup and is a goblet used to contain the wine of the Mass, Holy Communion or Eucharist.

Accompaniments to the chalice are:

The Purificator: A rectangular piece of linen folded twice lengthwise and laid across the  top of the chalice which is used for wiping and drying the chalice.

The Pall: A small square of stiffened linen, displaying the cross, which is placed
 over the chalice to protect the contents from flies or dust.

Ciborium: The word ciborium is from the Latin, ‘cibus’, "food" and this is a similar container to the Chalice but used to hold the wafers or host of Holy Communion. It differs from the chalice in that it is more round than conical and has a cover often augmented with a cross or other design.

Paten or ‘diskos’, is a small plate, usually made of silver or gold, used to hold Eucharistic wafers or hosts. It can be used in place of the Ciborium to distribute the host at Communion.

Pyx: This is a small box with a lid to contain the consecrated host. It can
be used to carry communion to the sick and housebound.

Cruet: A small vessel which is normally made of glass, but can be a flagon of precious metals, which is used to contain the wine and the water which are mixed together at the consecration.

Two vessels are always used one for each of the elements.

Monstrance: From the Latin ‘monstrare’ which means to expose. This is used  to display the consecrated host, or wafers, to the congregation  during the service of Benediction.

The priest blesses the people with the Eucharist displayed in the Monstrance. This blessing differs from the priest’s blessing, as it is viewed as the blessing of Christ, rather than that of the individual  priest. When it is not displayed the reserved sacrament is kept in the locked Tabernacle.

Tabernacle: This is a locked box placed on the High Altar under the Cross in which  the sacrament (host or wafers) is kept, reserved, for later distribution to the sick or housebound.

Thurible: This is a metal censer suspended from a chain which is used to burn incense during certain services. Inside the thurible a lighted charcoal ring has incense placed on it. By swinging the thurible the incense is released. The altar server who carries and uses this artefact is called the Thurifer.

Baptismal Shell: The scallop shell has been used for centuries as a symbol of baptism.

Some ancient pictures actually show John the Baptist pouring water on the head of Jesus with a shell as he baptized him in the River Jordan. Thus a shell may be used to administer the sacrament of baptism.

 

Disclaimer:   The contents of this website are provided in good faith and are not necessarily the views of the website authors, (St Thomas of Canterbury & the English Martyrs, Preston),  the Diocese, the Catholic Church or any other implied body.  The website authors are not responsible for any content of external websites linked to this site or material submitted by website visitors and users.  Your suggestions and views on the site content are welcomed and visitors are encouraged to communicate their comments to us. A comments page is included in this website and all legitimate or appropriate comments (and responses) will be posted for viewing.  All materials submitted to this site are carefully screened prior to publication; however, we apologise for any unforeseen offence or distress caused by any material contained herein.