Articles, Terms, and Practices Dictionary

Articles and terms around the Altar The Altar: The altar is the most sacred object in the Church by virtue of its consecration and because it represents: 1) the sacrifice of Christ for us, 2) where the real presence of Christ is given in the Eucharist, ) the focal point of our parish life, and !) the Throne of "od# The top of the altar has traditionally been called the Mensa, and the entire surface was made of stone# $hen this was not economical, a smaller stone was fitted into the altar%s surface# &ost modern altars do not have this feature# The Gradine is the shelf above and behind the altar where the proper ornaments 'i#e#, the candlestic(s, cross, or crucifi)) are placed# The ciborium or baldachino is what the great altar canopy used to be called, the former usually is suspended# *t is called a tester when the canopy is made of wood# Today, the Ciborium is a covered chalice or container in which the bread is held in the Tabernacle or +umbrey or during the &ass# The Credence: This is a small table that normally stands on the epistle side of the sanctuary and where the re,uired ornaments for the Eucharist are held until placed at the altar# The Tabernacle: The tabernacle is where the reserve sacrament and holy oils are (ept, and is usually made of precious metal and is lined with either sil( or of poplar or cedar wood# *t always has an inner curtain of white sil( at the opening# *t is normally in a fi)ed position on the gradine, but is away from the wall# The tabernacle is always covered in its entirety with a conopaeum, a special outer cloth that is the color of the day or season - no matter how beautiful the tabernacle is# +n uncolored light burns constantly before the tabernacle when the reserve .acrament is present and only the altar cross may rest upon it# /ormally a corporal, a lavabo bowl with water, and a purificator are placed among the contents of the tabernacle# The Aumbry: This is a special bo) in the wall of the sanctuary where holy oils are (ept, if a tabernacle is present in the Church# Traditionally it was lined in purple linen with a purple veil over its door# Today the Aumbry is used as the tabernacle and thus, all of the rules 'with the e)ception of the conopaeum) apply# +gain, a candle burns constantly when the reserve sacrament is present# The Altar Linens: The Antependium or frontal, hangs in front of the altar and is usually of a rich material in the color of the season or day#

The Fair Linen or +ltar Cloth, is a seamless piece of fine woven linen that covers the entire top surface of the altar and hangs over the ends# Traditionally this cloth represents the cloth that 0esus% body was wrapped in when 1e was buried# *t is usually plain and has five crosses embroidered in it# The Corporal is a s,uare linen that is laid upon the fair linen when the Eucharist is celebrated# The chalice and paten are placed upon it# *t is normally contained in a burse, a s,uare folder that rests on the chalice when a pall is used# The Chalice Veil is used to cover the chalice while it is on the credence table# *t covers the pall and the burse rests on top of it# $hen the chalice has been properly outfitted and covered, it is (nown as a `Chalice Pack'# The Pall is used to cover the chalice when in use at the Eucharist, and is generally a stiffened board covered in white linen# + pall also may be a large white cloth that covers a cas(et at a funeral# + pall and burse are not used in all Churches, but the Church of .t# 2u(e and .t# .imon does use them# The Puri icator is a small linen used to clean the chalice and paten after communion# This is also used by the chalice bearer while distributing the consecrated wine during communion# The La!abo to"els #Mundatory$ are normally a narrow piece of linen that is used to dry the Celebrant%s hands after cleansing# The Credence co!er is traditionally a large piece of linen that hangs nearly to the ground and covers the credence table during the service# *t is normally white in color# The Church of .t# 2u(e and .t# .imon uses a credence cloth that simply covers the surface of the table beside the pulpit reredos# Appointments o the Church Proper The Crosses: Every altar should have a crucifi) which is visible to the Celebrant and the congregation# $ithin the +nglican tradition, the altar cross represents the 3esurrection of 0esus Christ instead of the agony of 4ur 2ord during 1is 5assion# The Church of .t# 2u(e and .t# .imon not only has a simple altar cross on the gradine, but also has a marvelous Cross of Christ the 6ing high above the sanctuary# The Processional Cross is usually very ornate and is always carried as high as the bearer can manage while in procession# *t is normally covered during 2ent and is usually not used as a sanctuary ornament# This cross always faces away from the bearer# +s will be noted again later, the processional cross bearer and the attending torch bearers are never to genuflect 'even before the consecrated .acrament), (neel, or cross themselves, but simply are re,uired to bow the head before the altar#

+nother Processional Cross may be used in the service either before the "ospel, or in the event of an Episcopal visitation, a third may be added# *t is not the custom of the Church to use more than three Crosses in procession# The Candles: The tradition of the Church is to have at least two candles that stand directly on the altar# +ll other candles should be placed on the gradine or on separate stands# +t 1igh &ass, it is customary to have si) candles on the gradine# $hen the 7ishop of the 8iocese is in visitation, a seventh is added behind, but not above, the +ltar Cross# Acolytes' Candles are normally not used at most churches# These candles are not torches, but are actual candlestic(s that are placed directly upon the altar or are placed bac( on the gradine# They are normally brass with an attached base and are carried only when gloves are worn# 4nce they are in place, they customarily are not moved# The Processional Torches are without bases and are usually much longer than the acolytes' candles. The Pascal Candle is blessed and lit at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday and burns (not continually) until Ascension day. It represents light o the !esurrected "hrist. Traditionally it was ne#er used on !ogation days$ re%uiems$ or burials$ but the present custom o the "hurch is to ha#e it present at &aptisms and 'unerals. The Sanctuary: This is the space that is within the altar rails. "ustomarily$ all ha#ing duties within the sanctuary should wear a cassoc($ but this custom has been o#erloo(ed in many cases. It is important to (now that re#erence is always shown within this area. The Ambulatory is a passageway or corridor that is behind the altar. The Pavement is the area usually be ore the altar steps and is co#ered with a carpet. The Sedilia are the seats where the "elebrant and attending ministers in#ol#ed in the Eucharist are placed. These seats are normally on the south side o the "hurch (the Epistle side). )hen there are not any assisting ministers at the Eucharist$ this is re erred to as the Sedile. The Bishop's Chair$ or *Temporary Throne$* is not a normal appointment o the a#erage "hurch$ but is a permanent appointment o the &ishop's "athedral. The Sacred Vessels and Others The Chalice: The chalice is the cup that is used by the celebrant when the wine is consecrated. The chalice may be #ery ornate$ some are e#en studded with precious +ewels$ but the cup is to be #ery plain and smooth. Traditionally there is a (nob$ or

*&oss$* in the center o the stem so that it may be better controlled while distribution during "ommunion. The Paten: This is a shallow plate that is #ery plain and smooth and rests upon the chalice when in a pac(. The consecrated Host is placed upon it and it is used to collect particles o the corporal. The Ciborium: See abo#e. The Pyx: This is a smaller "iborium with a lid$ in which the Host alone reser#ed. It usually has a cross mounted on the lid and is placed in a sil( bag with corded draw strings. The Cruets (Ampulla : Although traditionally the cruets are o clear glass or crystal$ other materials are acceptable. They are usually clearly mar(ed with a V (#inum) and A (a%ua) or their respecti#e contents. , ten they ha#e a small dish or bowl that they rest in. The dish is used in the lavabo. The !la"on: This is a large gold or sil#er pitcher that is used to consecrate the wine or a large group o people. Other items: The ollowing items play important roles in the ser#ice$ but are not accorded the status o the sacred #essels. Howe#er$ they should be treated with the same respect and re#erence as the abo#e mentioned items. The Ambo: This is the stand rom which the readings are done. It is more commonly called the #ectern (the stand that holds the -ectionary when it is being read). .ost "hurches ha#e two o these items. The Boat: This is the container in which incense is held. It has customarily been carried by the thuri er in the le t hand$ but it is also proper to ha#e a younger child carry it or the ser#ice. The Censor or Thurible: This is normally a bowl that is suspended on three long chains on which a sliding lid mo#es. The chains are attached to a disc with a large ring mounted on its top. It is held by this large ring in the right hand. )hen the thurible is used$ it is ull o hot charcoal. The ancient custom o attaching bells to the chains during Eastertide has been regaining popularity in the Anglican "hurch. The #ectionary: This is a boo( o &iblical readings that has been di#ided according to the prescribed liturgical calendar. It is customarily used by the reader o the ,ld Testament/Apocryphal lesson and the Epistle reading and then by the "elebrant/0eacon or the 1ospel reading. The Sacramentary or $issal: This is the large boo( o prayers used by the "elebrant during the .ass. It is placed on the altar or the celebration o the Eucharist.

The $onstrance or Ostensorium: This is a large decorati#e container in which the Host is displayed or is solemnly e2posed. It is not commonly used today$ but was traditionally used at the &enediction. The Sacrarium or Piscina: These are two words that should be (nown to all who ser#e the altar3 The Sacrarium is #ery rare today. It is a special sin( in the sacristy where the water that has been blessed goes directly into the ground$ and where the cloths and #essels used during the Eucharist are washed or rinsed. It usually rests on a s%uare bric( oundation and has a co#er that can be loc(ed. At no time are solids to be put in this or a piscina. The Piscina is used or the same purposes and is more commonly ound in "hurches. This resembles a sin($ or it has no lid or oundation o its own$ but is o ten part o the cabinet wor( o the sacristy. 1enerally$ there is a shel abo#e it to hold the #essels or washing. -inens should not be rinsed in a piscina. The Church Bells are usually located in the "hurch tower or steeple. They are traditionally rung only during the great processions o the "andlemas and 4alm Sunday$ but are also rung a ter the %loria in &xcelsis on Easter E#en and on .aundy Thursday. The Sanctus Bell is traditionally$ and pre erably$ o a single tone #ersus that o chiming bells (a carillon). 1ongs ha#e been strictly orbidden. The Sanctus bell is rung to call attention to three aspects o the "onsecration5 the bell is rung three (6) successi#e times at the Sanctus (each ring should be synchroni7ed with the singing o '(oly) holy) holy)')8 the bell is rung three (6) times during the )ords o Institution (once when the priest genu lects or bows at the altar$ once when the Host and "halice are ele#ated$ and once when the priest genu lects or bows again)8 and the bell is rung once when the second part o the 4rayer o "onsecration is begun ('*e celebrate the memorial o+ our redemption) O !ather),,,). Some parishes practice ringing the bell once when the priest recei#es communion and once when the congregation is in#ited to come to the rail$ but this is not a common practice. The Vestry Bell is usually mounted beside the sacristy door or +ust inside the main doors to the na#e o the "hurch proper. -i(e the Sanctus &ell$ it is usually o a single tone$ but has a pull or ringing. It is rung to announce to the congregation that the celebration the Eucharist is to ta(e place. The An"elus Bell is rung three times a day in parishes o more catholic practice. It is rung once in the morning$ once at noon$ and once at sunset (in patterns o three stro(es and nine stro(es) when the An"elus is recited. It can also be rung when the -e Pro+undis (4salm 96:) is said or the departed and the .e"ina Caeli is said during Eastertide. The Crotalus is a bell that is rung with a wooden clapper and is used when other bells are orbidden during 4assion )ee(. This is the bell that is used when the &lessed Sacrament is displayed in the .onstrance.

The Sacrin" Bell is a steeple bell that is rung three times at the ele#ation o the Host and "halice during the prayer o "onsecration. This bell has become %uite popular again in those parishes returning to older Anglican traditions. The Vestments//Sacred and Common The Cassoc0: This garment is loor;length and is usually blac(. A cassoc( can be single; breasted with a row o buttons down the ront (!oman) or double;breasted and buttoned on the shoulders (Anglican). &oth usually ha#e cu s. Traditionally$ blac( cassoc(s were worn by the ordained clergy only$ but today the cassoc( is also worn by laity. Acolytes can wear cassoc(s also$ but these are usually scarlet. The Soutane is a cassoc( with a cape which is only worn by priests who are !ectors$ or by &ishops. The cape hangs o#er the shoulders and has a row o buttons down the ront. It is commonly worn or occasions outside the "hurch proper. The Cincture is a broad cloth band that is used to close the cassoc( around the waist. The cincture should only ha#e tassles or ringe when worn by clergy. The !eriola or !erraiolo is an open cloa( or mantle that is worn o#er the cassoc( by a priest or occasions outside the "hurch or by the preacher at a uneral. It can also be used or an academic gown$ but is not to be used as a Clerical Cloa0. The cloa( is a cape that does not ha#e openings or the arms and is usually worn or unerals and #isitations. The Surplice is a white$ ull garment that is worn o#er the cassoc(. It is normally (nee; length or longer and$ li(e the Alb$ is a symbol o the white garments we are gi#en at our &aptism. It is normally worn by the clergy and lay ministers at ser#ices. The counterpart o the Surplice is the Cotta$ which is also a white garment$ but is normally hal the length o the cassoc( or +ust below the hips. The cotta is normally worn by acolytes. The Scar+ and (ood re er to articles traditionally worn by clergy during the choir o ices$ although today's practice allows them to be worn by lay ministers at choir o ices. The scar $ (nown as the Tippet or *blac( scar $* is worn o#er the surplice and may be itted with the seals o the Episcopal "hurch (on the right) and the seal o the 4riest's seminary (on the le t). <ote that the seals are only appropriate when a tippet is worn by 4riests. Historically$ the scar was worn as regular outdoor attire along with a s%uare$ blac( cap. The Academic (ood can be worn o#er the surplice (it is ne#er to be worn o#er a cotta)$ with a tippet$ during choir o ices.

The Biretta is a sti $ collapsible$ our;cornered cap with three blades or horns. It is all blac( and has a tu t$ or pompon$ mounted on the top. It is only worn by 4riests$ who should respect the normal eti%uette concerning hats$ both in liturgical and daily acti#ities. A 1uchetto is a small cap that is worn by a &ishop (red or purple) or a 4riest (blac(). This item is more commonly (nown as a *s(ull cap.* The Alb: Historically this long$ white garment was worn o#er and completely co#ered the cassoc(. It was normally made o white linen and had little or no decoration. It was worn with an Amice$ which is a large white linen that is worn o#er the nec( and shoulders to conceal the collar. The common alb today is called a Cassoc0/Alb and the amice is usually part o it$ not a separate #estment. The %irdle (Cincture is a white rope that is tied around the waist. It is worn o#er the alb. A blac( girdle may be worn o#er a cassoc(. The Stole and Chasuble: These items are usually matched in design and color and worn by the 4riest celebrating at the .ass. The Chasuble is a long$ o#al robe that is worn o#er the "elebrant's head and is o ten adorned with ornate crosses$ pillars$ and/or orphreys. The chasuble is ne#er to be worn by anyone but a &ishop or 4riest. The Stole is a long band o cloth worn during ceremonies by &ishops$ 4riests$ and 0eacons$ and is a symbol o the sacrament o Holy ,rders. 0eacons wear a stole o#er their le t shoulder$ while &ishops and 4riests wear them o#er both shoulders. The stole is worn under the chasuble during the celebration o the Eucharist and may be worn o#er the surplice during other ser#ices. The $aniple is a short band o cloth that is worn o#er the le t arm by the 4riest$ 0eacon$ and Subdeacon when the Eucharist is celebrated. 0espite being a #isible symbol o ser#anthood by the o iciating clergy$ it is not used in today's "hurch practice. The -almatic and Tunicle: These garments are worn by the 0eacon and Subdeacon at the .ass. They are smaller chasubles that are o ten s%uare$ not o#al$ are open at the sides$ and are the same color as the 4riest's chasuble. The tunicle is o ten less ornate. The Cope: This long$ ornate cape is worn by the celebrant during solemn occasions and ser#ices. A cope may be worn by laymen when acting as cantors and cope;bearers$ but this cope should be simpler and less splendid. The cope is usually open in the ront and has a clasp or closing. The Proper order o+ Vestments The Celebrant: Traditionally$ the "elebrant wears a cassoc($ but a cassoc(;alb is more common today.

!or -aily O++ice$ the "elebrant wears common #estments5 a cassoc($ girdle$ surplice$ tippet$ and academic hood. The clergy is said to be non/paratus when in common #estments$ but i sacred #estments are added$ such as a stole$ the clergy is said to be paratus. !or the &ucharist$ the "elebrant wears sacred #estments5 a cassoc( with an alb and amice or a cassoc(;alb$ a girdle$ stole$ and chasuble. Some clergy still wear a maniple. !or special services$ a cope may be worn by the celebrant. The -eacon: The 0eacon wears the same #estments as the "elebrant with a ew e2ceptions. The 0eacon wears a 0eacon's stole and a dalmatic chasuble. The 0eacon should not wear a stole o#er a surplice during 0aily , ices$ but is permitted to wear the garments listed abo#e. The Subdeacon: The Subdeacon may wear a cassoc( with an amice or cassoc(;alb$ girdle$ (maniple)$ and tunicle or the .ass. #ay O++iciants: -ay members are always permitted to wear a cassoc( and surplice or a cassoc(;alb with a girdle. !or -aily O++ices$ a cassoc( and surplice are permitted. Although traditionally orbidden to wear a tippet$ the lay o iciants are more o ten permitted to wear a plain tippet today. The tippet simply signi ies the o iciant. !or the &ucharist$ the lay members are e2pressly orbidden to wear a tippet as it is a non;Eucharistic #estment. A surplice is pre erred to a cotta or adult participants. The Preacher: A lay preacher may wear a cassoc( and surplice or a cassoc(;alb. It is considered distaste ul to wear a plain cassoc($ e2cept during the )ee( o ,ur -ord's 4assion. An ordained preacher may wear a cassoc( and surplice with *preaching tabs* or a cassoc(;alb and stole. The Cruci+er: "ruci ers may wear a cassoc( and surplice or a cassoc(;alb and girdle. The Thuri+er: Traditionally$ it is pre erred that the thuri er wears a blac( cassoc( and surplice or cotta. It is acceptable to wear a cassoc(;alb and girdle. The Acolytes: Acolytes should wear a cassoc( with a cotta or a cassoc(;alb. This would include torch bearers$ candle bearers$ 1ospel bearers$ lag bearers$ boat bearers and altar ser#ers. Acolytes are not orbidden to wear blac( cassoc(s$ but other colors are pre erred. The #itur"ical Colors

The tradition o the Episcopal "hurch is that o most o )estern "hristendom. The #arious colors o ser#ice and altar #estments signi y the seasons and easts o the "hurch =ear. *hite symboli7es light$ purity$ and +oy and is employed in the seasons o "hristmas$ .aundy Thursday$ the Easter Vigil$ Easter$ and Trinity Sunday. )hite is used on east days o ,ur -ord$ o the &lessed Virgin .ary$ All Saints$ the Holy Angels$ <ati#ity o the &aptist$ the "on#ersion o St. 4aul$ and on all saints days$ or those saints who did not su er martyrdom. It is also used in the &urial , ice or in ants and or days o Than(sgi#ing such as "on irmation$ .arriage$ &aptism$ and the consecration or east o the dedication o a "hurch. .ed symboli7es ire$ the Holy Spirit and blood and is employed on )hitsunday$ the blessing o the palms on 4alm Sunday$ the octa#e (Ember days)$ east o the 4recious &lood$ Holy "ross$ beheading o the &aptist$ and on the east days o the Apostles and E#angelists. !ed is also used on Holy Innocents i it alls on a Sunday and on the east days o all those saints o the "hurch who won the crown o .artyrdom. %reen symboli7es hope and progress and is employed on Sundays and ,rdinary days o the "hurch =ear a ter the Epiphany o ,ur -ord and a ter the east o 4entecost. It is not to be used on east days$ #igils or Ember days during these seasons. Purple symboli7es humility$ penance$ and sorrow and is employed in the season o Ad#ent$ the Septua"esima or -ent$ on Ember days$ on days o !ogations$ during the irst part o the &aptismal , ice$ and on days o 4enance. 4urple is to be worn during the distribution o Holy "ommunion on 1ood 'riday and on Holy Innocents i it alls in the middle o the wee(. It is interesting to note that 4urple was/is the color to be worn at blessings containing e2orcisms. Blac0 symboli7es dar(ness and grie and is employed solely at !e%uiem .asses and the , ice o the &urial o the 0ead$ e2cept or in ants. &lac( is also worn or the irst part o the Solemn -iturgy o 1ood 'riday. .ose may be used on the third Sunday o Ad#ent and the ourth Sunday o -ent which are (nown as *!ose Sundays.* The Cruci+er is the person who bears the Processional Cross carrying it as high as possible. There can be more than one cruci er in a ser#ice$ usually on ma+or east days such as "hristmas$ Easter$ and 4entecost$ or during the procession on the &ishop's #isitation.
This compilation was produced by 'ather 0onald .atthews and 'ather "hip Elliott. "opyright > 9?@?