The House Of God
The house of God is a consecrated holy space where God dwells, where prayers are offered to Him and where He is worshipped. Here the Sacraments are celebrated.
Sacristy
Vestibule/Narthex
Confessional
Choir
Sanctuary
Altar
Altar Rail
Cathedra
Chancel
Chapel
Candles
The two Eucharistic candles denote the divine and human nature of Christ.
The six candles on the high altar signify the presence of God.
Cruciform Churches
Crossing
Flowers
IHS
INRI
Litany Desk
Rood Screen
Pulpit
Sacred Ministers
Sacred Ministers have sacred duties that they celebrate or execute by virtue of their vocation. Their stable identity comes from ordination (Deacon, Priest & Bishop) or installation (Acolyte & Lector) by a bishop.
Acolyte
properly speaking, an acolyte is an adult male who is formally and permanently deputed with responsibilities entrusted to the sub-deacon of the traditional Roman Rite.
Also known as Altar server.
It's a Greek word, 'akolouthos', meaning follower/attendant.
Sub-Deacon
It's a Greek word, 'sub', meaning under.
Deacon
He is like a priest in training but he does not offer mass or hear confessions.
It's a Greek word, 'diaconia', meaning service.
Priest
It's a Greek word, 'presbyteros', meaning elder.
Bishop
He possesses the fullness of the priesthood by virtue of episcopal consecration. He governs and guards the flock entrusted to him in submission to the Pope.
It's a Greek word, 'episocopos', meaning overseer.
Cardinal
Pope
Sacristan
Lector
It's a Greek word, 'lector', meaning reader.
Eucharistic Minister
Thurifer
It's a Latin word, 'thus/thuris', meaning incense.
Crucifer
It's a Latin word, 'crux', meaning cross.
Candle Bearer
It's a Latin word, 'candere', meaning shine.
Cantor
It's a Latin word, 'cantor', meaning singer/musician.
Sacred Actions
Sacred actions are the gestures of our prayers. By means of ritual they teach us how to pray as well as express the inner disposition of our soul.
Ablution
It's a Latin word, 'abluere', meaning wash clean.
Bow
A profound bow (of the body from the waist up) is made when passing the altar during Mass if the Blessed Sacrament is not present on the altar itself, to the priest before and after incensation as well as to the bishop.
Chant
It's a Latin word, 'cantare', meaning sing.
Genuflect
It's a Latin words, 'genu', meaning knee. and, 'flectere', meaning to bend.
Incense
It's a Latin word, 'incendere', meaning to burn.
Kiss
In the absence of a bishop, the priest or deacon who reads the Gospel kisses it afterward.
It is another sign of reverence given the Holy Cross on Good Friday.
In the Extraordinary Form, the solita oscula (usual kiss) is made to every object handed to the priest and then the hand of the priest… or close to the priest’s hand.
Kneel
Lavabo
It's a Latin word, 'lavabo', meaning I will wash.
Orans
Process
Prostrate
It's a Latin word, 'sternere', meaning to stretch out.
Purify
Sign Of Peace
Pacstecum
Sign Of The Cross
Sing
God gave you your voice; offer it up. Real men sing.
Sit
Stand
Strike the Breast
Sacred Books
Sacred books contain all the texts (prayers and readings) for the celebration of all rituals, blessings and sacraments, especially the Holy Mass.
Benedictionale
Also known as The Book of Blessings.
Evangeliarium
Also known as The Book of the Gospels.
Ceremoniale Episcoporum
Serves as a handbook for ceremonies as well as a definitive interpretation of the liturgical reform.
Also known as The Ceremonial of Bishops.
The Dive Office
The five "hours" are Matins, Lauds, Terce/Sext/None, Vespers and Compline , called in English; the Office of Readings, Morning Prayer, Daytime Prayer, Evening Prayer and Night Prayer, respectively. Outside of the Holy Mass it is the most important of the Church’s official prayers. All the faithful are encouraged to pray the Divine Office, especially Sunday Vespers.
The General Instructions Of The Roman Missal
Holy Communion & Worship Of The Eucharist Outside Of Mass
Lectionarium
Also known as Lectionary.
Epistolarium
Ordo
Order Of Christian Funerals
Rites Of Anointing & Viaticum
Also known as Pastoral Care Of The Sick.
Missale Romanum
Also known as The Roman Missal.
Roman Pontifical
Sacred Vessels
Sacred vessels hold the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. You should know where these items are in the sacristy and how to assist the priest or deacon with them reverently.
Ablution Cup
Chalice
Ciborium
Custodia
Lunette
Monstrance
Paten
Pyx
Sacred Objects
These items are found in the sacristy, nave and sanctuary. You should know where to find them and how to handle them with reverence and competence.
Altar Cards
Ambry/Aumbry
Aspersory
Boat
Incense is sweet smelling gums and spices taken from trees, usually burned with foreign substances to make the smoke thicker and sweeter.
Because the smoke of burning incense ascending to heaven reminded men of the ascent of prayer to God, we find records of its use in the Old Testament.
Candle Lighter
Also known as Extinguisher.
Candle
Credence Table
Crucifix
Cruets
Holy Oils
Holy Water Font
Lavabo
Paschal Candle
Also known as Easter Candle.
Pulpit
Commonly called the "lectern" or "ambo".
Reliquary
Sacrarium
Remember, blessed objects should not be thrown away but must be burned or buried.
Sanctuary Lamp
Sedilia
Aspergillum
What you probably have been calling the "aspe" in Legio Mariae Church.
Also known as Sprinkler.
Stations Of The Cross
Tabernacel
Single genuflection (use the right knee) should be done after opening and clossing it.
The congregation should not see inside of the tabernacle when it is opened. This is made possible by the veil put infront of the tabernacle.
Taper
Thurible
It is carried by three chains attached to the body, with a fourth chain raising and lowering the lid. Incense is a perfume burned on certain occasions, as at solemn Holy Mass and Benediction.
Burning incense is a symbolic of our prayer rising up to God. As the sweet smelling incense rises aloft, so should our prayers to the Good God.
Also known as Censer.
Sacred Linens
Sacred linens are used only for liturgical celebrations. They are afforded great care as they come into contact with the Blessed Sacrament.
Altar Cloth
Burse
Chalice Veil
This large piece of cloth covers the chalice, purificator, paten, pall and corporal when they are not in use.
It is either white in color or matches the color of the day.
It is removed at the Offertory and replaced after the vessels are purified.
Corporal
The most important of the holy linens, it is spread on the altar at the Offertory.
The sacred vessels are placed on the altar on top of the corporal. The corporal often has a cross stitched onto the front, central square.
Finger Towel
Pall
It protects the Precious Blood from foreign objects which may fall into the chalice.
Purificator
The funeral pall, a completely different thing, covers the casket during the Funeral Mass.
Sacred Vestments
Vestments are special garments worn by the clergy, at the celebration of the Holy Mass, administration of the Sacraments, in procession, when giving blessings, and in general whenever exercising their official priestly duties. They are listed in the order in which they are worn.
Cassock
Also known as the "soutane".
Surplice
Amice
This first of the sacred clothes put on by the priest serves to cover his street clothes when the alb does not completely. It also protects the chasuble and stole from perspiration.
Alb
White in color, it symbolizes the self-denial and chastity befitting a priest. It hangs down to the ankles, reminding him that he is bound to practice good works to his life's end.
Cincture
Manipel
Mandatory in the Traditional Mass, it serves as a liturgical handkerchief and so alludes to the tears and sorrow of the Passion of Christ.
Stole
It symbolizes authority.
Tunicle
Dalmatic
Chasuble
Cope
When carrying the Blessed Sacrament a white cope is always worn.
Humeral Veil
Zucchetto
During Holy Mass, it is removed before the Prayer over the Gifts and replaced after the sacred vessels have been purified. The pope wears a white zucchetto.
Biretta
It is removed briefly and placed over the heart in order to bow the head.
Like the zucchetto its color depends on the one wearing it, black for priests, purple for bishops and scarlet for cardinals.
Mitre
It is worn while processing, seated, addressing the people, conferring a sacrament and giving a solemn blessing.
Crosier
Vimp
Liturgical Year
Fifty two weeks of the year the Church celebrates the whole Paschal Mystery of Christ, from Incarnation to Ascension, awaiting His promised return. Bishops Conferences may modify their liturgical calendars.
January 1
Christmastide
Lent
Holy Week & The Sacred Triduum
Easter
Pentecost
Season Of The Year
Solemnity
Every Solemnity except for Annunciation (March 25), Birth of John the Baptist (June 24) and Sacred Heart is a Holy Day of Obligation in the Roman Calendar. National conferences of bishops have the authority to modify the designation of Holy Days of Obligation and/or transferring them to the following Sunday.
Each Sunday of the year is a Solemnity, especially Easter Sunday, Pentecost Sunday and Christ the King.
January 1
January 6
March 19
Forty Days After Easter
Eleven Days After Pentecost
June 29
August 15
November 1
December 8
December 25
Liturgical Colors
The color of vestments gives expression to the mysteries of our faith and is like a calendar for the church year.
Green
Red
used on Passion Sunday (Palm Sunday), Good Friday, Pentecost, feasts of the Apostles, Evangelists and Martyrs.
Violet/Purple
White
Used for masses of Easter, Christmas season, Feasts and Memorials of Jesus, Mary, the Angels, Saints who were not martyrs, Weddings, Ascension, All Saints’ Day, The Transfiguration, Baptisms, Saints’ Days that are festivals, and Funerals.
Symbolizes Purity, Holiness, Joy, Triumph, and the Resurrection.
Related to white, Gold is also permitted at all times, most especially for solemn Feasts.
Gold
Black
Rose/Pink
It symbolizes the joyful anticipation of Christmas and Easter, respectively.