Embedded Files
Sanctuary
Sanctuary
This is the elevated area where you find the altar, tabernacle, and others that are described below.
This is the place where the altar stands, the Word of God is proclaimed, and the Priest, the Deacon, and the other ministers exercise their functions.
When inside the church, you will see several icons or "pictures" of saints. Here they are with some information.
Here are pictures of the stained glass around the upper area of the church.
Apse - the often domed, semicircular, or polygonal termination where the altar is located.
Chancel - the space around the altar, including the choir and the sanctuary (sometimes called the presbytery), at the liturgical east end of a traditional Christian church building.
Transept - an area set crosswise to the nave
Nave - the central part from the (normally western) main entrance or rear wall, to the transepts
Narthex - consists of the entrance or lobby area, located at the west end of the nave, opposite the church's main altar.
Sacristy - a room for the keeping of vestments (such as the alb and chasuble). This is where the priest and altar servers wear or take off the vestments.
This resembles the design of the Jewish temple -- for example, the tabernacle is the Holy of Holies, and the altar area is the Holy Place.
Click here for information about the orientation of the church (or why the church faces the east).
Transfiguration of Jesus (mosaic artwork) - with Elijah (representing the prophets), Moses (representing the law), and the 3 apostles (Peter, James, and John)
Apse (described above)
Sanctuary Lamp
This is lighted when the Eucharist is inside the tabernacle.
When it is lighted, it signifies the presence of Jesus Christ
Tabernacle - the place for the Most Holy Eucharist
Candles
Credence table
In St Monica parish, the left-side credence table is used for the ciborium, chalice, cruets, and communion plate.
In St Monica parish, the right-side credence table is used for the Roman Catholic Missal .
Altar Crucifix
Altar - This is where the celebration of the Eucharist takes place. Every church has a relic of a Saint.
Cross
Apse (described above)
Sanctuary Lamp
This is lighted when the Eucharist is inside the tabernacle.
When it is lighted, it signifies the presence of Jesus Christ
Tabernacle - the place for the Most Holy Eucharist
Candles
Credence table
In St Monica parish, the left-side credence table is used for the ciborium, chalice, cruets, and communion plate.
In St Monica parish, the right-side credence table is used for the Roman Catholic Missal .
Altar Crucifix
Altar - This is where the celebration of the Eucharist takes place. Every church has a relic of a Saint.
Ambo - a stationary lectern located where the readers and ministers may be clearly seen and heard by the faithful
The altar and ambo must be made of the same material.
Pew for the altar servers and/or readers
Consecration Cross and Candle
This is found in 4 places in the church. There is one behind the Christmas tree in the above picture.
Each is in the general direction of north, east, west, and south.
Chapel for the Sacred Heart of Jesus (A chapel is a small place to pray, not necessarily a church.)
Chapel for the Blessed Virgin Mary
Paschal Candle - see below for some information
Presider's Chair - chair for the priest celebrant with other seats for the other deacon or priests (if any), and/or altar servers
In a cathedral, this is called the Cathedral's chair.
Lectern for the priest
Ambry - see below for some information
Hymn Board - a board that lists the hymn numbers for the hymns that will be sung during the mass.
A hymn is a song for adoration or prayer.
Normally, the hymns are indicated by the number which the hymn appears in the church's hymnal (or hymn book).
In St Monica Parish Church, a small part of this chapel area is where the Extraordinary Ministers (or Eucharistic Ministers) purify their hands before and after distributing the Eucharist to the faithful.
Votive candles (or prayer candles) - This is part of the chapel area.
Most of the pictures below are not from St Monica Parish Church.
Ciborium
Ciborium
This is said as "sih-bor-yoom".
Plural form: ciboria
This is a vessel or container that is commonly made of metal.
This means "drinking cup" but later became to refer to a large covered cup to hold the host / Eucharist -- the Precious Body of Jesus Christ.
The ciborium that has the Most Blessed Eucharist is kept in the tabernacle.
Chalice
Chalice
This is said as "cha-lis".
This is a vessel or container that is commonly made of metal.
This is a standing cup that is used to hold the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.
In the Last Supper of Jesus with His apostles, the cup may have been made of wood.
Monstrance
Monstrance
This is said as "mons-trans".
This is a vessel that is used to show the Blessed Eucharist.
Altar Cruets
Altar Cruets
Cruet is said as "kroo-et".
There are 2 cruets -- one for water, one for wine.
These may be simple glass or metal containers. Some may be nicely decorated.
Paten (or diskos)
Paten (or diskos)
This is said as "pah-ten".
This is a small plate, saucer, or a low bowl.
This is used during the mass celebration.
Corporal
Corporal
This is a square white linen cloth where the chalice, ciborium, and paten are placed during the celebration of the mass.
Pall
Pall
This is a stiffened square card covered with white linen, usually embroidered with a cross or some other appropriate symbol.
This is used to keep dust and insects from falling into the Eucharistic elements.
Purificator
Purificator
This is a white linen cloth, which is used to wipe the chalice and paten.
This is also used to dry the fingers and lips of the priest celebrant.
This is used to keep dust and insects from falling into the Eucharistic elements.
Manuterge (or the lavabo towel)
Manuterge (or the lavabo towel)
This is used by the priest to dry his hands after washing them.
Chalice Veil
Chalice Veil
This is used to cover the chalice and paten to keep dust and insects away from the bread and wine.
This is also used to show honor to the chalice.
Paschal Candle
Paschal Candle
It is a large, white candle with a cross.
A new Paschal candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter.
It is used throughout the Paschal season which is during Easter and then throughout the year on special occasions, such as baptisms and funerals.
The Greek letters Alpha (A) and Omega (Ω), which symbolize that God is the Beginning and the End (from the Book of Revelation).
The year when the particular candle is being used, which represents God amidst the present congregation
Five grains of incense (most often red), which are embedded in the candle (sometimes encased in wax "nails") during the Easter Vigil to represent the five wounds of Jesus: the three nails that pierced his hands and feet, the spear thrust into his side, and the thorns that crowned his head.
Ambry
Ambry
It is a cabinet that contains the 3 holy oils.
Oil of Catechumens (marked by the Latin letters O.C. for "Oleum Catechumenorum")
Oil of the Sick (marked by the Latin letters O.I. for "Oleum Infirmorum")
Sacred Chrism (marked by the Latin letters S.C. for "Sacrum Chrisma")
A small hand-held bell or set of bells. The primary reason for the use of such bells is to create a “joyful noise to the Lord” as a way to give thanks for the miracle taking place on the altar.
Courtesy of the Vatican
Baptismal Font
Baptismal Font
A church furniture that contains holy water used for the Sacrament of Baptism.
In St Monica Parish Church, this also has small containers for holy water. We dip our finger(s) there then make the sign of the cross on ourselves.
This is where a Catholic receives the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse