Understanding the Eucharist

PREPARING THE CHURCH FOR MASS

For the celebration of Mass the Priest uses special vessels, which are called sacred vessels. 

Sacred vessels are the receptacles and utensils used in liturgical celebrations to hold the consecrated Body and Blood of Christ. These are the chalice, paten, and ciborium. The sacred vessels are to be treated with special care and reverence.

Precious metal is the preferred and best material to use for these items. The artistic style and design of the vessels may reflect the local region; however they should be designed in a way to make it apparent that they are indeed sacred vessels for liturgical purposes, not something for everyday use.

It may be necessary to have microphones on the altar, so that the assembly can clearly hear what the Priest is saying. Candles are required for all liturgical celebrations and should be placed either on or around the altar to suit the design of the altar and sanctuary and not interfere with the assembly’s view of what is taking place. There is also to be a cross, with the figure of Christ crucified upon it, either on the altar or near it, where it is clearly visible to those assembled.

The following lists the elements required for the celebration of the Mass and outlines their purpose.

CORPORAL

The term corporal is a Latin word that means ‘body’. It is an additional smaller cloth that is placed at the centre front of the altar for the paten and chalice to be placed on. The chalice and paten will hold the Body and Blood of Christ once the words of consecration are prayed at the Eucharist.

PURIFICATOR

This cloth functions like a liturgical serviette. It is used to wipe the lip of the chalice after each person drinks from the chalice. There is always one purificator for each chalice used at a Eucharistic celebration. It is used again for the drying of the vessels when they are purified or cleaned at the end of Mass.

CHALICE

The word chalice comes from the Latin word ‘calix’, meaning cup. The chalice is also called a sacred vessel and is held in special honour [GIRM#327] by the worshiping community as it is the cup that holds the Blood of Christ when the wine is consecrated at Mass.

All chalices used at a Eucharistic Celebration are to be made of precious metals as a sign of the importance of these sacred vessels.

PATEN

Patens or plates are what the hosts for communion are placed on. Like the chalice the paten is to be made of precious metals as it is also called a sacred vessel as it will hold the Body of Christ once the words of consecration are said by the priest at Mass.