Vessels and Linens of the Mass Answer Guide
This is an answer guide for several quizzes dealing with the objects used in Mass. The items are all used in the traditional Tridentine Mass, and most in the Novus Ordo (post-1970). This is designed as a printable study page.

Aspergill
  • A rod with small holes in the end allowing the sprinkling of Holy Water
  • The aspersory is the portable vessel filled with Holy Water
  • The congretation is sprinkled with Holy Water prior to Sunday and Holydays in the Tridentine Rite
  • The practices stems from Psalm 50 ('sprinkle me with hyssop...I shall be made whiter than snow')


    Bell
  • Hollow metal vessel that emits a sound when rung
  • Large bells are in bell towers and are rung before Mass and at funerals
  • Bells were rung at imminent death ('passing') and for the Angelus (dawn, noon and dusk)
  • Small bells are rung in Mass at the consecration of the bread and wine (1 time each)
  • Tridentine Rite: at the Sanctus (3X), the elevation (3X) and before the communion (3X)

    Burse
  • The square case in which the folded corporal is placed
  • The term also applies to a leather packet in which a pyx is carried

    Candles
  • Represents Christ as the 'Light of the World' and the purity of God
  • Pure beeswax represents Christ's 'spotless' Body, the wick His soul and the flame His divine and human natures
  • Candles are blessed on Candlemas Day (the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple)
  • The burning up ('consuming itself') of a votive candle at shrines, images and the Blessed Sacrament, symoblizes sacrifice

    Chalice
  • Holds the consecrated wine which is the Blood of Christ
  • Must be gold or silver, or at least gilt inside
  • Represents the 'cup' used at the Last Supper (Luke 22:17) and the 'cup' of the Passion (Luke 22:42)
  • Stands for the Sacred Heart of Jesus (John 19:34) from which our redemption flows
  • At the start of Mass, it is covered with the folded purificator and pall

    Ciborium
  • The vessel, with a lid, which is used to hold the consecrated Hosts
  • It must be gold, silver or gilt and the name is derived from 'cibus' (food)
  • It is used to distribute the Hosts to communicants and to store the Hosts in the Tabernacle
  • It is covered with a veil


    Corporal
  • The cloth ('corpus' meaning 'body') on which the chalice and and Host are placed after consecration
  • Represents the sheet in which the body of Christ was wrapped for burial
  • It is folded in three from all sides and stored in a burse
  • It is also placed underneath a Monstrance

    Cruet
  • Small vessels that hold the water and wine (for the chalice) used during Mass

    Incense
  • A mixture of various spices and aromatic resin burned in a censer (also called a thurible)
  • The censer is filled with hot coals; incense itself is stored in a small vessel call a boat
  • Incense was burned in the Jewish Temple with a precise mixture of spices, including frankincense
  • Burning represents zeal of the faith, aroma the odor of Christian virtue, and smoke the rising of prayers to God
  • The swinging of the censor is a mark of honor toward the person or object being incensed
  • The Paschal Candles' five grains of incense represent the spices in the sheet on Christ's dead body

    Luna
  • Round (from the Latin 'moon') hinged case with glass from and back, in the center of the Monstrance
  • The lunette is a circular case which fits in the luna and holds the Host

    Missal
  • The 'mass book' containing the prayers, Scriptures and ceremonies of the Church

    Monstrance
  • Large metal object (also called ostensorium) used to display the Blessed Sacrament
  • It is usually made of gold and often decorated with jewels
  • Used in processions as well as exposition and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament

    Pall
  • Small square piece of starched linen (sometimes with cardboard inside) that covers the chalice
  • Represents the stone rolled against Christ's sepulchre (tomb)
  • A larger cloth, also called a pall, covers coffins at funerals

    Paten
  • The plate/dish (Latin patena) on which the Host is laid
  • Must be gold, silver or gilt inside
  • Communion patens may be attached to sticks and held beneath the chin of communicants
  • Like the chalice, it must be consecrated by a bishop

    Purificator
  • Oblong piece of linen folded three times and placed over the chalice
  • Used by the priest to wipe the inside of the chalice, his fingers and his mouth (when needed)

    Pyx
  • Small container (Greek meaning 'box') that holds the consecrated Host taken to the sick

    Veil
  • A small cloth which covers the chalice, paten and pall
  • The veil is the same liturgical color, material and design as the vestments of the priest
  • Ancient method of covering/concealing, particular holy things (i.e. the Holy of Holies)