WHAT EVERY MOTHER BUTLER GUILD MEMBER SHOULD KNOW
THE SANCTUARY
The Sanctuary is the space in the Church where the altar stands and where most of the liturgical action takes place.
Liturgical Furnishings and Articles in the Sanctuary
1. Altar
Christian altar makes reference to the Last Supper around which Jesus gathered his disciples in intimate fellowship and offered his Body and Blood in the form of bread and wine corresponding to His sacrifice on the Cross. The altar then as the table of the Last Supper comes to suggest both meal table and an altar of sacrifice. It is an icon of Christ, a sign of the solemn banquet - the solemnity and exceptional meaning of the Eucharistic meal and the dignity of the people who participate in it. It is a constant reminder to all that we are called to be an altar that is a sign of Christ who offered Himself for the life of the world. The altar is vested with a white cloth to remind those gathered around it of our Christian dignity that we should bring unstained into everlasting life. The altar is lighted festively so that Christ may shine on it and be reflected by those who share at this table.
2. Ambo
The word of God is read with solemnity at the ambo. The proclamation of the Word of God in liturgy is essentially the proclamation of salvation, more precisely the Resurrection of Christ. Therefore, the ambo requires a special place that is proper to its dignity, function and symbolism. It is appropriate that this place be a stationary ambo and not a simple movable lectern. (ref. GIRM, 309)
3. Tabernacle
This is a place of reservation of the Eucharist. Canon Law directs that the Eucharist be reserved in a part of the church that is distinguished, conspicuous, beautifully decorated, and suitable for prayer: A place dedicated to Christ present in the Eucharist. It must be designed in such a way that the attention of the one praying is drawn to the tabernacle that houses the presence of the Lord.
4. Sanctuary Lamp
A special lamp that must be perpetually burning or lit in front of or near the tabernacle. This is to indicate and honor the presence of Christ.
5. Candles
These are required at every liturgical service for the sake of festiveness of the celebration and as a symbol of the light of Christ. The candlesticks are to be appropriately placed either on or around the altar in a way that is suited to the design of the altar and the sanctuary, so that everything may be well-balanced and not interfere with the faithful's clear view of what takes place at the altar. (ref. GIRM, 307, 117).
6. Paschal Candle
A large candle placed in the sanctuary during the Easter season to remind us that the Risen Christ is among us.
7. Cross
The cross or crucifix should have the figure of Christ on it, This should be either on the altar or near it. This cross is to be clearly visible to the people. It is desirable that the cross, calling to mind the saving mission of Christ, remain near the altar even outside of liturgical celebrations.
8. Credence Table
A small table on which is placed the things used during the Mass.
9. Bells
These are usually placed near the altar and rung during the consecration of the host and the wine at the Mass, and communion of the Celebrant.
10. Baptistry or Baptismal Font
The Rites of Baptism, first of the sacraments, require a prominent place for celebration. Initiation in the Church is the entrance into a Eucharistic community united in Jesus Christ. Because the rites of initiation of the Church begin with Baptism and are completed by the reception of the Eucharist, the baptismal font and its location reflect the Christian's journey through the water of Baptism to the altar.
11. Liturgical Books
These books are a compilation of readings, prayers, or songs, official in character, prepared for various ministers in the liturgical assembly. Liturgical books are effective tools not only for worship. But also for ecclesiastical reform and discipline. These books enjoy a distinguished honor in the liturgical celebration since they bear the signs and symbols of higher realities. The most prominent are: The Book of Gospels, Lectionary and Sacramentary.
12. The Chair for the Bishop and Priest Celebrant
The Bishop's chair expresses the governance of the church community and emphasizes the principal role of the Bishop, which is to teach and communicate the Word of God. The priest - celebrant's chair stands as a symbol of the priest's office presiding over the assembly and of directing prayer.
Sacred Vessels
Sacred vessels are the receptacles constructed for the celebration of the Eucharist. The design and materials of the sacred vessels must promote their liturgical function, as well as pass the weight of quality and appropriateness with beauty and dignity.
1. Chalice
The chalice is the cup of precious metal that holds the consecrated wine.
2. Paten
The paten is a circular dish plate of precious metal that holds the big host.
3. Ciborium
This is the vessel that contains the hosts for distribution to the faithful.
4. Cruets
The cruets are two (2) vessels containing water and wine.
5. Lunette
The lunette is a thin circular receptacle with a glass face to hold the consecrated host used at benediction. It slides into the monstrance on a track.
6. Monstrance
This is a vessel in which the consecrated host is exposed for adoration, and also for benediction and Eucharistic processions.
7. Thurible and Boat
The thurible is a metal container extended from a chain in which charcoal and incense and burned. It is also called the censer. The boat is a small container that holds the incense to be placed into the thurible.
8. Lavabo
This is a small bowl used for ceremonial washing of the priest's hands.
9. Cirialis
The cirialis consists of 3 items: 2 candle poles and a tall pole topped by a cross. This is used during formal or pontifical celebrations and carried by pontifical servers. The candle poles and the cross are placed beside the altar its right side while the celebration is ongoing.
Sacred Linens
1. Altar Cloth
This is a linen cloth placed on the altar for the Mass. Ideally, its length should be one (1) inch above the floor.
2. Purificator
This is a small linen cloth used by the priest to dry the chalice and his hands. It usually measures 50 x 30 cm with an embroidered cross in the center.
3. Corporal
This is a linen cloth used by priest to collect fragments of the host on the altar. It is a square cloth, 50 x 50 cm with an embroidered cross in the center.
4. Pall
This is a square, starched linen used to cover the chalice. It measures 15 x 15 cm. A square cardboard with the same measurement is often inserted to keep the shape of the pall.
5. Lavabo Towel
This is used as a hand towel to dry the hands of the priest, preferably made of absorbent material.
Sacred Vestments
These are distinctive garments worn by the ministers in performing the liturgical functions. They extend the nature of symbolism of the human body and accentuate the role of the minister and the importance of his ministry in the celebration. Vestments come in the color appropriate to the season and occasion. Traditional usage and meaning of the colors inspired the guidelines.
Vestments have a ministerial function. The reasons for using vestments are:
- Symbolic of the diversity of Offices in the Church in which not all members have the same office (GIRM, 335).
- The beauty of the vestments contributes to the beauty and splendor of the liturgical celebration (lbid).
- Vestments add to the festive character of every liturgical celebration (EACW 93).
- Vestments bring us back to tradition and way of life of the early Christians.
1. Alb
Alb is taken from the Latin albus, meaning white. It is the liturgical vestment common to all ministers and may be worn by both clergy and laity (GIRM, 339). It is a white tunic that wraps around the body horizontally, reaches down to the feet and is girded at the waist. The alb signifies the baptismal garment that symbolizes purity, righteousness and eternal life with Christ.
2. Stole
The stole is a long, narrow band of cloth, like a scarf, worn around the neck and hanging in front. It is used by priests to signify their authority to celebrate Mass and administer the sacraments. It symbolizes priestly service and the immortality of the soul.
3. Chasuble
In Latin it means little house, casula. It is the outer garment worn by the priest. It is slipped over the head and hangs down from the shoulders. The chasuble must be worn with a stole, either underneath or over it. The chasuble symbolizes the virtue of charity and the yoke of unselfish service for the Lord.
4. Cassock
This is a close-fitting ankle-length garment that is worn by the clergy and the laity during liturgical services.
5. Cotta or Surplice
The clergy and laity use the waist-length surplice above the cassock during liturgical services.
6. Cope
A priest while holding the monstrance places this vestment around the shoulders like a cape and over the hands.
7. Humeral Veil
The priest while holding the monstrance during benediction or Eucharistic processions wears this long, rectangular cloth, draped over the cope.
8. Dalmatic
This is a sleeved tunic worn in place of the chasuble by the deacon.
9. Deacon's Stole
This is a diagonal stole used by the deacon and worn over the dalmatic.
Bishop's Attire
1. Cassock
The bishop's cassock is similar in style with the priests cassock but with a purple lining.
2. Skull Cap or Zuchetto
Formerly the ecclesiastical tonsure, this is a small purple cap used to cover the head of the bishop as a mark of honor or dignity.
3. Mitre
This is a tall double-pointed headdress with 2 horns of testaments, a liturgical ornament of papal origin symbolic of a protective helmet to render the Pope formidable against the enemies of truth.
4. Pastoral Staff or Baculo
This is a staff with a hook at one end, usually ornamented, symbolic of a royal scepter used as a defensive arm against the enemies of the church and a sign of authority of the bishop.
5. Pectoral Cross
This is a small ornamented cross, attached to a chain and worn by the bishop around his neck.
6. Bishop's Ring
This is a band of metal, usually gold or silver, worn on the 4th finger of the right hand. It is symbolic of the bishop's seal and authority and his inviolable faithfulness to the Church.