Altar Server's Dictionary

Acolytes' Candles - These two candles are carried either side of the cross in the entrance procession. They are then used to flank the Gospel when it is proclaimed.
Alb - A long linen tunic, worn since the four century. The name comes from the Latin word, 'albus', meaning white.
Altar - The structure on which the Eucharist takes place.
Altar Missal - See sacrementary.
Ambo - See lectern
Amice - An oblong, white cloth with two tapes which the priest sometimes wears around his shoulders, underneath the alb.
 

Bell - May be used to signify the most solemn moments of the Mass, such as the consecration, and to invite people to communion.
Boat - The container inside which the incense is kept.
Book of Gospels - Contains all the Gospel readings for the Church's year. It is brought to the lectern during the Gospel acclamation. It may be carried into church as part of the entrance procession or put in a special place before the celebration begins.
 

Candlestick - The holder into which is placed the lighted candles.
Cassock -  Full length gown with sleeves worn by servers and priests.
Chalice -  The cup that contains the precious Blood of Christ.
Chapel of Reconciliation/Confessional Box - Here we meet with the priest to confess our sins and, through the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance, receive God's forgiveness in the prayer of absolution.
Chasuable - The word literally means 'little house'. Worn at Mass, it covers all the other vestments and its colour changes according to the season of the Church's year. This was originally a coat; it now symbolises the garment of Christ who is the true celebrant of every Eucharist.
Ciborium - A container that holds the body of Christ.
Cincture - A rope belt that is tied around the waist.
Cope - A large, full length cape, held by a clasp at the front, worn for Benediction of the Blessed Sacrement and on other solemn occasions.
Corporal - Its name comes from the Latin word 'corpus' meaning a 'body'. It is a square of white cloth, on which the chalice and paten are placed during the Mass, to catch particles of the Blessed Sacrament, should any fall from the vessels. The corporal is placed on the altar either before Mass begins or during the preparation of the gifts.
Credence table - The little wooden side table on which all the things that are necessary for the Mass are placed.
Crozier - Carried by a Bishop. Looks like a shepherd's crook and reminds us that the Bishop is chief shepherd of the flock of Christ in any given area.
Crucifix - A cross on which is the figure of Jesus.
Cruet - Small jug that contains water or wine for the Mass.
Custodia -  Used to contain the Host for safe keeping.
 

Delmatic - A sleeved top garment worn by a deacon.
 

Font - This is a pool or vessel of water in which people are baptised. It reminds us of our baptism, when we were washed clean of sin and became a member of God's family.
Flagon - Large container that holds the water and wine that is carried in the offertory procession.
 

Gospel Book - A large decorated book containing only Gospel readings for the Mass. The deacon usually carries it.
 

Host - The consecrated Body of Christ.
Hummeral veil -  A long rectangular garment, held by a clasp at the front, worn by a priest or deacon when carrying a Ciborium or Monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament.
 

Incense - A substance that gives off clouds of sweet smelling smoke when sprinkled onto burning charcoal.
Incense Boat - So called because it is usually shaped like a boat, it contains the incense, which will be burned in the thurible.
 

Lavabo Bowl and Towel - At the preparation of the gifts the priest washes his hands to signify the cleansing of the sins of those gathered and to prepare himself for what he is about to do.
Lectern - The desk from which the readers, deacon and priest proclaim the readings.
Lectionary - A book containing all the scripture readings for Mass. It is placed on the lectern before Mass begins, or it may be carried in the entrance procession.
Lunette - A crescent-shaped clip made of gold or of silver-gilt, which is used for holding the Host in an upright position when, exposed in the monstrance.
 

Mitre - A tall pointed hat in two pieces as worn by a Bishop. It reminds us of the tongues of fire that seemed to light upon the apostles on the first day of Pentecost.
Monstrance - A metal container on a stand. It is used at expositions and benedictions of the blessed Sacrament. It may be plain or very elaborate, but it always has a little glass window through which you can see the host.
 

Pascal Candle - This speaks of our Lord's resurrection from the dead. During the Easter season this paschal candle has its place in the sanctuary. Thereafter it is placed next to the font for use during baptisms.
Paten - A plate from which the communion is served.
Presidential chair - The chair on which the presider sits.
Processional Cross - This is carried into church at the head of a procession, as a sign of our faith, and is the basic symbol of Christianity. It reminds us that Jesus died for us.
Purificator - A cloth that is used to wipe the chalice each time it is used.
Pyx: A small metal container, used to take Holy Communion to the sick and housebound.
 

Sacramentary - A book which the priest uses at his chair and at the altar. It can also be called the Missal.
Sacristy - The room where the clergy and servers prepare themselves for the service.
Sanctuary - Sacred part of the church where the Altar, Lectern and presidential chair are.
Sanctuary Lamp - The lamp that is kept burning on the sanctuary to show that the blessed sacrament is present.
Stations of the Cross - These depict, usually in fourteen stages, the journey of Jesus to Calvary, his crucifixion on the cross and his laying in the tomb.
Stole -   This important vestment, worn around the neck, shows that the priest is celebrating one of the Sacraments. It also shows that the priest has the duty to preach the Word of God.
 

Tabernacle - The cupboard where we keep the consecrated bread.
Thurible - The container inside which charcoal is burned, it is suspended from chains and is also swung during parts of the service. This contains the burning charcoal on to which grains of incense are placed. Incense has been used since early times to honour people and things. For this reason during our worship we incense the people and priest, the altar, the Book of Gospels and the Blessed Sacrament.

Votive candles - These are burned at shrines and in front of statues to represent the prayers and petitions of those who have prayed there.