CEREMONIAL ACTIONS

III. The practical server must know the customary ceremonial actions of the liturgy. If these
actions are carried out efficiently and well, the server is giving the best in the service of God.
Before the actions are described and explained, it is also necessary to know and understand
the various objects used in the liturgy.

SACRED OBJECTS

112. Because you may handle the sacred vessels, you must know their names and their
purposes.

113. The chalice is a cup supported by a "node" (the central part of the vessel, usually
including a knob) and sets firmly on a base. This vessel holds the Precious Blood of our Lord
at Mass. It is usually made of gold or silver or some other non-absorbent metal that does not
break easily. The bishops of a local region interpret what may or may not be used to make a
worthy chalice. The chalice is blessed by a bishop. or a priest before it is used at Mass.

114. The paten is the plate on which the bread is consecrated and from which the Hosts are
distributed in Holy Communion. As with the chalice, it is usually made of a precious metal or
some other valuable material. A large paten may be used at Mass when appropriate. It is also
blessed before use.

115. The ciborium is really a paten in the form of a chalice with a lid. It is used in addition to
the paten when many people receive the Eucharist. It is also used to contain the Hosts
reserved in the tabernacle. It is blessed before use.

116. There is a noble vessel designed to display the Sacred Host at the exposition of the
Blessed Sacrament so that we can see the Host and adore our Lord. The priest uses the
monstrance to give the Eucharistic blessing at Benediction and to carry the Host in a
Eucharistic procession. There are many imaginative designs for the monstrance, but a typical
design is circular, with rays coming from the center point. The lunette is the gilt clip that
holds the Host in the monstrance.

117. The pyx is the round container that holds the Host and lunette in the tabernacle. A
smaller pyx, like an old-fashioned watch case, is used to take the Eucharist to the sick.

118. The chrismatory contains the Sacred Chrism used by the bishop for Confirmation and
ordinations. The oil stocks usually take the form of a metal cylinder, with three compartments
for the sacramental oils, marked with a sign to indicate which oil is contained therein. (1)
I="oleum infirmorum", the Oil of the Sick; (2) B or Ca= "oleum catechumenorum", Oil of
Catechumens or Oil of Baptism; (3) C or Ch= the Sacred Chrism for Baptism, Confirmation,
ordination of priests and bishops.

119. The vessels listed above are the most important objects used in the liturgy. If you handle
any of them, treat them with care and reverence. Other objects are used mainly by servers.

120. The cruets are small pitchers or jugs that hold the wine and water. They should be of
clear glass, so that the wine can be recognized at a glance and so that the cruets may be
cleaned easily. Other materials, such as metal or pottery, may be used for cruets, but there
must be a clear indication of which cruet contains the wine. For concelebrated Masses, and
especially when Communion is given in "both kinds", a larger cruet is needed for the wine
and for the water for cleansing the chalices. The cruets usually stand on a dish or tray.

121. Ewer and basin means a pitcher to hold the water for the washing of hands (Lavabo)
and a dish to catch water as it flows over the celebrant's hands. The bishop uses an ewer and
basin of precious metal. The priest uses a simpler ewer and basin. Small pitchers and bowls
should not be used because the priest or bishop washes his hands, not merely the tips of his
fingers.

122. The Holy water vessel is also known as the "bucket" and the sprinkler as an "aspergil".
The sprinkler may take the form of a brush or of a hollow bulb, perhaps containing a sponge,
with openings so that drops of water may be sprinkled on people or objects. Holy water is
kept in stoups near the doors of the church and sacristy so that we can make the sign of the
cross with it to remind us that we enter the living Church through Baptism.

123. The thurible or censer is a metal bowl hanging by three chains from a disk. The cover,
pierced to allow the smoke to rise, is usually held by a fourth chain, which passes through a
hole in the disk so that the server can raise it. A metal ring is often used to hold these chains
together above the bowl. The thurible with a single chain is easy to use although liable to
overheat and burn the server's hands!

124. The incense boat is shaped like a boat, with a hinged lid and a matching spoon. From
the boat, the grains of incense are spooned onto the burning coals in the thurible.

125. Processional candles are held in tall candlesticks carried in procession by two servers.
These are usually kept on the credence table during Mass. In some places, the altar candles
are used for processions.

126. Torches may be used at a Solemn Mass or Benediction. They are tall candlesticks
without a base, carried by torch bearers, who bring them before the altar during the
Eucharistic Prayer to honor the Lord at the Consecration and elevations. In medieval times,
they were simply very tall candles or even three candles fused together.

127. The processional cross is a large crucifix, set on a long staff, to be carried in
processions and, in some churches, used as the altar cross at Mass.

128. The bell, known as the "sanctus bell" or "sacring bell", is rung by a server at Mass, at the
two elevations, and as a warning before the Consecration. It has a practical use, to draw
attention to the most sacred moments of the liturgy In some places, it takes the form of a set
of bells. It is used during the Eucharistic blessing at Benediction.

129. The missal stand is placed on the altar at the Preparation of the Gifts. It takes various
forms, a metal or wooden bookrest or a cushion.

130. The communion plate or communion paten is used in some churches, held by a server
under the chin of those who receive Communion directly into the mouth. It must b used when
Holy Communion is given by "intinction", that is, by dipping the Host in the Blood of the
Lord. It is always used at the traditional Latin Mass. be