ST. ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY CATHOLIC CHURCH
Altar Server Glossary
Acolyte — Someone who assists the Priest or Deacon at the altar during Mass. An Altar Server is an Acolyte.
Altar—The Table upon which the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered
Ambo—The platform, lectern, or pulpit from which the readings and homily are proclaimed
Book of Gospels – The book which contains the Gospel readings. The Deacon often carries this into Mass.
Candle Bearers—The servers who process in and out of Mass with lit candles and accompany Book of Gospels read at Ambo.
Cassock – a close-fitting ankle-length garment worn by clergy and altar servers
Chalice—The cup made of precious metal that holds the wine which becomes the Blood of Christ after the consecration. All chalices should be placed in their places after Mass. If they have not been purified by the Priest or Deacon, leave them out.
Ciborium—A large container of precious metal with a cover of the same material which holds the Body of Christ after the consecration for distribution of Holy Communion
Corporal—The white linen cloth on which the bread & wine are consecrated during Mass. It is used to protect any particles of the Eucharist from being lost. The Corporal is like the white sheet that was used to wrap Jesus’ body in after his crucifixion.
Credence Table—The Table in the Sanctuary where everything we use for Mass is set
Crucifer—The altar server who processes in and out of Mass with the Processional Crucifix
Epiclesis - the part of the Eucharistic Prayer by which the priest invokes the Holy Spirit
Humeral Veil – A long rectangular vestment worn over the shoulders by the Clergy when carrying a Monstrance.
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Incense – An aromatic substance which is burned for the sweet smell it produces. The word is also used to signify the smoke or perfume arising from incense when burned.
Lavabo—The Bowl and Pitcher that is used to wash the Priest’s hands during Mass
Lectionary—The book of readings used for the Liturgy of the Word
Monstrance—This is a large, ornate container used to hold and show the Blessed Sacrament during Adoration
Narthex – The entrance or lobby area of a church that is separate from the worship space.
Pall—A square piece of cardboard that is covered with linen and used to cover the Chalice
Purificator—A linen cloth used to wipe the chalices after each person drinks the Precious Blood
Pyx—A metal case, about the size of a pocket watch, in which Communion is carried to those who are sick and cannot be at Mass
Roman Missal —The book with the red cover containing all of the prayers used by the priest at Mass. This is the book that an Altar Server holds for the Priest.
Sacramentary—The book containing the prayers said by the Priest during Mass
Sacrarium—A sink in the Sacristy which drains into the earth and not the sewer in which we wash the sacred vessels and linens
Sacristy– the room in which the Priest prepares for Mass and in which everything we use for mass is organized
Sacristan—the person who manages the Sacristy
Stoup—the Holy Water bowls at the entrances of the church
Surplice—A wide sleeved, vestment worn over the Cassock by clergy and Altar Servers
Taper – A long wick that is placed in a candle-lighter to light the Altar candles. The candle-lighter itself is commonly referred to as the taper.
Thurible—Metal censer suspended from chains, in which incense is burned during worship services
Thurifer—The altar server carrying a censer (thurible) in a religious ceremony
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