Altar, Sacred Vessels, and Vestments from “Mass and the Sacraments” by Fr. John Laux, M.A.
Benziger Brothers 1934 Nihil Obstat J.M. Lelen, Censor Librorum
Imprimatur + Francis W. Howard, Bishop of Covington, KY, USA, March 25, 1932
Menu
1.1. Altar and Sanctuary
1.2. Sacred Vessels
1.3. Priest’s Vestments
Altar and Sanctuary
Observe well the picture of the altar and sanctuary. It is here that the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered up. This picture shows everything that is necessary for Mass, and gives the proper name of the furniture of the sanctuary.
1.
The Crucifix
2.
Canopy or Throne of the Altar
3.
Tabernacle covered by veil (wherever used the veil is of the color of the day or white)
4...9.
Large Candlesticks (lighted only for High Mass and Benediction)
10...11.
Small Candlesticks (lighted only for Low Mass)
12...14.
Altar Cards (the larger is in the center, containing prayers which the priest reads at the Offertory and Canon. The smaller one on the Epistle side has the prayers read by the priest when washing his hands after the Offertory. The other smaller one on the Gospel side has the Gospel of St. John, which is most frequently read at the end of Mass)
15.
First Gradine or Candlebench for the smaller Candlestick
16.
Second Gradine or Candlebench for the larger Candlestick
17.
Mensa or Altar Table
18.
Altar Table Coverings (one wax and three linen cloths cover the altar table. The fourth or top one of linen frequently edged with lace hangs down over the side of the altar to the floor)
19.
Antependium or Frontal (wherever customary a cloth of the color of the day hangs down in front of the altar)
20.
Gospel Side of the Altar
21.
Epistle Side of the Altar
22.
Sanctuary Floor
23.
First Altar Step
24.
Second Altar Step
25.
Predella or Altar Platform (sometimes called the Footpace)
26.
Credence Table
27.
Water and Wine Cruets
28.
Finger Basin
29.
Towel
30.