The table on which the Eucharistic Sacrifice is offered.

The lectern from which the Scripture readings are read during the Mass.

The chair where the priest sits during the Scripture readings. The deacon, if present, sits on the priest’s right.

Hangs on the wall behind the altar. It reminds us that the Mass makes present the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross.

A locked structure behind the altar in which the Eucharist (consecrated hosts) are stored.

A candle near the Tabernacle that burns to remind us that Jesus is present in the Tabernacle.

A large candle blessed at the Easter Vigil that symbolizes the risen Christ. It is used at Mass from Easter through Pentecost and at baptisms and funerals.

A container used to hold water during baptism. Ours includes a small basin for infant baptisms and a large walk-in pool for adult baptisms.

The lectern from which the Scripture readings are read during the Mass.

A small table at the back of the church where the bread and wine are held before they are brought to the altar during the Offertory of the Mass.

A table in the sanctuary that holds some of the vessels to be used during the Mass, including the chalice(s), paten, cruets (holding the water and wine), and the dish used for the washing of the hands.

During the Mass, the bells are rung during the epiclesis (the moment when the priest involves the Holy Spirit to consecrate the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ), and during the consecration (the moment when the bread and wine is transformed into the body and blood of Christ). The “transformation” is called transubstantiation. The bells draw attention to these very sacred moments in the Mass.

A gold-plated disc used by the priest to hold the host that becomes the Body of Christ.

The vessel that holds the wine that becomes the Blood of Christ.

A small container used to bring the Eucharist to the sick and shut-ins.

A vessel containing the hosts that become the Body of Christ used when distributing Communion and when reserving the Body of Christ in the tabernacle.

Contain the wine and water used during the Mass.

A dish and small cloth used by the priest to wash his hands before beginning the consecration.

The thurible (censor) holds the charcoal and incense burned during solemn occasions. The boat contains the incense that is spooned onto the charcoal in the thurible.

A white cloth placed on the altar cloth where the vessels containing the bread and wine are placed.

A cloth used to wipe the edge of the chalice and for drying the sacred vessels after they are purified.

The stiff, square cover placed over the chalice to protect its contents.

The cross and candles are carried (usually by altar servers) in the procession to the sanctuary at the beginning of Mass and in the recessional at the end of Mass.

A long device with an extendable wax taper on one side for lighting candles and an inverted cup on the other side for extinguishing the candles.

The vessel used to display the Body of Christ during exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

An implement used to sprinkle holy water.

A bucket that holds holy water, used when the congregation is sprinkled with holy water on special occasions.

A bowl on the credence table used by Eucharistic ministers to wash their fingers after distributing Holy Communion.

A vessel containing holy water used for blessing yourself. The one in our church is also used for baptism.

A special sink used to dispose of consecrated water, which is the water used to rinse the sacred vessels after communion. This sink has a cover, a basin, and a special pipe and drain that empties directly into the earth.

A full-length white vestment worn by priests (under their chasuble), deacons (under their dalmatic) and altar servers.

A long cord used for fastening the alb at the waist.

A long, narrow vestment worn by the priest over the alb and under the chasuble. It is worn around the neck and hangs down in front on both sides.

A long, narrow vestment worn by the deacon over the alb and under the dalmatic. It is worn over the left shoulder and fastens at the right hip.

The sleeveless outer garment worn by the priest at Mass.

The outer garment with wide sleeves worn by the deacon at the Mass.

A larger cape worn by the priest (and sometimes by the deacon) during benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and during certain other sacred actions.

A long cloth that goes over the shoulders of the celebrant. It is attached by a clasp in the front and is most commonly used to hold the monstrance during Benediction.

A long, close-fitting, button-down garment with long sleeves that can be worn by clergy and also by laypersons who assist at Mass. At Holy Trinity, our altar servers wear cassocks.

It is a loose, white tunic with wide sleeves, worn by clergy and altar servers. At Holy Trinity, our altar servers wear a surplice over their cassock.

prayers and rituals said by the priest and deacon during Mass.

A sign of Jesus Christ, the Word of God, carried in procession at the beginning of Mass and used to proclaim the Gospel.

Contains the Scripture readings for Mass. There are separate lectionaries for weekday and weekend Masses.

Provides the congregation with parts of the Mass and contains the songs sung at the Mass.

Sometimes called the vestibule, it is the area between the inside main doors of the church and the baptismal font. It is an area for displaying information boards, the bulletins, and on occasion, drop-off of charitable donations. It also provides a space for fellowship.

The main part of the church where the pews are located.

The room where the sacred vessels and vestments are kept and where the priest, deacon, and altar servers vest and prepare for Mass. It is located at the back of the church, off the narthex.

The sacred, consecrated area around the altar where the Mass is celebrated. It contains the altar, ambo, tabernacle, credence table, and chairs for the priest, deacon, and altar servers. It is customary to bow before entering the sanctuary.