Other Liturgical Items
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The processional cross: Reminiscent of Roman military standards. It marks the Christian identity and is carried in procession.
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The sacrarium: A special drain in the sacristy that flows directly into the earth, used to respectfully dispose of holy water, blessed ashes, or the water used to wash altar linens.
Church Layout and Terms
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The Sanctuary: The elevated portion of the church where clergy and ministers carry out liturgical functions. It symbolizes heaven.
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The Nave: The main body of the church where the congregation gathers.
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The Sacristy: The room where vestments, vessels, and other liturgical items are stored and prepared.
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The Altar: The sacred table where the sacrifice of the Mass is offered and from which the faithful receive the Eucharist.
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The Ambo: The lectern from which the readings are proclaimed.
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The Presider’s Chair: The chair the priest sits in during Mass.
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The Credence Table: The table where liturgical objects are kept during Mass.
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The Tabernacle: The place where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved.
The Tabernacle
(Latin: tabernaculum, “tent”)
The golden container in which the Blessed Sacrament is reserved. The name comes from the Old Testament tent where God dwelt among His people.
The Ambry
The cabinet in which the three holy oils are kept: the Oil of Chrism, Oil of the Sick, and Oil of the Catechumens.
Liturgical Colors
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White: Symbolizes light, purity, innocence, joy, and glory. Used on major feast days and during the Christmas and Easter seasons. Also permitted for funerals and Masses for the dead.
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Green: Represents the natural color of life and the hope of eternal life. Worn during Ordinary Time.
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Violet: Conveys melancholy and penitence. Used during Advent and Lent, and may also be worn at funerals.
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Red: Stands for fire and blood. Worn on feasts of martyrs, Pentecost, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and other celebrations tied to the Holy Spirit or the Passion of Christ.
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Rose: A symbol of joy during a penitential season. It is only worn on two days: Gaudete Sunday (Third Sunday of Advent) and Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent).
Gestures and Postures in the Liturgy
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Standing: A sign of respect and readiness. The congregation stands during the Gospel reading, when singing, and when praying together.
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Sitting: Indicates attentiveness and reflection, especially during the readings and the preparation of the gifts.
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Kneeling: A gesture of humility and adoration. The faithful kneel during the Eucharistic Prayer and after the Agnus Dei before receiving Communion.
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Genuflection: Made by bending the right knee to the ground. Given to the Blessed Sacrament upon entering or leaving the church, or when passing in front of the tabernacle. Also appropriate at the mention of the Incarnation or the death of Christ.
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Profound bow: A deep bow made to the altar when passing in front of it during Mass, and during the Creed at the words referring to the Incarnation: “By the power of the Holy Spirit, he was born of the Virgin Mary and became man.”
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Bow of the head: A subtle bow made at the name of Jesus, at the mention of the Trinity (e.g., “Glory to the Father…”), the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saint being honored that day.
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Kiss: A sign of reverence. The altar and the Book of the Gospels are often kissed by the priest or deacon.
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Striking the breast: A gesture of contrition, done during the Confiteor when acknowledging personal sinfulness.
