What are the sacred vessels and linens used on the altar at Mass?
Due to reverence for the Real Presence, the Church uses dedicated sacred vessels and linens: 1) The Chalice (the cup holding the Precious Blood); 2) The Paten (the gold or silver plate holding the host); 3) The Ciborium (the covered vessel containing hosts for communion and reservation in the tabernacle); 4) The Corporal (the white linen cloth unfolded on the altar upon which the chalice and paten rest); 5) The Purificator (the linen cloth used to wipe the chalice); and 6) The Pall (a stiff linen square placed over the chalice to prevent foreign particles from falling into the Precious Blood).
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1147-1148
- Exodus 25:29
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.