Ethan Walker
A corporal is a square linen cloth with an embroidered cross in the centre, slightly smaller than the post-Communion veil. It is spread over the top of the middle of the altar, reaching the front edge without hanging over. To iron a Catholic corporal, you will need an ironing board and an iron. The iron should be heated to a linen setting, usually the hottest setting. The corporal should be soaked in water and spot cleaned before being placed face-up on the ironing board and ironed. Once the wrinkles have been removed, the corporal can be folded. To do this, fold up the bottom third, then fold down the top third, and finally bring the right and left sides into the centre.
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What You'll Learn
Soak the corporal in water and wash it in a washing machine
Soaking the corporal in water and washing it in a washing machine is an important step in the process of caring for altar linens. Corporals, which are spread beneath chalices or patens during the Eucharist, have a sacred function and character and thus require special care and consideration when being cleaned.
To begin the soaking process, fill a plastic tub or bucket with water. Place the corporal in the water and let it sit for a minimum of 10 minutes. It is important to note that purple stains may require a longer soaking time, up to 90 minutes. The purpose of this presoaking step is to allow any crumbs or remnants of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ to dissolve into the water.
After the soaking period, remove the corporal from the water and squeeze out as much water as possible. It is important to ensure that the water is poured out onto the ground outside and not down a drain. This process should be done twice to thoroughly cleanse the corporal.
Once the corporal has been soaked and rinsed, it can be spot cleaned and then laundered in a washing machine. It is important to wash corporals separately from other laundry and to use gentle laundry detergent or soap. Avoid using bleach as it can damage the linen fibers, and instead, opt for an oxygen-based cleaner if needed.
Finally, after washing, the corporal can be dried and ironed. The ironing should be done in a specific way that facilitates the unique manner of folding, helping to contain any small particles of the consecrated host that may remain. This unique folding pattern involves placing the corporal right side up, folding up the bottom third, folding down the top third, and then bringing in the right and left thirds. Press the folds without starch to ensure that the corporal opens easily during Mass.
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Fold the corporal inside out
When it comes to folding a Catholic corporal, a specific procedure must be followed. The first step is to place the corporal right-side up, ensuring the embroidered cross faces up, and smooth out any wrinkles. This initial step is crucial as it ensures the corporal is properly aligned for the subsequent folds and helps to create a neat and crisp finish.
The next step is to fold the corporal inside out. This technique serves a functional purpose: by folding it in this manner, any crumbs from the Eucharist will be caught inside the material instead of falling to the ground. This is especially important during Mass, as it helps to maintain the sanctity and cleanliness of the altar. Additionally, folding the corporal inside out makes it easier for the priest or deacon to spread it over the altar, streamlining the preparation process.
To execute the fold, start by taking the bottom third of the corporal and folding it up towards the centre. Then, fold down the top third, ensuring it covers the previously folded section. At this point, you should have a long rectangle with one side consisting of three layers of fabric.
Next, bring the right third of the fabric in towards the centre, followed by the left third, creating a neat square. It is important to ensure that the folds are aligned and straight, as this will impact the overall crispness and presentation of the fold.
Once the corporal is folded, the final step is to crease the folds. You can use your fingers to create a light crease, or for a sharper finish, use an iron on a linen setting. Remember, no starch should be used when ironing the corporal. By following these steps, you will have successfully folded a Catholic corporal, ensuring it is both functional and aesthetically pleasing for its intended liturgical use.
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Iron the corporal while it is still wet
To iron a Catholic corporal while it is still wet, follow these steps:
Firstly, ensure you have an ironing board and an iron. The iron should be heated to a linen setting, which is usually the hottest setting. You may also want to have a drying rack ready for air-drying the corporal after it has been ironed.
Next, place the corporal right-side up on the ironing board, ensuring that any wrinkles or creases are smoothed out. The decorative embroidered cross should be facing up. It is important to iron the corporal while it is still wet, as the moisture will provide steam, making the process easier. If your washer has removed most of the water, you may want to add some more before ironing, as more moisture will make the process more effective.
Now, begin the process of ironing out all the wrinkles and creases. Start by folding up the bottom third of the corporal, covering a third of the material. Then, fold down the top third, followed by bringing in the right and left thirds towards the centre. Ensure that you firmly crease each fold with your fingers as you go along to keep the linen smooth.
Finally, after you have ironed and folded the corporal, it can be placed on a drying rack to air dry. Once it is completely dry, you can proceed to store it.
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Use a full-sized ironing board and a standard iron
To iron a Catholic corporal, a full-sized ironing board and a standard iron can be used. The corporal is a square linen cloth with a decorative embroidered cross in the centre, which is spread over the middle of the altar during Mass.
Firstly, ensure the corporal is clean. Soak it in water in a plastic tub or bucket, then pour the water into the ground. Repeat this process twice. Then, the corporal can be spot cleaned and washed in a washing machine.
Next, place the corporal right-side up on the ironing board, ensuring it is smooth and wrinkle-free. The cross should be facing up. Set the iron to the hottest setting, usually the linen setting. As the corporal is still wet from washing, this will create steam, making ironing easier. If the corporal has dried out, you can rewet it to aid the process.
Now, begin to fold the corporal. First, fold up the bottom third, then fold down the top third. Next, bring the right third in towards the centre, and do the same with the left third. Finally, press the folds with the iron to complete the process. No starch should be used.
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Store the corporal by pressing the creases with an iron
To store a Catholic corporal, it is important to press the creases with an iron. This is a crucial step in the process of caring for altar linens and ensures they are stored correctly and ready for future use. Here is a detailed guide to achieving this:
Firstly, it is important to understand the unique characteristics of a corporal. A corporal is a square linen cloth, slightly smaller than a post-Communion veil, and it plays a significant role in Catholic ceremonies. It is spread over the altar during Mass, with the decorative embroidered cross facing upwards. The corporal is folded in a specific way to ensure it opens easily during ceremonies and to catch any crumbs from the Eucharist.
Before ironing, the corporal should be washed and dried. It is recommended to soak the corporal in water twice, then spot clean and launder it separately in a washing machine. After washing, the corporal should be ironed while still damp, as the moisture makes ironing more effective and helps to create steam. If the corporal has dried, lightly spraying it with water can improve the ironing process.
When ironing, set the iron to the hottest setting, usually the linen setting. Place the corporal right-side up on the ironing board, ensuring it is smooth and wrinkle-free. Begin by folding the bottom third of the linen up, and then fold down the top third. Next, bring the right and left thirds in towards the centre, creating a neat, book-like fold.
Finally, press the creases with an iron. Run the iron along the folds to create sharp creases, ensuring the linen remains smooth and flat. This step will ensure the corporal maintains its shape and crispness during storage. Once complete, the corporal can be stored until it is needed for the next ceremony.
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Frequently asked questions
Place the corporal right-side up, with the cross facing up, and smooth out any wrinkles with your hands.
Fold up the bottom third, then fold down the top third.
Bring the right third in, then bring the left third in. Press the folds with an iron on a linen setting, with no starch.
