Grace Thompson
The Catholic Church uses a variety of holy items, also known as sacramentals, during Mass and other liturgical celebrations. These items are often made of precious metals and hold symbolic significance. Some examples include the altar, which is the central feature of a Catholic church, the tabernacle, which houses the Most Holy Eucharist, and the chalice, which holds the consecrated wine that becomes the Precious Blood of Christ. Other items include bells, candles, statues, relics, and sacred vessels such as the paten and ciborium. These items are used to create a sacred space, remind parishioners of Christ's sacrifice, and facilitate the celebration of the Mass.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Driving away evil spirits, remission of venial sin, preparation of the soul for grace |
| Objects | Rosaries, medals, scapulars, crucifixes, holy water |
| Objects | Sacred vessels, chalice, paten, ciborium, corporal, purificator, cruet, monstrance, tabernacle, ambo, aspergillum |
| Objects | Relics, candles, statues, bells, thurible, boat, altar, cross |
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What You'll Learn
The altar and its items
The altar is a central structure in a Catholic church, usually located in the sanctuary. It is used for celebrating the Sacrifice of the Mass and is the focus of attention in the church. The altar symbolises the table upon which Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with his Apostles, as well as the Cross upon which he was crucified.
The altar is typically made of wood, stone, or metal, and is topped by a slab of marble or wood. It is covered by at least one white altar cloth during Mass. On or next to the altar are placed candlesticks with lighted candles, with at least two candles for any celebration, and up to six for a Sunday Mass or a holy day of obligation. A cross, with the figure of Christ crucified upon it, is also placed on or near the altar, where it is clearly visible to those assembled. Flowers are also traditionally used to decorate the altar, with the floral arrangements varying depending on the liturgical season.
Various items are placed on the altar during Mass, including the chalice and paten, which hold the Body and Blood of Christ, and the corporal, a smaller cloth placed at the centre front of the altar for the chalice and paten to be placed on. The Eucharist is exposed on the altar for prayer and adoration by the faithful. Relics of departed saints may also be placed on the altar during Mass.
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Bells and candles
Bells
The use of bells in Catholic liturgy is a practice that dates back to the Latin Mass era. Bells are typically rung during the consecration of the Eucharist and the Precious Blood. They are also rung at significant moments during Mass, such as at the Words of Institution, to signify the Real Presence of Christ in the sacred elements. In some cases, a gong may be used instead of a bell. The ringing of bells serves to create a "joyful noise to the Lord", expressing gratitude for the miracle occurring on the altar. Additionally, bells focus the attention of the congregation on the sacred proceedings, especially when the celebrant's dialogue is spoken softly or when the view is obstructed.
Candles
Candles hold symbolic significance in the Catholic Church, representing Christ, who referred to himself as "the light of the world". The lighting of candles is a common practice in Catholic rituals, including Mass, liturgical and funeral processions, and evening prayer ceremonies. Candles are also lit before the Tabernacle to signify the presence of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and to inspire reverence.
Votive candles, in particular, are lit as an offering, indicating that the person lighting the candle is seeking favour or extending their prayers to the Lord or a saint. They are often lit as a sign of gratitude for answered prayers. Vigil lights are another type of candle used in Catholic rituals, typically accompanied by prayers of attention or waiting.
The use of candles in Catholic traditions may also have roots in early Christian practices, where candles or oil lamps were burned at the tombs of saints and martyrs, as well as before sacred images and relics.
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Holy books
The Bible is the holy book of Christianity and its various denominations, including Catholicism. The Catholic Bible refers to a Christian Bible that includes the whole 73-book canon recognised by the Catholic Church. This includes some of the deuterocanonical books (and parts of books) of the Old Testament, which are found in the Greek Septuagint collection. However, these books are absent from the Hebrew Masoretic Text collection.
The Catholic Bible can also refer to a version or translation of the Bible published with the Catholic Church's approval, in accordance with Catholic canon law. The current official version of the Catholic Church is the Nova Vulgata, a revision of the Vulgate, which was declared the official translation for the Latin Church by the Council of Trent. The Decretum Gelasianum, written between AD 519 and 553, cites a list of books of scripture that were made canonical at the Council of Rome in 382. The Catholic Church later affirmed its canon of scripture at the Synod of Hippo in 393 and the Council of Carthage in 397.
The Catholic Bible differs from the Bibles used by Protestants in terms of the number and order of books included. Catholic Bibles retain seven books in their canon that are regarded as non-canonical in Protestantism. While these books are considered non-canonical, many Protestant Bibles include them and others in an intertestamental section called the Apocrypha, resulting in an 80-book Bible.
The Global Bible Catalogue, as of 2025, contained over 1200 entries in 191 languages for Bibles that included deuterocanonical books. Recent translations include versions in Bokmål, Nynorsk, and Kibeembe in the Republic of Congo, all published in 2024. Lectionaries, which contain Scripture readings, differ somewhat in text from the Bible versions on which they are based. For example, the Roman liturgy omits certain verses in biblical readings.
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Holy water and oils
Holy Water
Holy water is used in Catholic churches for blessings and baptisms. It is also used by individuals who want to ward off evil, as seen in the story of a wayward Catholic who wore a scapular to protect himself from an evil presence in a house.
Holy Oils
The Catholic Church uses three holy oils: the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of the Catechumens, and the Holy Chrism Oil. Each is blessed by the bishop during the annual Chrism Mass. The first two oils are blessed, and the third is consecrated. Each oil has a unique purpose.
Oil of the Sick
The Oil of the Sick is used for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. During this sacrament, the priest lays hands on the sick or elderly person and anoints them by placing oil in the form of a cross on their forehead and hands. This sacrament can be performed at any time and place, and many Catholics believe in its power to bring spiritual, emotional, and physical healing.
Oil of the Catechumens
The Oil of the Catechumens is used during the Sacrament of Baptism. After an infant is baptised with water, the bishop traces the sign of the cross with this oil on the crown of the child's head, marking them as a Christian. This oil is also used during the baptism of adults if they do not immediately receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Holy Chrism Oil
The Holy Chrism Oil is used during the Sacrament of Confirmation. During this sacrament, the bishop traces the sign of the cross with chrism oil on the forehead of the one being confirmed and says, " [Name], be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit." Holy Chrism Oil is also used during the ordination of priests, the consecration of bishops, and the blessing of altars and vessels used during Mass.
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Statues and relics
Statues in the Catholic Church serve as visual reminders of the Saints who are praying and interceding for us in Heaven. They are not objects of worship but are meant to direct our prayers to the person in Heaven whom the statue represents. Statues of saints are often found in Catholic churches, and some statues are believed to have miraculous powers. For example, the statue of St. Apollonia of Alexandria holds pincers with a tooth, and the statue of St. Januarius contains his blood, which miraculously liquefies three times a year.
Relics are objects or body parts of saints that are preserved and venerated by Catholics. They are considered sacred items that connect the living with the saintly heroes of their faith. Relics are often kept in chapels or basilicas, and some are taken on pilgrimages to allow devotees to feel closer to the saint. The preservation and display of relics vary, with some being carefully guarded and rarely shown, while others are more accessible to the public. Relics are believed to possess supernatural powers and have been associated with cures and miracles throughout Christian history.
The types of relics vary widely and can include bones, tongues, vocal cords, blood, clothing, or objects associated with the saint. Some relics are also associated with Jesus, such as the Holy Nails, the Crown of Thorns, the Shroud of Turin, and the Holy Foreskin. The authenticity of some relics has been questioned, especially when multiple relics of the same item exist, such as the thirty or more Holy Nails that were venerated in various treasuries across Europe.
The preservation and veneration of relics are rooted in biblical teachings. For example, in 2 Kings 13:21, Elisha's bones bring a man back to life, and in Romans 13:7 and other verses, we are taught to honour and imitate the people of God. The use of holy water, which is associated with relics and sacred items, is also rooted in Scripture. In Exodus 29:4 and Leviticus 8:6, Aaron and his sons were washed with holy water during their consecration, and in Exodus 30:18-19, they washed their hands and feet with holy water before offering sacrifices to the Lord.
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Frequently asked questions
The altar is the central feature of every Catholic church. It is shaped like a table and a tomb, reminding Catholics of the Last Supper and Christ's death and burial. It is the most important item in a church as it is the place where the Eucharistic Sacrifice is offered.
A chalice is a sacred vessel, a cup that holds the wine that becomes the Precious Blood of Christ. It is usually made of precious metal and is held in special honour.
The tabernacle is the place where the Most Holy Eucharist is reserved outside of Mass. It is considered the heart of every Catholic Church because it contains Jesus Himself.
Sacramentals are items or actions that are powerful instruments to drive away evil spirits. When piously used, they remit venial sin and prepare the soul for grace. Examples include rosaries, medals, scapulars, and crucifixes.
