Michael Brooks
The altar is a table or structure in the sanctuary of a Catholic church where Mass is celebrated. It is typically centrally located and is the focus of attention in the church. The altar is where the Eucharist is celebrated, and it is also the table of the Lord where the People of God participate in the Mass. The design of a Catholic church is not random but carefully planned to support worship, with each section having a role in bringing the faithful closer to God. The altar is where the gifts of bread and wine are brought and become Jesus' Body and Blood. During Catholic services, the altar is covered with a cloth and holds items such as the Book of the Gospels, the chalice with the paten, a ciborium, the corporal, the purificator, the pall, and the Missal. Candlesticks are also often placed on or around the altar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Altar type | Fixed or movable |
| Altar material | Stone, wood, metal, or any noble and solid material suited to liturgical use |
| Altar cover | Cloth, baize, or velvet |
| Altar protector | Cloth, baize, or velvet |
| Altar decoration | Draped with fabric or sculptural ornamentation |
| Altar contents | Relics of martyrs or other saints, the Book of the Gospels, the chalice with the paten, a ciborium, the corporal, the purificator, the pall, the Missal, and other items required for the Mass |
| Altar location | Sanctuary, typically centrally located and elevated from the nave |
| Number of altars | Preferably one in new churches, but some have multiple altars |
| Candles | At least two, placed on or near the altar |
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What You'll Learn
- The altar cloth, or 'vesperale', is placed on the table of the altar to protect it from stains
- The chalice and paten are used to hold the wine and bread, which become the Blood and Body of Jesus
- The ciborium, a cup with a lid, stores consecrated hosts in the Tabernacle
- The corporal, a small cloth, is placed on the altar to catch crumbs of the Blessed Sacrament
- The candlesticks, placed on or around the altar, represent the light of Christ
The altar cloth, or 'vesperale', is placed on the table of the altar to protect it from stains
The altar is a table or structure on which Mass is celebrated in the Catholic Church. It is typically located in the sanctuary, which is the front part of the church where the priest stands during Mass. The altar is the focus of attention in the church, and it is where the Eucharist is celebrated.
When the altar is not in use, it is customary to place an altar protector or cover, known as the vesperale or stragulum, on the table of the altar to protect the altar cloth from stains or soiling. This cover is typically made of cloth, baize, or velvet and is a little wider and longer than the altar table so that it hangs down slightly on all sides. It can be of any color, but green and red are preferred, and its edges are often scalloped or embroidered.
During Mass, only the items required for the celebration may be placed on the altar table. These items may include the Book of the Gospels, the chalice with the paten, a ciborium, the corporal, the purificator, the pall, and the Missal. Candlesticks are also placed on or around the altar, and at least two candles are used during Mass.
The altar cloth, or vesperale, plays an important role in protecting the altar table from stains and maintaining the reverence and beauty of the altar, which is central to the celebration of the Eucharist in the Catholic Church.
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The chalice and paten are used to hold the wine and bread, which become the Blood and Body of Jesus
In the Catholic Church, the altar is a table or structure on which Mass is celebrated. It is typically centrally located in the sanctuary, which is the front part of the church where the priest stands during Mass. The altar is considered sacred, and its design and placement are carefully planned to support worship and focus attention on the Eucharist.
During a Catholic service, the altar holds the chalice and paten, which are used to hold the wine and bread that become the Blood and Body of Jesus. The chalice is a cup, typically made of stone or another solid and noble material, and the paten is a small dish or bowl made of the same material as the chalice. The bread and wine are brought to the altar as gifts and are then consecrated during the Mass.
The chalice and paten play a significant role in the Catholic Mass, as they hold the elements that are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. The paten should be plain, with a gradual slight depression towards the centre, to allow for the easy collection of particles. The chalice, on the other hand, should be narrow at the bottom and gradually widen towards the mouth. The height of the chalice is not specified but should be at least eight inches.
Together, the chalice and paten symbolise the sacred nature of the Eucharist and the transformation that occurs during the Mass. They are essential tools for the celebration of the Mass and are treated with reverence and honour. After the Mass, the chalice and paten may be cleaned and stored safely until they are needed again for the next service.
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The ciborium, a cup with a lid, stores consecrated hosts in the Tabernacle
The Catholic Church uses a ciborium, a cup with a lid, to store consecrated hosts in the Tabernacle. The ciborium is similar in shape to a chalice, but its key distinguishing feature is its lid. The chalice does not have a lid. The ciborium is placed on the altar during Catholic services, along with other sacred objects.
The ciborium is an important vessel used during the Mass, the central act of Catholic worship. The Mass is celebrated on an altar, which is typically a table or structure located in the sanctuary of the church. The sanctuary is the front part of the church, usually elevated from the nave, where the congregation sits or stands. The altar is the focal point of the church, signifying the one Christ and the one Eucharist of the Church.
The ciborium is used to store and dispense the consecrated hosts, which are the sacred bread used in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is a sacred rite in which the bread and wine are believed to become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. During the Mass, the priest will place the consecrated hosts in the ciborium and store them in the Tabernacle, ensuring that Christ remains present in the church at all times.
The design of the ciborium may vary, but it typically has a narrow bottom that gradually widens towards the mouth. It should be at least eight inches tall and may be made of various materials, including gold, stone, wood, or metal, depending on the traditions and liturgical use of the region. The use of stone altars and ciboria is particularly significant, as it symbolises the altar as an "object of awe" that is made holy when it receives the body of Christ.
The ciborium is an essential element of the Catholic Mass, playing a crucial role in the storage and distribution of the consecrated hosts. Its presence on the altar during services underscores the sacred nature of the Eucharist and the belief in the real presence of Christ in the consecrated bread.
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The corporal, a small cloth, is placed on the altar to catch crumbs of the Blessed Sacrament
The Catholic Church's altar is a table or structure where Mass is celebrated. It is usually located in the sanctuary, which is the front part of the church where the priest stands during Mass. The altar is a sacred place where the Eucharist is celebrated, and it is also the table of the Lord where the People of God gather to participate in the Mass. The altar is typically the focus of attention in the church, and its design and arrangement are carefully planned to support worship.
During a Catholic service, only what is required for the celebration of the Mass may be placed on the altar table. This includes the Book of the Gospels, the chalice with the paten, a ciborium (if necessary), and the corporal, a small cloth used to catch any crumbs of the Blessed Sacrament. The corporal is placed on the altar from the Presentation of the Gifts until the purification of the vessels.
The chalice is a cup used during the Mass, while the paten is a small dish or bowl that holds the bread. The ciborium is similar to a chalice but has a lid and is used to store consecrated hosts in the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle is a secure box or cabinet where the consecrated Eucharist is kept, ensuring that Christ remains present in the church at all times.
The corporal plays an important role in the Catholic Mass by ensuring that any crumbs of the Blessed Sacrament are caught and respected. It is one of the many elements that contribute to the sacred nature of the altar and the Mass celebration.
In addition to the items placed on the altar, the arrangement of the sanctuary also includes seats for the priest and other ministers, as well as candlesticks to provide light and create a reverent atmosphere. The design and arrangement of the sanctuary are intended to bring the faithful closer to God and foster devotion.
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The candlesticks, placed on or around the altar, represent the light of Christ
The Catholic Church carefully plans the design of its churches to support worship. Every section has a role in bringing the faithful closer to God, and the altar is a central component. The altar is a table or structure on which Mass is celebrated and is usually located in the sanctuary, the front part of the church where the priest stands during Mass. It is often elevated from the nave, where the congregation sits, to mark its special role in the liturgy.
The altar is a sacred space where the Eucharist is celebrated and is the focus of attention in the church. It is also the table of the Lord, where the People of God are convoked to participate in the Mass, and it is the centre of the thanksgiving accomplished through the Eucharist. The altar is also where the gifts of bread and wine are brought, and they become Jesus' Body and Blood.
Candles are used in Catholic worship to represent the light of Christ. During Mass, candles may be held on either side of the priest as he proclaims the Gospel, and at least two candles are placed on or near the altar. The placement of the candlesticks on or around the altar is done in a way that does not impede the faithful from having a clear view of what takes place at the altar or what is placed upon it.
The altar cloths are protected from stains and soiling by an altar protector or cover made of cloth, baize, or velvet when the altar is not in use for liturgical services. The cover is usually a little wider and longer than the table, hanging down on each side and in front.
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Frequently asked questions
An altar in a Catholic Church is a table or structure on which Mass is celebrated. It is typically centrally located in the sanctuary, which is the front part of the church where the priest stands during Mass.
During a Catholic service, only what is required for the celebration of the Mass may be placed on the altar table. This includes the Book of the Gospels, the chalice with the paten, a ciborium, the corporal, the purificator, the pall, and the Missal. In addition, there should be whatever may be needed to amplify the Priest’s voice, such as candlesticks, which are placed either on or around the altar.
The altar is used for the celebration of the Eucharist, which is the principal and most ancient part of the whole rite. It is also the table of the Lord, where the People of God are convoked to participate in the Mass, and it is the centre of the thanksgiving accomplished through the Eucharist.
When the altar is not in use, the altar cloths are protected by an altar cover made of cloth, baize, or velvet. This cover is larger than the table so that it may hang down on all sides. During services, the altar is covered with a cloth, a corporal, a cross, and candles.
