Sacred Vessels

Keeping with the equipment and things used at mass lets continue this "series" with Sacred Vessels. These are the vessels used at mass, namely, the chalice and paten, used at mass during the communion liturgy.

During the Liturgy of the Eucharist there are metal (usually brass or gold) vessels used. These are the most important and core elements of the mass. These are the Chalice and Paten. These are the most important and core to the celebration of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. As they hold the Sacred Blood and the Body of Christ. That will be consumed by the priests, ministers, and faithful. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) instructs a lot on these vessels, as well as the whole communion liturgy.

The sacred vessels are held in special honor, especially that of the Paten and Chalice. The requirement are that they are made of precious medal. And if it is a metal that rusts (or a medal less precious then gold) it must be gilded inside. They can also be made of other hard materials that are held in noble state. These are also the same rules for anything that holds hosts, such as the ciborium, patens, monstrance and Luna, and pyx. As well anything that holds the sacred blood cannot absorb liquid. As well it is up to the artist who makes the vessel to design it in a way that keeps with local customs. As well a special blessing in the Appendix of the Roman Missal for the vessels is used.

The word chalice comes from the Latin word "calix", which means "cup". The chalice is called a sacred vessel and is held in special honor by the community as it is the cup that holds the Sacred Blood when the wine is consecrated during mass Mass. All chalices used at a Eucharistic Celebration are made of precious metals as a sign of their importance. Patens are plates where the host(s) for communion are placed. Similar to the chalice the paten is also to be made of precious metals as it to is called a sacred vessel as it will hold the Body of Christ at Mass.

As well cruets holding water and wine. And ciborium holding hosts can be used at mass. Cruets are usually made of glass. As well there are usually cloths used at mass that are kept with the chalice and paten. All vessels used at mass, and all things used are held in high respect. Whether this be the vessels, how small and unimportant they may seem, or books or furniture, they are all important for the celebration of the eucharist and the mass.

Traditionally the vessels like the chalice and paten and sometimes the ciborium are gifts given to priests at there ordination. As well sometimes they are kept by a parish.

I hope you enjoy this series explaining each of the parts of the church. The next article will hopefully be about the Sacred Vestments worn by the ministers at mass. As well there are many more that we can discuss, these will be coming soon.

-Father Matthew Schreiner

Kosciol Church