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Vessels O n the altar at Mass, you’ll see a number of what look like that these vessels are all made of precious metals – usually gold or silver. This is important to Catholics, as these vessels hold the Body and Blood of Christ. The small plate that holds the bread that will be consecrated is called a paten. Altar servers may also hold a paten under the chins of those receiving Holy Communion. The cup that holds the wine, mixed with water, that will become the Blood of Christ is called a chalice. The vessel that holds the Eucharistic hosts is called a ciborium (si-BOR-ee-um). The ciborium, also made of precious metal, may look like a chalice, or it may look much more like a bowl. Ciboria (the plural of ciborium) usually have a lid. The lid is placed on top when the ciborium is put inside the tabernacle with consecrated hosts – the Body of Christ. Finally, something you may not always see at Mass is a small metal container used to transport the Eucharist to the sick or homebound who cannot attend Mass. This vessel, which often looks something like a pocket watch, is called a pyx (picks). You’ll notice that the minister who is given the pyx will leave the church immediately to take Communion to those who could not be in the assembly. 30 cups, bowls and plates. Each of these vessels has a name and a specific purpose. The first thing you may notice is Notes


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