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.
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cups, bowls and plates. Each of these vessels has a name
and a specific purpose. The first thing you may notice is
Notes