Cloths
On the altar at Mass, you’ll see a number of different cloths
used. Each of these has a specific name and purpose. All
of the different cloths used during Mass are considered
sacred items, because they may come in contact with the Body and
Blood of Christ.
The top of the altar is covered with a large linen tablecloth. This is
simply called the altar cloth.
Tantamount to a place mat is the corporal. The corporal is a square
of absorbent white linen that is placed under the chalice, the paten
and the ciborium. This is used so that any particles of the host or
drops of wine that fall on it can be collected. The name comes
from the Latin corpus, which means “body.”
At Masses where the Precious Blood is offered, each minister will
wipe the brim of the chalice after each use. The small linen cloth
used is called a purificator. The purificator is also used to clean the
chalices and ciboria after Communion.
of the gifts. The small bowl or basin (though not a cloth) used
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When the chalice is not in use, it is covered with a chalice veil.
Finally, at every Mass the priest washes his hands at the preparation
to catch the water is called a lavabo (luh-VAH-boh). This word
comes from the Latin verb meaning “I shall wash.”
Notes