Glossary - A-M

Altar

The table for the Eucharist. It may be square - top (butcher block) table which emphasizes the sacrificial aspect of the Eucharist, or oblong (banquet) table, which emphasizes the Eucharist as sacred meal.

Ambry (or Aumbry)

A locked cabinet containing the Holy Oils, located in the baptistry.

Oil of Catechumens:

blessed oil used to anoint a person as part of the baptismal rites.

Oil of the Sick:

blessed oil used in the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

Sacred Chrism:

consecrated perfumed oil used in Baptism, Confirmation, Ordination to the priesthood, ordination of a bishop and consecration of altars and churches.

Ambo

A solid and substantial lectern from which the Word of God is read. It should appear equal in importance to the altar table, because we are fed both the Table of the Word and the Table of the Eucharist.

Baptistery

The area in which baptisms are performed.

Baptismal Font

The basin or pool in which people are baptized. It is often 8-sided to symbolize the "new creation." God created this world in seven days. The eighth day is the first day of the new creation. When we are baptized, we become a new creation in Christ.

Candles

Candles are used to remind us of the "light of faith." Because of the light of faith within us, Jesus said, "Let your light shine before all people." Votive candles are the candles in stands that people light to signify a special intention in their prayers. The altar candles are made of 51% beeswax, which is quite expensive. It is a signal that we give our best to God in worship.

Church

The word Church carries several meanings:

Universal:

The union of all the Local Churches under the leadership of the Pope.

Local Church:

The baptized of a specific geographical under the leadership of a bishop. Each Local Church carries within it the fullness of what is required to be a complete Church. Thus, St. Paul wrote to: "The Church that is in Rome . . . in Ephesus . . . Etc.

The People of God:

The community of the baptized.

A consecrated building designed for worship.

Chalice

Special cup used by the Presider for the Blood of Christ.

Ciborium (pl. Ciboria)

A covered golden container for consecrated Communion hosts.

Lectionary

Book containing the readings for the Mass.

Liturgical Colors

Liturgical colors mark the various liturgical feasts and seasons.

Green - the color of "Ordinary Time".

White or Gold - The color for the Christmas and Easter seasons, as well as for feasts of Christ and the saints who are not martyrs.

Midnight Blue - The color for Advent, a time of expectation, just before the dawn. Violet can also be used during Advent.

Violet - The color used during Lent.

Red - The color used for feasts of the Holy Spirit (fire) Passion (Palm) Sunday, Good Friday and the feasts of martyrs (blood).

Liturgy

The official prayer of the Church. It consists of the celebration of the seven Sacraments and the Liturgy of the Hours (Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer and Night Prayer) are parts of the Liturgy of the Hours which are often prayed in parishes. Since the Liturgy is the prayer of the Body of Christ, Head and Members, we believe that the risen Christ prays along with us at every liturgy.

Paschal Candle

The Paschal Candle is a large candle which represents the presence of Christ, the Light of the World in our midst. A new Paschal Candle is blessed every year at the Easter Vigil. Since it represents the Resurrection of Christ from the dead, it usually stands near the baptismal font (the font represents the tomb). During the Easter Season and at funerals it burns near the altar.

Private Prayer

In contrast to the Liturgy, which is the public prayer of the Church, private prayer consists of the private and personal prayers of Christians. They may include novenas, devotions, the rosary, and personal meditation and prayer.