4.3: Sacred Objects

Question 1

What are sacred vessels, and examples?

Answer 1

Sacred vessels are objects used to show devotion. They include:
* Paten (the plate that holds the priest’s hosts)
* Ciborium ( the silver or gold container for the hosts)
* Chalice (the cup holding the consecrated wine)
* Stoup ( a container on the wall containing holy water)

Question 2

Why are stoups regarded as sacred vessels?

Answer 2

Stoups contain the water which has been blessed in the name of the Holy Trinity, and is a reminder of baptism and washing clean of sins through the cross of Christ.

Question 3

What are sarcophagi and why are they important?

Answer 3

A sarcophagus is a stone container for bones.
They are important because:
* They help Catholics to focus their prayers on an individual
* They reflect belied about the siants, and the holiness they can bring through prayer and contemplation next to the sacrcophagus

Question 4

Why are sacred vessels important?

Answer 4

• They allow a Catholic to focus their devotion
• They are ther most holy objects as the are used in the sacrament of the Eucharist and hold the sacramental body and blood of Christ.

Question 5

What are hunger cloths and why are they important to Catholics?

Answer 5

• Hunegr cloths were medieval cloths that covered the altar during Lent
• They are a visual reminder to people that God is with them in their daily liives, wherever they may be, and cares for every individual, whatever their sturggle.
• Modern hunger cloths are produced by charities such as CAFOD and reflect peace and justice, and foster loyalty to unite communities. The Cathecism teaches that they** “manifest ‘a cloud of witnesses’ who continue to participate in the salvation of the world and whom we are all united under sacramental celebrations.”**

Question 6

What are the colours of the priest’s vestments and when are they used?

Answer 6

• White and gold for special celebrations such as Christmas and Easter,
• Green for creation and ‘ordianry time’, when there are no special liturgical events
• Red for martyrs and for Pentecost to symbolsie the fire of the Holy Spirit
• Purple for Lent and Advent, for penitence and sorrow

Question 7

How else are sacred objects used?

Answer 7

• The chakice, paten and ciborium are used to distriobute and serve Holy Communion.
• Votive candles are lit to symbolise prayers being offered
• Priests wear special vestments according to the liturgical season
• Holy images, statues and crucifixes are used in private devotions, either in church or at home
• Holy water is used to bless oneself and can be sprinkled at home too.

Question 8

What does theCatechism say about sacred objects?

Answer 8

“All signs in the liturgical celebrations are related to Christ”