Parts of the Altar Flashcards
Ambo
The Ambo is the platform from which the Priest preaches.
In the Ordinary Form of the Mass, the Readings and the Gospel are proclaimed from here.
The location of the Ambo may vary depending on the Parish.
Altar Steps (Predella)
The Altar Steps are the stairs which lead to the Altar itself.
It is required of every church to have these steps. It is also required that these steps are ascending (going up).
Traditionally, these steps are in a set of three, through, it may vary depending on the Parish.
Tabernacle Lamp
The Tabernacle Lamp is a candle that is placed either upon the Altar or near the Tabernacle to indicate that the Tabernacle is holding within it, the Blessed Sacrament; the Body and Blood of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
It is required that wherever there is a Tabernacle containing the Holy Eucharist, there must be a Tabernacle Lamp.
It is likewise required, that this lamp be kept burning always, and must never be put out, unless the Holy Eucharist is removed from the Tabernacle and transferred elsewhere.
Tabernacle
The Tabernacle is the fixed, locked box in which the Holy Eucharist is reserved.
The Tabernacle, by Church law, must be made of gold on the inside, and must be immovable.
Traditionally, the Tabernacle is a part of the Altar, and always is situated in the front of the Church.
Unfortunately, the Tabernacle is often set aside, or even worse, in a separate room, in newer Churches.
Altar
The Altar is the table upon which the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered.
The Altar is required to be made of marble or another suitable stone, or it may also be made of wood.
The Altar, traditionally, is attached to the wall, but in new Churches, the Altar is usually freestanding (so that the Priest can go behind it).
The Altar is required to contain relics of the Saints to be inside it, but these relics may also be placed upon the Altar.
Credence Table
The Credence Table is the table set aside that has the items required for the Holy Mass.
The cruets, bells, incense, among other things are usually placed on the Credence Table until it is to be used,
Sedalia
The Sedalia is the seats upon which the Priest, the Deacon, and the Subdeacon are seated.
If the Deacon and the Subdeacon are not present, the Altar Servers who acts as the Masters of Ceremonies may be seated beside the Priest during Holy Mass.
Traditionally, the Sedalia is located to the right of the Altar, though, it may vary depending on the Parish.
Altar Crucifix and Reredos
The Altar Crucifix is the Crucifix which is required to hang above, or rest upon, the Altar.
It is required that every Altar must have an Altar Crucifix.
The Reredos is the structure behind the altar that has various statues and paintings of the Saints, the Blessed Mother, or the Lord. It may also have candles, flowers, and other appropriate decorations.
Altar Candles
The Altar Candles are the Candles that are lit for the celebration of Holy Mass.
It is a requirement that candles are lit for the Holy Mass, and thus, Altar Candles are required for the Altar.
Traditionally, there are six Altar Candles, but it may vary depending on the Parish.
Altar Cards
In the Extraordinary Form of the Mass, there are Altar Cards from which the Priest reads the prayers common to every Mass.
There are three Altar Cards; one for the Gospel Side, one for the Middle, and lastly, one for the Epistle Side.
*Altar Cards only exist in the Extraordinary Form of the Mass, they do not exist in the Ordinary Form.
Sacramentary and stand
The Sacramentary is the Roman Missal from which the Mass is read from.
The Sacramentary rests upon a Missal Stand which helps it keep upright.
Relics
The Altar Relics are the reliquaries sitting upon the Altar that contain the relics of the Saints.
Altar Cloth
The Altar Cloth is the cloth which covers the Altar itself.
It is required to be made of linen, and must be covering the Altar during Holy Mass,
