Vessels Used in the Liturgy - Monstrance

Monstrance – From the Latin mostrare meaning to show forth. A consecrated host is placed in a luna, Latin for moon, which is a crescent-shaped receptacle. The monstrance is used for the purpose of devotional prayer.

Vessels Used in the Liturgy

Thurible or Censer – From the Latin thuribulum, which means incense. This vessel houses the coals and the frankincense.

Thurifer- The altar server who carries the thurible.

Vessels Used in the Liturgy - Incense

Incense – Incense is a sign of the presence of the sacred. Its roots can be found in Psalm 141, verse 2: “Let my prayer rise like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice.” Both this psalm and incense are used in evening prayer. Frankincense, one of the gifts brought by the Magi to the Christ child, is poured over coals to create aromatic smoke. Incense may be used at any liturgy and is especially appropriate on more solemn occasions.

Vessels Used in the Liturgy - Pyx

Pyx –  From the Latin box, used by ministers of Holy Communion to carry Communion to the sick and/or homebound.

Vessels Used in the Liturgy - Chalice

Chalice – From the Latin calix, meaning cup. The chalice is the only liturgical vessel mentioned in the Gospel accounts. The chalice holds the consecrated wine and is used by the deacon and by lay ministers to distribute the Blood of Christ.