Sanctuary/Sacred Vessels/Vestments

The sanctuary is the area of a church in which the altar and ambo (lectern) can be found. The presider's chair that the priest uses during the liturgy is also there. The vestments that the priest wears are the alb, the stole, and the chasuble. A bishop wears a miter (high hat) and carries a crosier (staff). On the ambo is the lectionary containing the scriptural readings for the liturgical year. On the altar one finds the sacramentary; it contains the prayers and directives for the liturgy. A square piece of fine linen called a corporal covers the center of the altar. On it rests the paten (plate) in which the bread to be consecrated is placed and the chalice (cup) into which the wine to be consecrated is poured. Near the altar is the credence table. On it are cruets, one filled with wine and the other with water, and a lavabo dish that the priest uses to wash his hands.

In many churches a separate chapel houses the tabernacle. The tabernacle contains consecrated hosts that are kept in a ciborium. Near the tabernacle is the sanctuary lamp; it signifies the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. When the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for adoration, it is placed in a monstrance (a metal holder).