Mater Dei: Latin for "Mother of God" one of the names by which the Blessed Virgin Mary has been known throughout the history of the Church. This is one of the oldest title of our Lady.

The Altar: The form of the Catholic altar has always been a table or a tomb. This double form has perpetuated through the ages the remembrance of the institution of the Eucharist and of the burial of Our Lord.

Altar Cloth: The cloth that covered the table at the last supper, the winding-sheet of the Savior's embalming, are recalled to our love by the white linens spread upon the altar.

The Missal: The Missal contains all of the prayers and reading that are said by the priest during Mass. When it is closed it is turned so that the open side of the book faces toward the middle of the altar where Christ is present in the Tabernacle, or at least symbolized by the crucifix on the altar.

Altar Cards: The altar cards contain all of the prayers that are said by the priest when he does not have the Missal in front of him or he is not facing toward it, as for part of the offertory and consecration.

The Chalice: is a cup made of gold or silver, but if of silver, the interior must be gold-plated. It holds the wine for the Holy Sacrifice, and is a striking figure of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The Paten: is a plate of gold or silver upon which the large bread for consecration rests until the offertory. If it is of silver, the upper side, at least, must be gold-plated. Of old it was necessarily larger than now, for it held all the breads to be consecrated.

The Pall: A square pocket-shaped piece of linen with a cardboard inserted in order to stiffen it. It is placed over the chalice to prevent dust or other matter falling into it.

The Purificator: A linen cloth used for wiping the chalice, and the fingers and mouth of the celebrant after Communion. It is spread over the cup of the chalice at the beginning and end of Mass.

The Corporal: A square piece of linen. In size and appearance it resembles a small napkin. It is spread out on the altar, and the chalice is place upon it. During the Mass the Sacred Host rests for a time on the Corporal.

The Burse: is a square container for the Corporal. It is made of the same material and color as the vestments.

The Chalice Veil: is the cloth which covers the chalice until the Offertory, and again after the Communion. It also is made of the same material and color as the vestments.

Class: The ranking given to days in the liturgical calendar. There are four classes, with I (first) being the highest and IV (fourth) being the lowest. When a day is of the IV class it can have a votive Mass of any level said on it.

Indult and/or Extraordinary see our Papal Documents web page.