UPCOMING: LADIES' RETREAT FROM 15-16 ... - Christ the King

Jan/Feb 2010
For those who have always wanted to know
what things are called, here is a short guide
to the items used for Communion.
Altar Cloth — The cloth which covers the
altar. It is also called Fair Linen.
Burse — A square pocket put on top of the
chalice and paten. It is the colour of the current
church season, so it matches the
vestments the priest wears.
Chalice — This silver or pottery cup holds
the wine consecrated at the Eucharist.
Ciborium — This silver box has a cover and
is used to hold the bread consecrated and
given to the people at the Eucharist. It is kept
in the Tabernacle (the cabinet hidden by a
ALTAR GUILD: BUSY BEHIND THE SCENES
The women and men of the Altar
Guild would like to explain a little
about the seemingly mysterious
things we do. In fact, the Altar
Guild is a perfect ministry for those
who prefer working behind the
scenes and enjoy the quiet of the
sanctuary before and after worship.
(If you feel inspired to join us,
please speak to me!)
We are one of the smallest groups at
Christ the King, but we are a dedicated
group and work closely together.
We also meet regularly to
talk about our work and enjoy fellowship.
Preparing the altar
Altar Guild members work in teams
of two. We meet before the service,
usually on Friday or Saturday, although
some experienced members
come in early on Sunday mornings,
to set up the altar for the Eucharist.
metal box behind the altar).
Corporal — A linen napkin placed on the
altar cloth. The chalice, paten and other
communion vessels are placed on it.
Pall — A small, square piece of cardboard or
metal which is covered with linen. It is used
to cover the chalice—and keep out flies!
Paten — A round, flat silver or pottery plate
used to hold the bread during the distribution
at the Eucharist.
Purificator — A small linen napkin used to
wipe the edge of the chalice.
Veil — This silk square covers the communion
vessels when they are not being used. It is
the colour of the current church season.
Our duties involve preparing the
altar for communion, changing linens
if necessary, filling the acolyte
candles, preparing bread and wine
and placing them on the table at the
back of the church ready to be
brought to the altar during the offertory,
setting the credence table
(the small table next to the acolytes)
with chalices, extra wine, lavabo
bowl and towel and leavers candle.
After the service we clear everything
away, carefully washing the
chalices and other utensils before
placing them back in the safe, cleaning
up and attending to any issues
with linens, candles, etc.
Twice a year we also do special
cleaning projects together (before
Easter and before Christmas). We
also wash and iron the robes and
linens on a regular basis (we have
someone who irons the linens at the
moment but she would be very
WORSHIP / Altar guild
A SHORT GLOSSARY FOR ANGLICANS (OLD AND NEW)
grateful for a little help now and
then) and are available for extra duties
at baptisms, funerals and weddings.
At the moment Altar Guild consists
of 8 people, so we are all on duty at
least once a month. At special times
such as Easter and Christmas, when
many people are away or have other
commitments, it would be especially
lovely to have some more
dedicated members for our team.
- Sue Vornhagen
COMMUNION
REMINDER
Please remember that, with
the spread of swine flu,
Bishop Pierre has requested
that all churches here in
Europe stop the practice of
intinction for now (dipping
the bead into the wine). It
seems safer, but studies show
the opposite. So please either
- share the cup (which is
carefully wiped) or
- cross your arms and wait
prayerfuly while the chalice
passes you.