Catholic Church Vestments

Study Notes

A soutane is a type of vestment worn by patriarchs, the Pope, and other high-ranking clergy as a symbol of their authority.
The pallium is a band of white wool worn around the neck, adorned with 6 small black crosses, and pinned to the chasuble in three places.
The non-silk part of the pallium is made of white wool, supplied by two lambs presented annually by the Lateran Canons Regular.
The pallium is worn by archbishops, symbolizing their authority.

The pectoral cross is a cross worn around the neck, usually about 6 inches in height.
It is worn by bishops and patriarchs as a symbol of their authority.
The pectoral cross typically has 33 buttons down the front, symbolizing the years of Jesus' life.
A band cincture is also worn with the pectoral cross.

The crozier is the shepherd's staff used by bishops, symbolizing their pastoral role.
The crozier has been made of wood, silver, and gold, depending on rank, throughout history.
In the early Church, wood was used, but metal was used in the early Middle Ages, and wood is again commonly used today.

Incense boat is shaped like a boat, with a hinged lid and a matching spoon.
Cruets are vessels to hold the wine and water at mass.
Pitcher and basin are used to hold and catch the water for the washing of the hand of the presider.
Credence table is a movable table upon which the chalice, paten, and ciboria are placed during mass.

Corporal is a sacred cloth of white linen, used to place the chalice, paten, and ciboria during mass.
When not in use, the corporal is folded 3 times each way to form 9 equal squares and placed in the burse.
Pall is a square of linen, stiffened with starch, cardboard, or plastic, set on the chalice to prevent dirt or insects from falling into it.
Paten is a plate on which the bread is placed during mass.
Bell is known as the "mass bell" and is rung by a server at mass.
Monstrance is a larger vessel used to display the Host at exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
Lunette is a gilt clip which holds the Host when it is placed in the monstrance.