Catholic Church Vestments

Vestments

• 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.

Pectoral Cross

• 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.

Crozier/Episcopal Staff

• 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.

Surplice

• A surplice is a knee-length, white vestment worn over the cassock.
• It is worn by priests, deacons, and seminarians, but not bishops.
• The sleeve of a surplice is fuller and often bell-shaped.

Vessels

• 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.

Other Items

• 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.