Dear St. Paul’s Family,
In the continuing quest to help everyone become equally comfortable with our peculiar liturgical vocabulary, here are some terms we use in connection with service at the altar:
| Acolyte | A lay person who assists with the service (also known as an Altar Server). |
| Alb | The white robe worn by those who serve at the altar (also known as a cassock alb). From the Latin word meaning “white”, it is the robe of the baptized Christian (and so may be worn by any member of the church). |
| Cassock | Full-length, long-sleeved robe, usually black or purple, worn by clergy or those serving at the altar. |
| Celebrant | The priest who presides at the Eucharist and blesses the bread and wine. Also known as the Presider. |
| Chasuble | A poncho-like garment, usually in the seasonal liturgical color, worn by the priest or bishop serving as Celebrant. |
| Chimere | A colored, elongated vest worn over a cassock or alb by a verger or bishop. Also known (in the case of a verger) as an Anthem. |
| Cincture | A rope girdle or belt worn with an alb. |
| Cotta | Loose white overshirt worn over a cassock. Also known as a surplice. |
| Crucifer | The person who carries the Cross in procession. |
| Crucifix | A Cross that has a representation of the body of Jesus on it. |
| Eucharistic Minister (EM) | A lay person licensed to administer the chalice at Communion. Also known as a Chalice Bearer. |
| Lay Eucharistic Visitor (LEV) | A lay person licensed to take the Sacrament directly out from worship to those unable to attend the service. |
| Liturgy | A Greek word meaning “the work of the people”, or public service: another word for worship, indicating the active role of the congregation. |
| Offertory | The part of the service where we offer back to God ourselves and our lives, symbolized by the bread, wine, and our monetary offering. |
| Officiant | The priest or lay person who leads a service other than Eucharist, such as Morning Prayer or the Burial Office. |
| Preacher | The person, usually licensed, who offers a personal (but informed) response to the Gospel. |
| Rochet | A loose white robe, similar to an alb but with frilly cuffs, worn by a Bishop along with a Chimere when leading worship. |
| Stock | A small metal container of oil blessed by a bishop, to be used for healing or at baptism. |
| Stole | A long scarf, usually in the seasonal liturgical color, worn by clergy in worship. Priests and bishops wear it around the neck; deacons wear it over the left shoulder and draped diagonally. |
| Taper | A candle, on a long pole, carried by an acolyte. Also known as a Torch. |
See you on Sunday!
Your sister in Christ,
Penny
