Is Ascension a Holy Day of Obligation?
A lot of confusion reigns about the feast of the Ascension of Our Lord, the day on which Jesus Christ, 40 days after rising from the dead, ascended bodily into Heaven. While Ascension is this Thursday, the celebration of the feast has been transferred in most of the dioceses of the United States. When do you need to go to church to celebrate Ascension?

• The Ascension of Our Lord
   
• When Is Ascension 2008?
   
• The Doctors of the Church
   
• Prayer to the Holy Ghost
   
• The Athanasian Creed
   
• Prayers Every Catholic Child Should Know
   
• The Litany of the Saints

Reader Question: What Are Rogation Days?
Our exploration of the festivals and celebrations that disappeared from the Catholic liturgical calendar in 1969 continues, with those distant cousins of the Ember Days known as Rogation Days. In fact, we're in the middle of the Minor Rogation Days right now. What are Rogation Days, what does the Litany of the Saints have to do with them, and how can you celebrate this forgotten part of Catholic tradition?

MAJOR ITEMS

Advent Wreath:
A festive wreath of greens arranged to hold four candles.  There are violet signifying metanoia, and one rose color signifying hope.  The candles stand for the light of Christ and also to prepare for his coming.

Altar:
"On the altar, which is the center of the church, the sacrifice of the Cross is made present under sacramental signs." (ccc, 1182)  The altar is also the place where the sacrifice of Jesus is offered to the Father to which all People of God are invited.   The altar is also known as the Lord's Table where the Eucharist is celebrated.  It is to be always treated with respect.  Servers should show respect when passing in front of it.

Ambo (Lectern / Pulpit):
The stand from which the readings take place.  The church may use more than one.

Celebrant's Chair (Presidential Chair):
The central chair which is used by the celebrant during Mass.  Servers sit on both sides of the chair.

Confessional:
Either an enclosed room or screen is used (unless in a face to face meeting) where the sacrament of Reconciliation is conducted.

Credence Table:
The side table in the sanctuary where the objects (cruets, Sacramentary, hand and finger towels and bowl) used for the Mass are put before and after they are used.

Lectionary:
This is the large book that is used by the Deacon/Lector/Celebrant for the Gospel readings and is processed into Church by the Deacon/Lector and placed on the Altar.  The Deacon/Lector use a separate book containing the first and second readings for the Mass.

Paschal Candle:
A large white candle placed in a floor candlestick to symbolize the light of the light of the Risen Christ.  It is blessed at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night and lit for every celebration until Pentecost.  After Pentecost, it is usedbaptisms and funerals.
 

Sanctuary Light:
There is always a single light burning by the Tabernacle to show the real presence of Jesus (body, soul, & divinity) in the Eucharist.  This light also represents our watchfulness before Christ, the Light of the World.  (Two different styles are shown.)

Tabernacle:
The place where the Eucharist is kept.  As a sign of reverence, one genuflects whenever passing in front of the Tabernacle.  Shown are two views, one with the door closed and locked and the other with the door open with the Ciborium containing the consecrated Host.

Tabernacle Candles:
These candles are always lit during services or ceremonies.

Bow:
A gesture of reverence to the Lord or holy items in the sanctuary.  A simple bow is the bending of the body from the waist.

Genuflect:
To briefly touch the right knee to the floor.  This is done whenever passing in front of the Tabernacle.

ALTAR  & OTHER ITEMS

Alms Box:
A collection box that has been designated as a means to collect contributions in order to provide assistance to the needy.

Ambry:
A special box on the wall in the church where the Holy Oils are kept.

Aspergillum:
A liturgical instrument used to bless people and objects with Holy Water in the liturgy and during blessings.  The word comes from the Latin word "aspergere" meaning  to sprinkle.

Antependium:
A large decorative cloth that is sometimes hung in fornt of the Altar.

Candle Wick / Extinguisher:
This instrument is used to light and extinguish candles.

Censer / Thurible:
The metal container that holds the charcoal for the incense.  This is carried by the server in the right hand.

Chalice:
The cup used by the celebrant when he consecrates the wine into the Blood of Christ.

Chalice Ensemble:

Chalice Veil:
A cloth covering that goes over the chalice while it is on the Credence Table. (See Chalice Ensemble Above)

Ciborium:
A covered chalice used to hold the consecrated Bread (Jesus' Body) during Mass.  The Ciborium bowl is a dish that has the consecrated Hosts used by the Eucharistic Ministers and/or the Deacon for the distribution of Holy Communion to the congregation.

Cope:
A long cape that is worn by the celebrant during some ceremonies.  It is often open in front and held together by a clasp.

Corporal:
A square piece of white cloth which is spread over the altar cloth.  It is put on the altar where the celebrant will say Mass.  The chalice and paten are placed on it.

Crosier:
A pastoral staff conferred on bishops and abbots at their installation.  In the West, the top of the staff is curved to remind the bishop of the shepherd's crook and his pastoral care of the people entrusted to him. (Several different curved tops are shown.)

Cruets:
Covered bottle-like containers that hold the water and wine.

Host:
The round piece of bread made without yeast used for Mass.  The celebrant uses a larger host so that everyone in the Church will be able to see it.  When this host is consecrated it becomes the Body of Christ.

Humeral Veil:
A long cloth, usually white, which goes over the celebrant's shoulders and covers his arms.  This is attached by a clasp in the front.   The veil is used to hold the Blessed Sacrament in the Monstrance during Benediction.

Holy Water Font:
This item is found at the doors of the Church and is used to bless oneself before entering the Church.

Incense & Incense Boat:
Incense is a mixture of resins, bark and other natural materials which gives off a sweet smelling smoke when burned. The smoke rises and represents our prayers rising to God.  The celebrate will tell the servers when it will be used.  The boat is a small container that holds the incense.  This is usually carried by the server in the left hand.

Lavabo:
The washing of the Celebrant's hands before the Eucharistic Prayer.  The servers bring the bowl, water cruet, and a towel while the celebrant prays for forgiveness.

Monstrance:
From the Latin word "Monstro" which means "I show".  A metal container that is used to display or show the Blessed Sacrament (Host).  It is often gold or silver in color. The monstrance is used during Benediction or Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

Oils:
The holy oils are blessed during Holy Week by the Bishop and the priests of the diocese.  One is called:  "Oil of the Sick" used for the sacrament called Anointing of the Sick.  Another is called: "Oil of Catechumens", used in Baptisms.  The last one is called: "Oil of Chrism", used in Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.

Pall:
A cloth covered square that fits over the chalice.
 

Pall: