Altar Vessels & Sacred Objects
What Is a Communion Paten (Chin Paten)? A Complete Guide
The communion paten — the small handled plate held beneath the communicant's chin — is one of the simplest ways to show...
Altar Vessels & Sacred Objects
Guide to chalices, patens, ciboria, monstrances, and other altar items
Altar Vessels & Sacred Objects
Altar Vessels & Sacred Objects
What Are Catholic Relics? Classes, Veneration, and Reliquaries Explained
Catholic relics are the physical remains or personal belongings of saints, kept in vessels called reliquaries. This guid...
Altar Vessels & Sacred Objects
How to Use Cruets at Mass: A Complete Guide for Sacristans and Altar Servers
Cruets hold the wine and water offered at Mass. This guide explains what each cruet holds, how an altar server presents...
Altar Vessels & Sacred Objects
Chalice vs Ciborium: What's the Difference and When to Use Each
Learn the difference between a chalice and ciborium, when each is used during Mass, and how to choose the right altar ve...
Altar Vessels & Sacred Objects
How to Clean and Polish a Chalice: Complete Care Guide
Step-by-step guide to cleaning and polishing your chalice — what to use, what to avoid, and how to keep it looking beaut...
Altar Vessels & Sacred Objects
What Is a Monstrance and How Is It Used in Eucharistic Adoration?
Learn what a monstrance is, its history, how it's used in Eucharistic adoration and Benediction, and how to choose one f...
Altar Vessels & Sacred Objects
Chalice and Paten: What's the Difference and How Are They Used Together?
The chalice and paten are always used together at Mass. Here's what each one does and why they're inseparable.
Altar Vessels & Sacred Objects
What Is a Paten Used For? A Complete Guide to This Essential Sacred Vessel
The paten is essential to every Mass. Learn what it is, how it's used, and how to choose and care for one.
Altar Vessels & Sacred Objects
What Is a Pyx and How Is It Used? A Guide to Taking Communion to the Sick
The pyx is a small but essential vessel for taking Communion to the homebound. Learn what it is, how it's used, and how...
Altar Vessels & Sacred Objects
The Complete Guide to Catholic Altar Vessels: Chalices, Ciboria, and More
The definitive guide to all Catholic altar vessels — chalices, ciboria, patens, monstrances, pyxes, and more.
