For those interested in learning more about these objects, links are provided to definitions and discussions at the New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia
Below: A very old altarstone
found in the sacristy closet. Could this be the original from Holy Cross
church? Father Pat found four more altarstones in the garage at the rectory
(provenance unknown).
The tabernacle,
sitting on a table made by Matt Ronchetto
Our processional
cross and its ornate base are inscribed:
"In Memory of Marguerite and Earl Hawkins: Donated October 1986"
The ostensorium,
or monstrance, used to display the Blessed Sacrament at the Feast of
Corpus Cristi (in the glass area known as the lunette,lunula
or melchizidech),
during Adoration and at other special occasions. This is #5353, with luna
holder #5423 from the B. Herder Co. catalogue, putchased by Fr. Yehle in
1959.
"Altar" or "Sanctus"
bells, rung to announce the moment at which the bread and wine are sacramentally
transformed into the Body and Blood.
This chalice
is inscribed:
"In your charity, please pray for Joe Aeschliman, member of John F.
Kennedy general assembly"
Other sacred vessels; can you tell
us about any of these?
chalice
chalice
ciborium
ciborium
other sacred items you might see in use:
paten -- a
small plate used to catch particles of the Host
aspergillium (used to "cast aspersions" on the congregation!) aspersorium
(holds the holy water for the rite of sprinkling, or asperges)
censer or
thurible -- holds burning incense
pyx -- in
which the Eucharist is carried to the sick
The sacristy or vestry cabinet, much older than the present church.
Is it from the 1905 church, or even from Holy Cross? The two large doors
on the sides have been reversed, so that the natural wood-finish (and carved
tracery, matching the central panel) face inwards.
This large overhead lighting fixture has been with us at least since
the early days of the present church building.
Do you know the meaning of the symbols
incorporated into the design? Or where this fixture came from?
The crown of thorns;
the spear of the soldier Longinus which pierced the Lord's side, along
with the scourge with which He was whipped;
The Carpenter's hammer? Or that used to drive the nails of the crucifixion?
INRI: "Iesus (Jesus) Nazarenus (the Nazarean) Rex
(King)
Iudeorum
(of the Jews)"
The ladder used by those who nailed up the sign?
The reed with the hyssop soaked in sour wine or vinegar, which was
given to Jesus to drink?
Good advice from the coin-box on the stand where we light votive candles
for special intentions:
"Let Us Pray"
The candle stand was donated in memory of Hubert C. Barnes
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