On this page you will find an explanation of different aspects of church life, what things are and what they are used for.
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The Ombrellino is a canopy which is carried over the Blessed Sacrament as a mark of honour when the Sacrament is carried solemnly in procession, as, for example, on the Feast of Corpus Christi.
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The Blessed Sacrament Altar is where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved for the Communion of the sick, and as a focus for the devotion of the faithful. It is kept in the Tabernacle, which is covered with a veil, and at which a white lamp burns to denote the Presence of Christ in his Sacrament.
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The Monstrance is used to carry the Sacrament of Christ's Body in procession,
and to display the Sacrament for the adoration of the faithful at the service of
Benediction.
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Icons are holy pictures depicting Christ, Our Lady, the Saints and various important scenes from the Gospel story. They help focus the prayers, devotions and thoughts of the faithful. They are important in the spiritual life of the Eastern Churches
and increasingly used by Western Christians in their prayers. They are displayed
for the veneration of the faithful on appropriate Holy Days.
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Incense is made from various aromatic resins and gums taken from trees, when burned it gives off a scented smoke. It is burned in a thurible with charcoal because it is very difficult to burn on its own. The most natural time to burn incense is when the Lord comes among us in person in the Eucharist. It is used particularly during the entrance hymn, at the reading of the Gospel, and at the offertory as the gifts are prepared and offered to the Lord. The Catholic Church in England used incense throughout its history until the mid 17th century, when its use then declined. Since the mid 19th century its use has increased. Nowadays, many churches (particularly Anglo Catholic ones) have re-discovered the benefits to be gained from the use of incense as part of their worship.
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Vestments are part of the uniform that the Priest wears in church. Black vestments are used for Christian funerals and for Masses offered for the dead, called Requiem Masses. Red vestments are used on those Holy Days which celebrate the suffering and Death of the Lord (Palm Sunday, Good Friday & Holy Cross Day) and for the Feasts of Martyrs, those who shed their blood for Christ. Purple vestments are worn during the penitential seasons of Advent and Lent when we prepare to celebrate Christmas and Easter respectively. Gold and white vestments are used for Feasts of the Lord and of Our Lady, and for those Saints who were not Martyrs. They are also used throughout the seasons of Christmas and Easter. Green vestments are worn all ordinary days of the year which are not Holy Days and which do not fall in the Holy Seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.
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