Some vestments

Clericals and Vestments
There are special terms for the clothes worn by the clergy and others when they are working or 'on duty'. Clericals are the distinctive every day street clothes that clergy wear. They are only worn by clergy and makes their rôle evident. Sometimes the clericals are worn under vestments. This clothing generally consists of a clerical collar, clergy shirt and, on some occasions, a cassock. Vestments are worn only by clergy when they are taking services and they are worn either over everyday clothes or clericals. They are often festive in style and the colours vary according to the liturgical season. Vestments include the alb, amice, chasuble, and surplice, and date back to the first century. Sometimes the vestments, particularly the stole, will have a cross on them, which the clergy kiss before putting them on. See all St. James's clericals and vestments on the page Church Vestments.

An altar frontal

Altar Linens
The altar is covered with several different special cloths, collectively called altar linens. They are so called because Jesus’ graveclothes were made out of linen. They cover the altar during services and celebrations, and also when the altar is not being used. The cloths are put on the altar in a particular order, working from the altar table itself up through the layers in the following order:
• The cere cloth, originally a piece of heavy linen treated with wax, is used to protect both the altar and the other cloths. Cere comes from the Latin for wax. It fits the top of the altar exactly.
• The linen cloth, also made of linen and fits the top of the altar exactly. It acts as a cushion and, with the cere cloth, protects the altar.
• The fair linen, a long white linen cloth laid over the linen cloth, is left on the altar all the time. Like the other two cloths, it is the same depth as the top of the altar, but longer, so hangs over the edges to within a few inches of the floor. It is usually trimmed with lace on the ends and symbolizes the shroud in which Jesus was wrapped for burial. Five small crosses, symbolising the five wounds of Jesus, are embroidered on it, one at each corner of the top of the altar, and one in the middle of the front edge.
• The coverlet, another heavy linen cloth, the same length and width as the fair linen, is left on the altar whenever it is not in use. It simply protects the altar from dust and debris.

Altar Frontals
The frontals are the same size as the front of the altar, made of tapestry, silk or damask, and are richly decorated. There are different colours according to the time in the liturgical season. See all the altar frontals used at St. James's on the images page Church Linen.

Chalice veil and burse

The pall and purificator

Chalice Cloths
• The corporal, a square white cloth, is laid on the altar with the chalice and ciborium on top. Corporal comes from the Latin corpus, meaning body. It may have a lace edging, and a cross may be embroidered onto it near the front edge.
• The chalice veil, a large square cloth the colour of the liturgical season, is placed over the chalice, ciborium and purificator when the vessels are prepared for communion, with the embroidered symbol facing the congregation. It is always in the correct liturgical colour. See the picture on the left. See all the chalice veils and burses used at St. James's on the images page Church Linen.
• The burse, a type of folder used to carry the corporal to and from the altar, is always in the correct liturgical colour. See all the chalice veils and burses used at St. James's on the images page Church Linen.
• The purificator, a white linen cloth, serves as a napkin to 'purify' the celebrant’s lips, and which is used to wipe the chalice after each communicant sips from the chalice. It is also used to wipe the chalice and ciborium after the ablutions which follow Communion. See the picture on the right.
• The pall, a stiffened square card covered with white linen, usually embroidered with a cross, prevents dust and insects from getting into the bread and wine. See the picture on the right.
• The lavabo towel is used by the priest to dry his hands after washing them.

A pulpit fall

The altar is prepared for communion in the following order:
• The corporal is spread out upon the altar

Some hassocks

• The veil is placed over the pall in such a way that it completely covers it
• The burse is placed on top of the veil
• The chalice is placed in the centre of the corporal and is covered with the purificator.
• The ciborium is placed on top of the chalice and purificator, and the host is placed in the ciborium
• The pall is placed over the paten
See all the veils and burses used at St. James's on the images page Church Linen.