Resources for Altar Servers
LITURGICAL VESTMENTS
Liturgical vestments are special garments worn by clergy and altar servers during the celebration of Mass and other liturgical services. These vestments are not ordinary clothes—they are sacred garments that symbolize spiritual roles, purity, and reverence for the holy mysteries being celebrated.
The liturgical vestments change depending on the position as bishop, priest, deacon or subdeacon.
CHASUBLE (XXXXX In Konkani)
The outer vestment, typically worn by the priest during Mass, symbolizing charity and the priest's role as a shepherd.
STOLE (XXXXX In Konkani)
A long, narrow scarf worn around the neck, often decorated with crosses, symbolizing the priest's authority and the grace of Christ.
DALMATIC (XXXXX In Konkani)
A tunic-like garment worn by deacons, symbolizing benevolence, innocence, and joy.
COPE (XXXXX In Konkani)
A cloak-like vestment, open in the front and clasped at the chest, worn by bishops, priests, and deacons for processions, blessings, and other ceremonies outside of Mass
ALB (XXXXX In Konkani)
A white garment worn under other vestments, symbolizing purity.
CINCTURE (XXXXX In Konkani)
A cord or belt used to tie the alb, symbolizing chastity.
Colors of Vestments:
White: Symbolizes joy, purity, innocence, and glory, used for feasts of the Lord, feasts of the Virgin Mary, angels, saints who were not martyrs, and during Easter and Christmas.
Red: Symbolizes fire and blood, used for Pentecost, the feasts of martyrs, and Good Friday.
Green: Symbolizes hope and growth, used during Ordinary Time.
Violet/Purple: Symbolizes penance, sorrow, and humility, used during Advent and Lent.
Rose: May be worn on Gaudete Sunday (third Sunday of Advent) and Laetare Sunday (fourth Sunday of Lent) to signify joy and hope.
Black: Primarily used for funerals and Masses for the dead,
Gold: Can be used as an alternative to white, red, or green on more solemn occasions.
MITRE
(XXXXX In Konkani)
The mitre is a tall, pointed headdress with two lappets (strips of cloth) hanging down the back. It symbolizes the bishop's authority and is worn during liturgical celebrations.
PECTORAL CROSS
(XXXXX In Konkani)
A large cross worn around the neck, suspended from a chain or cord. It signifies the bishop's commitment to Christ and his role as a spiritual leader.
EPISCOPAL RING
(XXXXX In Konkani)
A ring worn on the finger, symbolizing the bishop's commitment to the Church, his spouse.
CROSIER
(XXXXX In Konkani)
A staff with a curved or hooked top, similar to a shepherd's staff. It represents the bishop's role as a shepherd of his flock.
CASSOCK
(XXXXX In Konkani)
A long, black garment worn by clergy, including bishops. It can be a "choir cassock" for liturgical occasions or a "house cassock" for non-liturgical events.
ROCHET
(XXXXX In Konkani)
A white vestment, similar to a surplice, worn under other vestments.
ZUCCHETTO
(XXXXX In Konkani)
A small, round skullcap worn by the bishop. The color is typically purple for bishops, red for cardinals, and white for the Pope.
FASCIA (SASH)
(XXXXX In Konkani)
A sash worn with the cassock, with colors that vary based on rank (purple for bishops).
MOZZETTA
(XXXXX In Konkani)
A short, purple cape worn over the cassock for special ceremonies.
FERRAIOLO
(XXXXX In Konkani)
A long purple cape worn over the house cassock for solemn non-liturgical events.
PALLIUM
(XXXXX In Konkani)
Worn by metropolitan archbishops within their own ecclesiastical province.
VIDEO LINK OF ALTER SERVER TRAINING TO BE INSERTED HERE.