Concept in Definition ABC

In Catholic temples there is a room where the priests guard the ornaments, the books necessary for the mass and other objects related to the liturgy. This room is usually located near the altar and is known as the sacristy. In this dependency the presence of a crucifix or some sacred image is very common. At the entrance is a pile of Water blessed symbolizing baptism.

The sacristy space is not part of the liturgical complex. However, this dependency is important, because in it the priests prepare themselves before starting the mass. In this sense, there is a large table where the various ornaments are placed and a series of drawers in which the objects used for worship are kept. Who has the responsibility to keep the sacristy in order is the sacristan.

The office of sacristan

The sacristans are part of the history of the Catholicism. He is an assistant to the parish priest and can be a religious or a lay person. His functions go beyond simple custody. What rule

Generally, the sacristan takes care of many tasks: preparing the altar, lighting the candles, decorating the church or placing the microphones. Before starting the mass he helps the priest to dress in the sacristy and when the faithful leave the temple he takes care of the preparations for the next mass.

Formerly the sacristan was responsible for ringing the church bells or playing the organ. He traditionally he was a job very humble and those who dedicated themselves to him lived on the donations of the faithful. At present this activity has been professionalized.

The different zones in a church

From an architectural point of view, most Catholic churches are divided into the following parts:

1) the baptistery is the place for the celebration of baptism,

2) the nave is the space for the faithful so that they can participate in worship and

3) the presbytery is the sacred place where priests perform liturgical acts.

Main elements integrated into a church

To the margin of the aforementioned sacristy, in all the churches there is an altar, a presidential seat, the ambo and the tabernacle.

The altar is a fixed place where mass is held. From a point of view symbolic represents Christ and for this reason priests kiss the altar at the beginning and end of mass.

Near the altar is a seat known as the presidential seat. Symbolizes the authority of the priest.

Near the presbytery we find the ambo, a raised and stable platform where the priest stands to address the faithful during the homily. According to the liturgical season, the ambo is covered with a colored cloth.

The tabernacle, also called the tabernacle, is the chest where the sacred species are deposited.

Photo: Fotolia - ChuangTzuDreaming

Themes in Sacristy