Altarvessels

Altar-vessels those vessels which are ordinarily used in the sacrament of the altar; viz. (1) the chalice, (2) the paten, and (3) the ciborium. The chalice is a cup of precious metal, the paten a plain circular plate of the same, and the ciborium-used to contain the sacramental species under the form of bread- is a covered cup surmounted with a small cross, from which the faithful are communicated when the communicants are numerous, and in which the holy sacrament is reserved for the communion of the sick. The cruets for wine and water, and the bread-box, in which, or the plate on which, the breads are placed, are not actually "altar- vessels," being found on the credence-table, their proper place, during the Christian communion.