Altar Linens

Church Linens and Their Use

Fair Linen

Fair linen or altar cloth is a hand-hemmed cloth of fine linen that covers the top of the altar and hangs down at each end. It is placed over the cerecloth. It is embroidered only in white, with a cross in each corner and one in the centre, representing the five wounds of Christ, in His hands, His feet, and His side.

Credence Cloth

Cloth of fine linen that sits on the credence table in the sanctuary where the sacramental vessels are kept until carried to the altar for the Eucharist. These is usually a cross embroidered in the centre.

Purificator

A small square piece of linen used to wipe the edge of the chalice as the communion is administered. There is a cross embroidered on one corner.

Lavabo Towel

The name is derived from the Latin for “I will wash”. A small rectangular cloth used by the priest to dry his or her hands after the bread and wine have been prepared for consecration. A lily design is embroidered on one end.

Baptismal Towel

Rectangular linen cloth used at baptismal services and embroidered with the words "Holy Baptism".

Fair Veil

A large square of fine linen used to cover the sacramental vessels. It usually has a cross embroidered in the centre.

Pall

A piece of plexiglass or glass 6.5 or 7 inches square covered with white linen. Usually it has a cross or some other symbol embroidered in white in the centre. It is placed on the chalice.

Corporal

A square piece of linen about the size of a napkin that is placed on the Fair Linen on the altar. The sacramental vessels are placed on this. The corporal has one white embroidered cross at the front edge. It is symbolic of one of the Lord's grave cloths.