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Altar Stone Altar Stone- A solid piece of natural stone, consecrated by a bishop, large enough to hold the Sacred Host and chalice. Altar Stole Altar Stole- An altar ornament from the Middle Ages. Altar Steps Altar Steps- The number of steps leading up to the high altar is for symbolical reasons uneven; usually three, five, or seven, including the upper platform. Altar Side Altar Side- That part of the altar which faces the congregation. Altar Screen Altar Screen- A cloth, on which images of Our Lord, of the Blessed Virgin, or of saints, are represented, may be suspended above the altar, unless such images are painted on the w… Altar Rail Altar Rail- The railing which guards the sanctuary and separates the latter from the body of the church. Also called the communion-rail. Altar Protector Altar Protector- A cover made of cloth, baize or velvet which is placed on the table of the altar, during the time in which the sacred functions do not take place. Amalricians Amalricians- Heretical sect founded towards the end of the twelfth century. Altarpiece Altarpiece- A picture of some sacred subject painted on the wall or suspended in a frame behind the altar, or a group of statuary on the altar. Altar of Our Lady Altar of Our Lady- In general it signifies any altar of which the Blessed Virgin is the titular. Altar Linens Altar Linens- The corporal, pall, purificator, and finger towels. Amalarius of Metz Amalarius of Metz- A liturgical writer, b. at Metz, in the last quarter of the eighth century; d. about 850. Altar Ledge Altar Ledge- A step behind the altar, raised slightly above it, for candlesticks, flowers, reliquaries, and other ornaments. Altar Lanterns Altar Lanterns- Used in churches to protect the altar candles and lamp, if the latter for any reason, such as a draught, cannot be kept lit. Altar Lamp Altar Lamp- In the Old Testament God commanded that a lamp filled with the purest oil of olives should always burn in the Tabernacle of the Testimony without the veil. Alva, The Duke of Alva, The Duke of- Warrior and statesman. (1508-1582) Altar Horns Altar Horns- On the Jewish altar there were four projections, one at each corner, which were called the horns of the altar. These projections are not found on the Christian altar,… Altar Frontal Altar Frontal- An appendage which covers the entire front of the altar, from the lower part of the table to the predella, and from the gospel corner to that of the epistle side. Alton Alton- Diocese in Illinois. Altar Curtain Altar Curtain- Drawn around the altar at certain parts of Mass. Altar Crucifix Altar Crucifix- The principal ornament of the altar. Altar Cloths Altar Cloths- The custom of using three altar-cloths began probably in the ninth century, but at present it is of strict obligation for the licit celebration of Mass. Altar Cavity Altar Cavity- A small square or oblong chamber in the body of the altar, in which are placed the relics of two canonized martyrs. Altar Carpets Altar Carpets- The sanctuary and altar-steps of the high altar are ordinarily to be covered with carpets. Altar Cards Altar Cards- To assist the memory of the celebrant at Mass in those prayers which he should know by heart, cards on which these prayers are printed are placed on the altar in the … Altar Canopy Altar Canopy- The "Caeremoniale Episcoporum (I, xii, 13), treating of the ornaments of the altar, says that a canopy (baldachinum) should be suspended over the altar. Altar Candlesticks Altar Candlesticks- Consists of five parts: the foot, the stem, the knob about the middle of the stem, the bowl to receive the drippings of wax, and the pricket, i.e. the sharp po… Altar Breads Altar Breads- Bread is one of the two elements absolutely necessary for the sacrifice of the Eucharist. Altar Breadboxes Altar Breadboxes- Made of wood, tin, britannia, silver, or other metal. A round flat weight, covered if necessary with silk or linen, and having a knob on top, so as to be easily … Altar Bell Altar Bell- A small bell placed on the credence or in some other convenient place on the epistle side of the altar.