How to Set the Altar for Latin Mass

The sacramental wine and bread are consecrated at the altar.

The Latin Mass, or Tridentine Mass, is the most common form of Catholic worship. The altar for the Latin Mass is the focal point of worship. At the altar, the Eucharist is consecrated and the parishioners actively participate in communion. Catholics believe in transubstantiation. This means that Jesus Christ's blood and body are literally present in the sacramental wine and bread. Due to this belief, the altar in a Latin Mass is viewed as a integral part of worship and adoration. The altar, especially in the Latin Rite churches, is uniformly decorated and set for the particular seasons of the liturgical year.

Instructions

1. Drape a table runner over the middle of the altar. Match the color of the table runner to the liturgical season. For example, in Latin Rite churches, choose green if you're in the season of ordinary time.

2. Place plants or floral arrangements at the base of the altar. For example, if you're in the liturgical season of Lent, coordinate the flowers with the color purple.

3. Pour the wine into a decanter and put the wafers into a shallow bowl. The vessels for the sacrament are kept in the sacristy. Larger parishes may use more than one bowl and decanter.

4. Place the bowl and decanter on a table in the vestibule of the church near the entrance prior to Mass. Altar servers are usually in charge of this responsibility.

5. Designate three to four people before Mass to take the sacramental gifts to the altar. They will hand the bowl and decanter to the priest and deacon. The priest and deacon will set the wine and bread on the altar.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your priest on decorations and procedures for any personal preferences he may have.

References

• The Holy See: The Priest In the Offertory Of The Mass
• The Holy See: The Eucharist, Gift Of God For The Life Of The World
• "The Lamb's Supper: The Mass As Heaven On Earth"; Scott Hahn; 1999
• The Holy See: Liturgical Year