An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church

Vessels, Sacred

Vessels used in the eucharist, such as the paten and chalice. The term has also indicated the pyx, used to take communion to those unable to attend the eucharist, and items such as the monstrance and luna that are used in Benediction or exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Sacred vessels have been distinguished from other liturgical vessels that do not come in contact with the consecrated elements of the eucharist, such as the lavabo bowl. See Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Glossary definitions provided courtesy of Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, NY,(All Rights reserved) from “An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians,” Don S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum, editors.