Getting Vested

• You may purchase your own alb from Sacco Company or Mary Regina if you desire, otherwise you may use the albs in the altar server room closet.
• The optimal length is mid-anklebone AFTER tying the cincture. Don’t measure before tying up.  
• If it’s too big you can bloom the alb over the cincture to pull the bottom up. If you are smaller than the smallest alb or in between sizes (it happens!) this is what you do.
• If the cincture is too long, make a bight (a half loop) and tuck that under the cincture behind the knot along your waist and wrap it around to keep it out of the way.
• Remember to return the alb to the hanger in the appropriate size location in the closet so that others can use the alb for the next mass. Albs are available in sizes 8 - 20. The alb should come to the ankle.
• There is a full length mirror to check the length and fit of your alb.
• All servers should hang up their vestments after mass. NO albs should be found on the floor of the closet.
• Cinctures are hung on the hook. 
  • Cinctures have a Monk's Knot at the end. Do not untie them. If the knot is untied, please retie it -- How to tie a Monk's Knot with 3 wraps. 

Upon arrival, each server will select an alb from the closet.  Remember to return the alb to the hanger in the appropriate size location in the closet so that others can use the alb for the next mass.  Albs are available in sizes 8 - 20.  The alb should come to the ankle.  
 
There is a full length mirror to check the size of your alb. A list of each server’s alb size is posted on the outside of the closet for your reference.  All servers should hang up their vestments after mass.  NO albs should be found on the floor of the closet.  
 

Celebrant vested for Mass:

Alb – This long, white, ankle length, dress-like vestment can be used by all liturgical ministers including the priest, deacon and altar servers. It derives from the ancient Roman tunic and is a sign of purity from our Baptism. Alb comes from the Latin word for "white."

Cincture – This is the long cord used for gathering albs at the waist. It holds the loose-fitting type of alb in place and is used to adjust it to the proper length.  The cincture worn by the priest is usually white, although the liturgical color of the day may be used. Altar servers will wear the liturgical color of the day.

Stole – A stole is a long cloth, often ornately decorated in the same color as the chasuble. According to the manner in which it is worn, it is the mark of a priest or deacon. The priest wears it around the neck, letting it hang down the front. A deacon wears it over his left shoulder and fastened at this right side like a sash.  For the Anointing of the Sick and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the priest will wear a smaller stole, white on one side and purple on the other.

Chasuble – The chasuble is the major Eucharistic vestment worn over the stole and alb. The chasuble is the sleeveless outer vestment, slipped over the head, hanging down from the shoulders and covering the stole and alb. It is the proper mass vestment of the priest and its color varies according to the feast. It is symbolic of the covering of Christ symbolizing the celebrant as acting in persona Christi capitus. It stands for charity, the love of God, which covers all things (see Colossians 3:14).

Dalmatic – The dalmatic is a loose-fitting robe with open sides and wide sleeves worn by the deacon or bishop. It takes its color from the liturgical feast.  

Deacon vested for Mass:


Humeral Veil and Cope:

Humeral veil – This is a long narrow, shawl-like vestment used at Benediction and in processions where the Blessed Sacrament is carried.

Cope – A cape-like vestment that is worn over the alb and put on over the shoulders and hangs to the ankles.  It is open in the front and clasped at the neck. The priest wears it in processions, at Benediction, and in other services. Copes can be found in any of the liturgical colors.

The Bishop



Miter  - this is a double pointed headdress. It points us to heaven. It has two lappets hanging at the back and folds flat. Servers who carry the miter cover their hands with a shawl, the vimpa, which functions as gloves.

Crozier - also known as the pastoral staff. This is symbolic of the role of bishop as the shepherd like Christ the Good Shepherd. He is the pastor and guardian of God's people. The hands of the server who carries it will use the vimpa.

Ring - all bishops wear a ring symbolizing that, like Christ, they are wedded to the church as the faithful shepherd of the flock. 

Pectoral Cross - when not fully vested the bishop wears this necklace over his chest hanging from a gold or green cord or chain (depending on the dress).

Episcopal Dalmatic - worn under the chasuble and over the alb as a sign of the fullness of the priesthood of the Bishop. 

Pallium - a metropolitan or archbishop wears this as a sign of their unity with the Pope. It is a narrow band of wool embroidered with small crosses. It is pinned to the chasuble. Each is made in Rome and blessed at St. Peter's tomb by the Pope himself. 

Zuchetto -  small violet skullcap. It is white for Popes. It is not worn during the preface, Eucharistic Prayer, or Communion Rite. Usually the M.C. will hold this for the bishop.