Our celebration of the Mass is enhanced by the objects that we use. First among these are the chalice that will contain the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ and the paten. Because of this the chalice is to be made of precious metal – preferably gold, or, if this is not possible, for the inside to be lined with gold. Only the best is good enough for God! A new chalice and paten will always be blessed before they are used for the first time.

Most chalices – the name comes from the Latin ‘calix’ meaning ‘cup’ – will have a cross on them somewhere, either on the bowl or on the base. This is the side that the priest drinks from.

Because the chalice contains the Precious Blood of Jesus it is VERY IMPORTANT that when you carry the chalices to the sacristy after Mass you keep them upright and keep them covered – even if this means taking one at a time. NEVER tip them up or turn them on their side. Why? Because even the smallest drop if liquid in the chalice, while it still looks like wine, IS the Precious Blood of Jesus and if you tip the chalice up this may drip on the floor. Until the chalice is purified it is to be treated with the same respect as the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle. It is the same Blessed Sacrament.