The tabernacle

The tabernacle is a locked, gold container located behind the Altar in which the parish priest stores the Holy Eucharist. A red, votive candle is lit to signify the Real Presence of Jesus Christ is in the tabernacle. The priest will open the tabernacle, dwelling place of the Lord, to retrieve the Holy Eucharist during Communion and Eucharistic Adoration.

The consecrated host

The consecrated host is a physical element that has been transformed into the actual body, blood, soul & divinity of Jesus Christ. This change of substance, or 'transubstantiation', takes place during the words of Consecration at Mass.

The monstrance

The monstrance is the gold item that exposes and displays the Holy Eucharist before those who come before it in Adoration. It can take various appearances, but one of the most common types of monstrance has a sunburst shape atop a long stem with a wider base to keep it secure. The monstrance also contains another part called the luna.

The luna

The luna, or lunette, is a glass compartment in which the priest places the Holy Eucharist during Eucharistic adoration. It is often at the center of the sunburst shape, displaying the glory of Christ’s presence within the Eucharist.