Catholic Signs and Symbols

Alpha and Omega

 The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. They appear together on the Paschal candle and signify the eternal presence of Jesus Christ.
Christ is the beginning and the end.







 

Altar 

The central focal point in a church and a symbol of Christ. It is the place where the sacrifice of the cross is made present and truly reencountered.
It is also the table of the Lord to which the People of God are called to celebrate Mass.









Ambo  

The lectern from which the Word of God is proclaimed.










 

Ashes

From burnt palms, ashes remind us of our sins and our need for God.








Bread

Carried to the altar during the Presentation of the Gifts at Mass, bread symbolizes the goodness of God’s Creation and the work of our lives.
It is both God’s gift to us and our gift to God, because we give that which we have already received from God.

Through Consecration and the action of the Holy Spirit, it becomes the Body of Christ.

Altar Candle 

The candles placed near the altar are always lit during Mass to signify that Christ is the light.

Paschal Candle 

The large white candle that is lit at the Easter Vigil. It is a symbol of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, who dispels the darkness of death.

 

Chalice

The cup used during Mass that holds the wine before the Consecration and the Blood of Christ after the Consecration. It represents the cup used at the Last Supper and is a symbol of Jesus’ sacrifice and eternal life.
Before Jesus died he prayed: “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

Chi Rho

An ancient symbol for Christ. X (chi) and P (rho) are the first two letters in the Greek word for Christ.










Chrism

Olive oil mixed with fragrant balsam and consecrated by the bishop. A sign of the gift of the Holy Spirit, it is used for Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders, and the dedication of churches and altars.








Crosier

A staff that resembles a shepherd’s crook carried by bishops to signify their pastoral and authoritative role in the Church.














 

Crucifix

A cross with a representation of Jesus’ dead body.
It is a symbol of paradox: new life comes through death.











Dove

A symbol of the Holy Spirit.

All four Gospels describe the Holy Spirit coming upon Jesus in the form of a dove.








Holy Water Font

A receptacle for blessed water found at church entrances.
Making the Sign of the Cross with water from the font when we gather for liturgy reminds us of Baptism and calls us to recommit ourselves to the Gospel and turn away from sin.




Ichthus

Greek for “fish.”
Early Christians used the term to refer to “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior” (Iesous Christus, Theou. Uios, Soter).
In Greek the first letter of each word in the phrase spells the word for fish.

 

IHS

The first three letters of Jesus’ name in Greek: iota (I), eta(H), sigma (S).

Incense

The fragrant smoke rising from burning incense is a symbol of prayers rising up to God.

INRI

An abbreviation of the Latin phrase Iesus Nazaremis Rex Iudaeorum. The Gospel of John 19: 19 says Pilate had this written in three languages and put on Jesus’ cross.
It means “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”




 

Lily

A symbol of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The lily is a beautiful flower that springs forth from a seemingly dead bulb.













Miter

The tall, pointed hat worn by the bishop during liturgical celebrations to symbolize his authority.













 

Monstrance 

The special vessel designed to hold a host and make it visible for Eucharistic Adoration.







Oil of Catechumens

Olive oil blessed for use in prebaptismal anointings.
During the period of preparation for Baptism, catechumens are anointed. This signifies cleansing and strengthening.


Oil of the Sick

Olive oil blessed for use in the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. The anointing of the seriously ill and those who are near death expresses comfort and healing.







Palm

A symbol of triumph. In John’s Gospel Jesus was hailed as king by people waving palm branches in celebration as he entered Jerusalem. This is remembered on Palm Sunday.










People

The assembly of people gathered for Mass is a visible expression of the Church.
Christ is present during the Eucharistic Liturgy in many ways.
Among those ways are when the faithful people gather in prayer and song.

Sacred Minister

A term for the ordained minister who presides at Mass. The sacred minister acts as the person Christ, and Christ is present in him.  
Fr. Anthony is wearing his green colored vestment which is used during Ordinary Time of the Liturgical Year.











 

Sanctuary Light

The light that burns near the tabernacle to indicate the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. The light serves as a reminder that Christ, the light, is with us.













Tabernacle 

A safe, secure cabinet where the consecrated bread, or Blessed Sacrament, is kept.
The Body of Christ is reserved so it can be distributed to the sick and dying.
The tabernacle fosters adoration of the Blessed Sacrament by the faithful.






Triqueta

This interlocking symbol is an early Christian symbol of the Blessed Trinity.
Its interwoven arcs of equal length signify the equality of the three Persons of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  
The continuity of the form recalls the unity in the Trinity.

Water

It cleanses and refreshes and is necessary for life. Water is a central symbol for Christians because in Baptism it signifies that we die with Christ and rise to new life with him.

White Garment

After Baptism, newly initiated Catholics are clothed in white garments to signify that they are new creations in Christ Jesus.

Wine

A sign of the goodness of creation that is presented during the preparation of the gifts at Mass. Through Consecration, wine becomes the Blood of Christ.

Word

Jesus is the Word of God who became man.
“The Word became flesh and lived among us.” (John 1:14)

At the Eucharistic Liturgy, when the Word of God is proclaimed, Christ is present and speaks to the gathered faithful.