The Poor Vicar’s chalice and paten set

The next items for the Poor Vicar’s Sacristy in a Box are a chalice and a paten.

This set comes from Autom, and is available both in the printed catalogue and online. The chalice is 6″ high and holds 6 ounces of wine. The set is gold-plated and includes a felt storage bag. The cost is $49.95.

While the poor vicar and his congregation might desire a jewel-encrusted solid gold, or at least silver, chalice and paten set, this set is serviceable, simple but beautiful, and entirely useful. Despite its simplicity, it is becoming to the service of the altar.

One might be tempted to assume that, because of the glass vessels previously introduced to the Poor Vicar’s Sacristy in a Box, I would advocate a cheap glass available from the local dollar discount store for $1.00. In fact, this chalice and paten set is the highest priced item in the Poor Vicar’s Sacristy. Because of the holy nature of the blessed sacrament of Communion, I advocate care when selecting the Communion vessels. Any priest should be able to afford this simple set or one like it without sacrificing reverence for the holy sacrifice. When it comes to those vessels that hold the Body and the Blood of Christ, we must use instruments that are of good and comely quality, that show honor and respect for the elements of Holy Communion. In dire cases, dire measures may be used; in typical cases, vulgar vessels are unacceptable.

Poor Vicar’s Sacristy in a Box cost to date: $72.97

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