Sacristies

A sacristy is a room in a church or chapel used for the preparation of liturgical services. It stores vestments, sacred vessels, and other items used in worship, and provides space for clergy to dress before ceremonies and for small administrative tasks. The room is typically located near the sanctuary or chancel and may adjoin a vestry or the sacristan’s workspace.

Etymology and history: The term comes from Latin sacristia, derived from sacer meaning sacred. Sacristies emerged in medieval churches as secure storage for chalices, patens, and vestments, and as a preparation area for rites performed in the sanctuary.

Contents and equipment: A sacristy houses liturgical garments such as albs, stoles, chasubles, and copes, as well as liturgical vessels like chalices, patens, ciboria, cruets, and censer or thurible. It may also include liturgical books, candles, lavabo basins, and storage for linens, vestment care, and sometimes a small work table for preparing ceremonial items and processions.

Role and procedures: A sacristan or designated layperson oversees preparation for services, unlocks the church, sets up processions, arranges vessels and candles, and ensures cleanliness and proper handling of sacred objects according to liturgical rules. The sacristy is also used to prepare and store items needed throughout the service and week.

Design and variation: Sacristies are commonly found adjacent to the sanctuary or behind the altar rail, in varying sizes from compact rooms to larger suites. In some denominations, the terms sacristy and vestry are used differently, with vestries sometimes serving administrative functions in addition to preparation duties. Orthodox and some Protestant churches have equivalent spaces with regional naming variations.