Sacristy

A sacristy, also called a vestry or preparation room, is a special room in Christian churches. It holds important things needed for church services. These include vestments like the alb and chasuble, as well as other church items, special containers, and church records.

The sacristy is usually inside the church, but sometimes it can be in a different building, especially in some monasteries. In older churches, the sacristy is often near a side altar or behind the main altar.

In newer churches, the sacristy might be in different places, such as near the entrances. Some churches have more than one sacristy, each for different purposes. These extra rooms might be used to look after the church and its things, like candles and other supplies.

Description

The sacristy is a special room in Christian churches where priests and helpers get ready for services. It holds important items like clothes for the service, special containers, and church records. After services, they return to the sacristy to clean up and store these items.

Sacristies often have a special wash basin called a piscina. This helps clean items used in important church ceremonies. Only certain people are allowed in the sacristy. In some churches, like the Moravian Church, the sacristy is also used to prepare special meals for the congregation. In Eastern Christianity, rooms called the Diaconicon and Prothesis serve similar purposes.