SACRIST Meaning and
Definition
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A sacrist is an individual who holds the position of responsibility for the upkeep and management of a church's sacristy. The term sacristy refers to a designated area within a church building where holy vessels, liturgical vestments, and other sacred items are stored and prepared for use during religious ceremonies. The sacrist is entrusted with the sacred objects, ensuring their proper care, maintenance, and organization.
Typically, a sacrist's duties encompass a wide range of tasks. These include cleaning, polishing, and arranging sacred vessels, such as chalices, patens, and ciboria, as well as liturgical vestments like stoles, albs, and chasubles. They may also prepare and maintain the altar linens, ensuring they are clean and properly folded. Additionally, the sacrist is responsible for making sure that candles, incense, and other necessary items for religious rites are readily available.
In some cases, sacrists may be responsible for setting up and arranging decorations for special religious events, such as weddings, baptisms, and funerals. They may also assist in preparing the church for regular worship services, ensuring that the sanctuary is clean and presentable.
Furthermore, the sacrist often collaborates closely with clergy, assisting them during religious ceremonies and providing guidance on liturgical practices and regulations. Their role is essential in maintaining order and reverence in the sacristy and ensuring that all necessary items are readily available for the celebration of sacred rites.
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A person employed in a cathedral to copy out music for the choir, and take care of the books; in some places, a minor canon.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SACRIST
Etymology of SACRIST
The word "sacrist" is derived from the Latin term "sacrasticus", which originally referred to the place where sacred vessels and vestments were kept in a church. This Latin term, in turn, comes from the Greek word "sēkrastós", meaning "of sacred purposes". Over time, the word evolved in various languages. In Old English, it became "sæcerest", and in Middle English, it transformed into "sagrest". Eventually, it adapted to its current form, "sacrist", in modern English.
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