Legal Definitions - sacristy

A sacristy is a room within a church or religious building, typically located near the altar, used for the preparation of clergy and the storage of sacred vestments, vessels, and other items used in religious services.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of a sacristy:

• During a Sunday morning service, Father Michael steps into the sacristy to put on his alb and stole before processing into the main sanctuary. He also ensures that the chalice and paten are ready for the communion service.

  This example demonstrates the sacristy's function as a preparation area for clergy and a place where sacred vessels are kept before a service.

• After a baptism ceremony, a church volunteer carefully carries the holy oils and the baptismal font's pitcher back to the locked cabinet within the sacristy for safekeeping until the next service.

  This illustrates the sacristy's role in securely storing valuable or consecrated items used in religious rites.

• The historical society requested to view some antique vestments belonging to St. Jude's Church. The church warden led them to the sacristy, where the ornate robes, carefully preserved in special drawers, were stored.

  This example highlights the sacristy as the designated storage location for vestments and other ecclesiastical garments.