Q: Our Knights of Columbus Ladies Aux. are going to buy some altar linens. We did not know if there were specific guidelines. It was suggested we contact you.Any suggestions would be appreciated.Thank you.
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A: How good of you to replenish the supply of altar linens. There aren’t many guidelines. I’ve commented on them in my book, Let Us Pray. The altar needs to be covered with at least one white cloth. The corporal should be large enough for the various vessels that will sit upon it. Purificators sufficient in number for the chalices are also important. There is no rule that any of these cloths be linen, though that is the tradition. They may be cotton or some other absorbent material.