Definition

Noun: 1. A church officer responsible for the care of sacred objects and vessels: A sacristan is a person, often a layperson or a member of the clergy, who is entrusted with the custody and maintenance of a church's sacristy and its contents. This includes sacred vessels (like chalices and patens), vestments, linens, and other items used in religious services. 2. A sexton or caretaker of a church: Historically and in some contexts, the term can also refer to a person who has general care of a church building and its contents, sometimes including duties like ringing the bells or preparing the church for services.

Examples of Usage

• The sacristan carefully polished the silver chalice before the Sunday Mass.
• After the ceremony, the priest returned the holy oils to the sacristan for safekeeping.
• In the small village, the old sacristan also served as the bell-ringer.

Advanced Usage

• "To serve as sacristan": To perform the duties of a sacristan.
  • He served as sacristan for the cathedral for over forty years.

Variants and Related Words

• Sacristy (noun): The room in a church where sacred vessels and vestments are kept and where the clergy prepares for a service. This is the room for which a sacristan is responsible.
• Sexton (noun): A church officer or employee who cares for the church building and its contents, and often performs duties such as ringing the bells and digging graves. The roles of sacristan and sexton can overlap.

Synonyms

• Verger: (especially in Anglican churches) an official who takes care of the interior of a church and acts as an attendant during ceremonies.
• Custodian: A person who has responsibility for taking care of or protecting something (a general term that can apply).
• Churchwarden: (in the Anglican Church) a lay officer who helps with the administration of a parish, which can include care of property.

Noun

1. an officer of the church who is in charge of sacred objects