Religious Wares set aside for use in the liturgy take on a sacred character both by the blessing it receives and the sacred functions it fulfills. Thus Religious Wares should be treated with the proper care and respect due.
CARING FOR RELIGIOUS WARES
- Chasubles, Dalmatics, and their accessories, such as Stoles, etc, if stored in drawers should be laid flat. Care should be taken to see that there are no wrinkles or folds.
- Stoles, Maniples, Veils and Burses should be laid flat upon the respective Chasuble set to which they belong. All should be covered with a cloth to protect them against dust.
- If vestments are hung in a cabinet, there should be a hanger for each set. This hanger should be provided with a device or crossbar, on which the accessories to a Chasuble such as Stole, Maniple, Veil, etc, may also be hung. A cloth to protect them should be hung over each set.
- If the Chasuble is ornamented with raised embroidery, especially if gold or silver, a pad should be put between the embroidered parts to prevent damage from rubbing. To prevent the embroidery on such vestments from damage and/or cracking, it is advised to not fold the vestments inside out when laying in drawers.
- Albs and Surplices must be handled with great care because of their delicate texture. They should be hung in a cabinet or closet.
- Copes should be hung on a hanger. Avoid folding, as folding might cause permanent harm to the material. Every stored Cope should be protected from the elements.
- Purificators, Palls, Corporals, Amices, Finger Towels should be kept in separate drawers after laundering and before use.
- All vestments, whether in drawers or on hangers should be covered to protect them against dust.
- A lot of vestments are dry clean only, but you might get away with hand washing, as long as you’re careful not to cause tears or long-term creases.
- Corporals should be ironed in such a way that their distinctive manner of folding helps to contain whatever small particles of the consecrated host may remain at the conclusion of the Eucharistic celebration.
- Purificators should be ironed in such a way that they may be easily used for the wiping of the lip of the chalice.
- Wash linens separately from anything else, particularly items that contain polyester. Polyester "pills" will shed its pilling on natural fibers, diminishing the smoothness and softness of the fabric.
- Garments with buttons or zippers can damage more delicate linens in the wash.
- Use a gentle laundry detergent.
- Avoid machine drying.
- Products with bluing agents or whiteners are not recommended on coloured linens, as they may progressively fade the colours.
- Certain hair and skin products that contain oxidizing agents (e.g., lotions etc..) may cause discoloration of Religious Wares.
- Shrinkage will occur with all linens made of natural fibers, the amount of shrinkage ranging from 4 to 10 percent, depending on the fibers used.
- Linens washed in hot water or dried at hot temperatures will shrink excessively.
- Generally, very large pieces of fabric or very high thread count linens are not pre-shrunk
Banners and Tapestries
- Banners and Tapestries should be stored rolled up, to avoid creasing.
- Light dusting is sufficient to clean a Tapestry. If you ever require to clean more than dusting, an expert with experience in cleaning Tapestries is recommended.
- Avoid hanging/storing Religious Wares in direct sunlight or near direct heat, as this can cause fading and/or shrinking.
