A liturgical burse is a rigid, square case, usually about 25 cm across, that holds the corporal – the linen cloth on which the chalice and host rest during Mass. In short, the burse keeps the corporal clean and folded, is carried on top of the chalice with the veil, and is made of fabric matching the liturgical colour of the day. See our Catholic burses and pyx sets.
What does a burse hold?
The burse holds the corporal, a square linen cloth that is spread over the altar at the offertory and on which the chalice, paten and host rest. The burse protects the corporal between celebrations and keeps it ready for use. It is normally carried on top of the chalice, beneath or beside the chalice veil.
How is the burse used at Mass?
At the beginning of Mass the celebrant brings the veiled chalice with the burse on top. During the offertory he removes the burse, unfolds the corporal onto the altar and proceeds with the preparation of the gifts. After Communion the corporal is folded and returned to the burse, and everything is veiled again.
How do you choose a burse?
Choose a burse in the fabric and colour that matches your vestments and chalice veil – silk, damask or brocade with matching embroidery. A stiff inner board keeps its shape, and a clean, simple lining protects the corporal. Our burses are made to match our chalice linen sets.
Burse vs pyx vs corporal: what is the difference?
These three items are related but not the same. The corporal is the square linen cloth on which the chalice and host rest. The burse is the stiffened fabric case that holds the folded corporal. The pyx is a small round container for carrying the consecrated host to the sick. A pyx and burse set combines the pyx with a fabric or leather burse for Communion to the Sick.
| Item | What it is | Main use |
|---|---|---|
| Corporal | Square white linen cloth | Spread on the altar at Mass |
| Burse | Stiffened square case for the corporal | Protects and carries the corporal |
| Pyx | Small round vessel for the host | Carries Communion to the sick |
| Pyx and burse set | Pyx plus a fabric or leather burse | Eucharistic ministry and sick calls |
If you need a burse for pyx or a complete communion pyx and burse set, see our Catholic burses and pyx sets. For the matching linen, see corporals and chalice veils.
What is a pyx and burse?
A pyx and burse is a pair: the pyx holds the consecrated host, and the burse is the case that protects the pyx and often the corporal during travel. A sick call burse may also have a cord so a priest, acolyte or extraordinary minister can wear it around the neck. Choose a set that fits your host capacity and the size of the corporal.
Should a pyx be blessed?
A pyx used for the Blessed Sacrament should be blessed by a priest before use. The blessing sets the vessel apart for sacred use; ask your parish priest, and many parishes bless new sacred vessels during Mass.
FAQ
Does every church need a burse? A burse is standard in the traditional liturgy and in many ordinary-form parishes that use the full chalice linen set.
Can the burse be embroidered? Yes – a cross or monogram on the burse is traditional and mirrors the decoration of the veil and vestments.
Conclusion
The burse is a small but essential piece of the sacred vessels, protecting the corporal and completing the veiled chalice. Browse our burses and chalice linen sets.
Related reading
See how the burse fits into the full chalice linen set and how the corporal and other altar linens are used.
