Catholic Mass cruets are the two small stoppered jugs that hold the wine and the water presented at the Offertory. The wine cruet is poured into the chalice and becomes the Precious Blood at the Consecration; the water cruet supplies the water the priest adds to the chalice and later uses for the ablution. Because they touch the sacred species, cruets are treated as sacred vessels and are handled with care.
What Each Cruet Holds
A standard set has two cruets: one for wine and one for water. The wine cruet is usually marked "V" (vinum) or made in red glass, and the water cruet is marked "A" (aqua) or made in clear or blue glass. The colour-coding matters most in a dim sacristy — it lets a new altar server tell the two apart instantly and avoids the wine being confused with the water.
How Cruets Are Used at the Offertory
During the Offertory, an altar server brings the cruets and their tray to the credence table. When the priest reaches the washing of hands and the preparation of the gifts, the server presents the wine cruet; the priest pours wine into the chalice. The server then presents the water cruet so the priest can add a few drops of water to the chalice — a symbol of the faithful united to Christ. After Communion, the water cruet is used again for the purification of the chalice.
Choosing a Cruet Set
Choose the material to match how often the set is used and how the altar is furnished. Glass and crystal suits daily Mass because the clear body shows the fill level at a glance. Brass and silver-plated sets suit solemn celebrations and traditional sanctuaries. Whichever you choose, confirm that the set includes a matching tray — the tray lets the server carry both cruets in one dignified trip and keeps drips off the altar and floor. See our full range of cruets and trays for the current selection.
Cleaning and Storing Cruets
Empty and rinse the cruets after every Mass. Hand-wash glass and crystal with mild detergent and warm water, then dry immediately to prevent water spots. Polish metal cruets with a soft, non-abrasive cloth; store silver-plated sets in a tarnish-resistant pouch. Never wash cruets in a dishwasher and never store them filled. Keep the set, with its tray, in a closed sacristy cupboard reserved for sacred vessels.
Common Questions About Cruets
What is the difference between cruets and a ciborium?
Cruets hold the wine and water for the Mass; a ciborium is a lidded vessel that holds the consecrated hosts. Both are sacred vessels, but they serve different parts of the liturgy.
How much do cruets hold?
Capacity varies from small 30 ml communion bottles for the sick up to full-size Mass cruets holding several hundred millilitres. A parish usually keeps full-size cruets on a tray for Mass and a small set for the Communion of the sick.
Do cruets need to be blessed?
Liturgical vessels used at Mass should be blessed or dedicated for sacred use and reserved only for the liturgy. Check with your diocesan or parish guidelines before putting a new set into service.
Pair your cruets with a lavabo set and lavabo towels for the washing of the priest's hands, and a chalice to complete the altar vessels.
