The Chasuble is laid out so as to provide a practical application for putting it on.
It is laid front down on the table - the back of it is visible above.
The Stole is laid upon the Chasuble.
(I have used a different colour stole so it is easily visible)
The pattern of the Stole is in the shape of an 'A' - for 'Alpha'
The Girdle is laid upon the Stole in the shape of an 'Omega'
The Symbolism is that Christ is the Alpha and the Omega - the beginning and the end of all things.
Alternatively the Stole and the Girdle are laid out with the Stole in the shape of the letter 'H' and the Girdle is laid out in the shape of an 'I' being the first two symbols for 'IHS' - Latin for Jesus.
The 'I' was originally laid out with the Maniple and the Girdle formed the 'S' shape but the Maniple is now not used so the Alpha and Omega shapes are more usual.
The Alb is then laid out upon the Chasuble, Stole and Girdle.
The Amice is laid upon the Alb.
The Chalice Veil is laid upon the Amice.
The Burse is the final thing to be laid out.
The Burse contains the Corporal,
a large piece of white linen which forms a cloth under the eucharistic vessels.for more information on the vessels and altar linens see:-
