Candles
Candles should be stored in a cool dry place, preferably in a fire-proof container such as a metal chest, or in a store well away from areas of high fire risk, for example, organ chambers, electricity switch boards.
Gutting is mainly caused by draughts, there are three practical ways of preventing this:
Wicks should be trimmed regularly – the shorter the wick, the less heat is generated and the longer the candle will last.
The lighting of candles, whether for communion or a daily office, should start with the lighting of the south candles (the epistle side nearest the cross, then the north (the gospel side). These should be extinguished in reverse order starting with the north standard. The altar gospel candle should not be left to burn alone. Candles place on retables or riddels should also be lit in this order.
When candles are to be lit ceremonially, as part of the liturgy – for example, the lighting of the Paschal candle on Easter Eve – the use of methylated sprits will help the candle to light easily. Simply did the wick three or four times in the spirit (letting it dry between dips) and this will help the flame take first time.
The Paschal candle, lit as part of the Easter ceremonies on Easter Ever, should stand alight, during all services, on the north side of the sanctuary until the Gospel is read on Ascension Day or Pentecost, according to tradition. For the rest of the year it can be placed, unlit, by the front as a symbol of the new light received at baptism. During a service of baptism the Paschal candle is lit and from it the baptism candles are lit. It is in order, in some traditions, to have the Paschal candle standing at the head of a coffin at a funeral. When in use, the Paschal candle should be the first candle lit and the last to extinguished.
Unbleached candles are often used for funerals and in some churches during lent.
Wafers and wine
Wafers, or communion bread, like any other food, should be kept in a cool, clean, dry place, not just in a box lying around in the vestry. A large air-tight container will help keep wafers crisp and fresh. Avoid bulk buying; a regular supply throughout the year will alleviate the storage problem and ensure that the wafers are always fresh. Like any wine, communion wine should be kept in a coo dark place. Stock should be used in rotation.
Candles should be stored in a cool dry place, preferably in a fire-proof container such as a metal chest, or in a store well away from areas of high fire risk, for example, organ chambers, electricity switch boards.
Gutting is mainly caused by draughts, there are three practical ways of preventing this:
- The placing of caps to the candle will protect the wick from the draught and will help pairs of candles to burn down in equal lengths. If caps are to be used then they should be kept clean – dirty, soot-covered caps are unsightly.
- In extreme cases, candles may be placed in the freezer for a short while before use, which will prevent guttering and extend the life of the candle. This is a particularly good practice in very hot weather.
- If draughts are a persistent problem, then the use of moulded rather than ‘dipped’ candles should be considered. Dipped candle hold a certain amount of air between the layers of wax which only add to the problem of guttering and rapid burn-down.
Wicks should be trimmed regularly – the shorter the wick, the less heat is generated and the longer the candle will last.
The lighting of candles, whether for communion or a daily office, should start with the lighting of the south candles (the epistle side nearest the cross, then the north (the gospel side). These should be extinguished in reverse order starting with the north standard. The altar gospel candle should not be left to burn alone. Candles place on retables or riddels should also be lit in this order.
When candles are to be lit ceremonially, as part of the liturgy – for example, the lighting of the Paschal candle on Easter Eve – the use of methylated sprits will help the candle to light easily. Simply did the wick three or four times in the spirit (letting it dry between dips) and this will help the flame take first time.
The Paschal candle, lit as part of the Easter ceremonies on Easter Ever, should stand alight, during all services, on the north side of the sanctuary until the Gospel is read on Ascension Day or Pentecost, according to tradition. For the rest of the year it can be placed, unlit, by the front as a symbol of the new light received at baptism. During a service of baptism the Paschal candle is lit and from it the baptism candles are lit. It is in order, in some traditions, to have the Paschal candle standing at the head of a coffin at a funeral. When in use, the Paschal candle should be the first candle lit and the last to extinguished.
Unbleached candles are often used for funerals and in some churches during lent.
Wafers and wine
Wafers, or communion bread, like any other food, should be kept in a cool, clean, dry place, not just in a box lying around in the vestry. A large air-tight container will help keep wafers crisp and fresh. Avoid bulk buying; a regular supply throughout the year will alleviate the storage problem and ensure that the wafers are always fresh. Like any wine, communion wine should be kept in a coo dark place. Stock should be used in rotation.