The Alb
Around the neck is worn the Amice—an oblong piece of linen, a part of which is folded over and forms a large collar. This is often embroidered.
The Chasuble, sometimes called "the vestment" by way of distinction, is worn only at the celebration of the Holy Communion. It is oval in shape, without sleeves, with an opening in the middle through which the head may be passed. In front and behind it extends nearly to the ground, and on the sides to the hands. It is usually ornamented with a Y-shaped cross, which is often embroidered. The chasuble is sometimes ornamented with very rich needlework. The stole is worn under the chasuble, crossed on the breast, and passed under the girdle.
The Chasuble
Sometimes the Maniple is also worn. It is shaped like a stole, but smaller, and is fastened with a loop over the left arm near the wrist.
This dress, with local differences, is worn in all the ancient Churches of Christendom. It has come down to us with the Church itself. It is, in fact, simply the dignified dress of primitive days, enriched and ornamented. Times and customs have changed, but the dress of the Priest, made sacred by association with his holy work, has remained unaltered.
In churches where the Holy Eucharist is celebrated with very full ceremonial, the two clergy-men who assist the celebrant, called the "deacon" and "subdeacon," sometimes on festival occasions wear respectively a Dalmatic and a Tunicle. These garments are very similar, being a kind of loose coat or frock reaching below the knees, open partially at the lower part of the sides, and having full, though not large, sleeves. The dalmatic is usually somewhat more ornamented. These are festival garments. On other occasions the girded alb and the amice are often worn by the deacon and subdeacon.