Q. 1. What is the purpose of the "Altar book stand?"

A. 1. The "Altar book stand" is the stand found on the Altar in the Catholic Church. Some refer to it as a Missal Stand, a Bible Stand, or a Prayer Book Stand. It holds the book from which the priest reads during the celebration of the Holy Mass.

This simple four-legged book stand can have an adjustable top. It may be available in brass or bronze with high polish or satin finishes that have been oven baked. Or it can be in high polished wood such as in walnut.

The Altar book stand can be very plain in nature or be decorated in a number of ways.