Response said or sung at end of prayers, hymns and anthems, showing agreement with what preceded. Amice - A large square or rectangular piece of white cloth with strings attached. It is worn under the alb as a hood or over the shoulders. The strings are wound around the neck before being tied around the chest and waist . The Venerable Hudson Stuck.
Archdeacons sometimes wear purple instead of black cassocks.
The Feast commemorating the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ to glory. This Feast is forty days after Easter and always occurs on a Thursday. In the Ash Wednesday service, ashes are lightly smeared onto the forehead of a person by the priest or bishop. On this day, a number of people may be seen who appear to have a black or gray smudge on their forehead. Aspergillum - A branch, brush, or perforated metal globe, with a handle, used for sprinkling holy water.