What is the name of the tablecloth on the table at Mass?

Answer 1

You are probably talking about the altar, which would be covered with an altar cloth. If you are speaking of the credence table, then it would just be covered with a cloth, which would just be known as a cloth or a tablecloth, I suppose, although I have never heard that particular word used.

Answer 2

Well, collectively, "altar cloth".

In the Roman rite, three altar cloths are used along with a thicker layer.

At the bottom we have the cere cloth: a piece of heavy linen treated with wax, to protect the altar linens from the dampness of a stone altar, and also to prevent the altar from being stained by any wine that may be spilled. Exactly the same size as the mensa' (the flat rectangular top of the altar).

Above this, two linen cloths made of heavy linen exactly the same size as the mensa of the altar. They act as a cushion and, with the cere cloth, prevent the altar from being dented by heavy vases or communion vessels placed on top.

The topmost cloth is the fair linen, a long white linen cloth laid over the two linen cloths. It has the same depth as the mensa of the altar, but is longer, generally hanging over the edges to within a few inches of the floor or, according to some authorities, it should hang 18 inches over the ends of the mensa. On an altar consisting of the mensa resting on columns or made after the fashion of a tomb the topmost linen did not have to overhang the edges at the sides. It could be trimmed with lace on the ends and could be ornamented with figures of chalices, hosts and the like. Five small crosses might be embroidered on the fair linen - one to fall at each corner of the mensa, and one in the middle of the front edge. These symbolised the five wounds of Jesus. The fair linen would be left on the altar at all times. When removed for replacement, it would be rolled, not folded. It symbolized the shroud in which Jesus was wrapped for burial.

Finally, when the altar is not in use, a coverlet of the same heavy linen, and of the same length and width as the fair linen, is left on the altar to protect from dust and debris.

Answer 3

It is called the altar cloth

Answer 4

Altar cloth