Host box | Communion Hosts box

Host box | Communion Hosts box

• Liturgical box made of durable, lightweight aluminum.
• Cylindrical design with fitted lid.
• Top engraving with the IHS monogram.
• External height: 8.0 cm (3.15 in).
• Diameter: 9.5 cm (3.74 in).
• Matte silver finish.

Meaning of the Ihs engraving

The symbol IHS represents the first letters of the name Jesus in Greek (ΙΗΣΟΥΣ) and is one of the oldest Christograms in Christian tradition. Used on chalices, patens, and host boxes, this emblem expresses the centrality of Christ in the Eucharistic liturgy.

The host box ensures the dignified and secure preservation of the Eucharistic bread, especially during the distribution of Communion outside of Mass.

Its durable material, practical closure, and discreet design make it a very useful accessory for extraordinary ministers of Communion or sacristans.

Types of boxes for storing communion hosts

Boxes for storing hosts vary depending on their liturgical use within the Church. The most common include:

• Pyx

Containers used to bring the Blessed Sacrament to the sick or those unable to attend Mass for serious reasons.

• Reserve Host boxes

Containers generally larger than pyxes, used to store unconsecrated hosts in a dignified place before consecration at Mass.

Liturgical use

Today, pyxes and reserve host boxes are often used interchangeably. However, it is recommended to use separate containers for consecrated and unconsecrated hosts to avoid confusion.

Traditionally, pyxes, being intended for the Blessed Sacrament, were made of noble materials like gold or silver-plated metal, and often ornately decorated with Eucharistic or Christological symbols: bread, IHS, crosses, etc.

In contrast, boxes for unconsecrated hosts, although carefully made, were typically crafted from simpler materials like aluminum, with much more modest decoration. Aluminum is very common in pastoral-use boxes due to its light weight and durability.

Buy a box for storing Communion Hosts

When buying a box for storing communion hosts, it is important to consider various practical and liturgical factors.

• Capacity

Host boxes come in a wide variety of sizes. Pyxes, due to their use for transporting Communion, are usually smaller than reserve host containers.

• Host diameter

The diameter of the hosts to be stored determines the necessary size of the container. A host measuring 8 cm (3.15 in) in diameter will require a very different box than one for a 4 cm (1.57 in) host.

• Frequency of liturgical celebrations

The frequency with which the priest celebrates Mass or other liturgical events also influences the required size of the host box. A small parish or chapel will need a very different size than a cathedral or a church with a high number of liturgical events.