By Mark Evans 
Easter is the most important celebration of the Christian year. For churches, it is a season filled with full pews, joyful music, beautiful liturgy, and powerful moments that stay with parishioners long after the final hymn ends.
But behind every meaningful Easter celebration is something every pastor, priest, and sacristy team understands well: preparation matters. When the church has the right supplies ready ahead of time, clergy can focus less on last-minute logistics and more on what Easter is truly about, the Resurrection of Christ.
This guide breaks down the essential church supplies needed for Holy Week and Easter celebrations, with practical suggestions and examples of items churches can find on Holyart, a trusted source for church goods, liturgical items, and religious supplies.
1) The Paschal Candle and Easter Vigil Supplies
The Easter Vigil begins with one of the most powerful symbols in the Christian tradition: light overcoming darkness. The Paschal candle represents the Risen Christ and remains present throughout the Easter season.
Churches should prepare:
- A high-quality Paschal candle
- A sturdy candle stand or base
- Smaller candles for the congregation (optional)
- Accessories such as candle followers or drip protectors
Tip: Many churches also order extra candles for the Easter season, baptisms, and memorial services.
2) Incense, Charcoal, and Thuribles
Easter liturgies often include incense, especially during the Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday Mass, and solemn processions. Incense is not only beautiful, but also deeply symbolic, representing prayer rising to God.
Essential supplies include:
- Church incense (resin blends)
- Charcoal tablets
- A thurible and boat
- Incense storage containers
Tip: Always check your charcoal inventory early. It is one of the most forgotten items until the last minute.
3) Sacred Vessels for the Eucharist
Holy Week and Easter often mean larger Mass attendance, which requires extra planning for Communion. Churches should ensure sacred vessels are in excellent condition and that there are enough for the number of communicants.
Key items include:
- Chalices
- Ciboria
- Paten and paten sets
- Chalice and ciborium sets
- Cruets for water and wine
Tip: Many churches keep a secondary set of vessels specifically for large celebrations like Easter and Christmas.
4) Hosts, Wine, and Liturgical Consumables
Consumables are the quiet heroes of Easter. Without them, even the most beautiful liturgy cannot move forward.
Churches should stock:
- Altar breads and Communion hosts
- Low-gluten hosts if needed
- Liturgical wine
- Purification supplies (water, linens)
- Extra altar candles
Tip: It is wise to order extra hosts for Easter Sunday, since many visitors and returning parishioners attend.
5) Vestments for Holy Week and Easter
Priest and clergy vestments help express the tone of each liturgy. Holy Week includes several color changes, and churches should prepare these in advance.
Recommended vestments include:
- Purple stoles and chasubles for Lent
- Red vestments for Palm Sunday and Good Friday
- White or gold vestments for Easter Sunday
- Matching stoles for deacons
- Cinctures and alb accessories
Tip: Easter is also a great time for churches to replace worn vestments or invest in a new set for major feasts.
6) Processional Items and Sanctuary Tools
Holy Week often includes processions, especially on Palm Sunday and during the Easter Vigil. Having the right processional items ensures these moments feel reverent and organized.
Churches may need:
- Processional cross
- Processional candles
- Candle torches and stands
- Bells for the Easter Vigil (optional)
- Palm holders or baskets
Tip: Check candle bases and torches for stability, especially if children or altar servers will be carrying them.
7) Holy Water Supplies for Easter Blessings
Easter water is a powerful symbol of new life, baptism, and renewal. Many churches sprinkle holy water during the Easter season and use it for baptisms.
Essential items include:
- Holy water bucket
- Aspergillum
- Holy water fonts for entrances
- Glass bottles for blessed water distribution (optional)
Tip: Many churches offer parishioners blessed Easter water to take home. Having small containers ready can be a thoughtful touch.
8) Altar Linens and Sacristy Essentials
Clean linens are part of a well-prepared Easter liturgy. Churches should ensure all linens are washed, pressed, and in good supply.
Items to check include:
- Altar cloths
- Corporals
- Purificators
- Lavabo towels
- Chalice veils and burses
Tip: Easter is a perfect time to replace linens that are stained, worn, or no longer appropriate for solemn celebrations.
9) Easter Decorations and Sacred Art
Church decorations do not need to be extravagant to be meaningful. A few carefully chosen pieces can elevate the sanctuary and help parishioners feel the joy of Easter.
Popular Easter church decor items include:
- Resurrection statues
- Crosses and crucifixes
- Easter icons
- Sanctuary candles
- Floral stands and altar arrangements
Tip: Many churches choose one focal piece for Easter and reuse it annually.
Final Thoughts: Preparing Well Helps Churches Celebrate Better
Easter is not just another Sunday. It is the heart of the Christian faith, and churches deserve to celebrate it with reverence, beauty, and peace.
By preparing essential supplies early, church leaders and sacristy teams can reduce stress, avoid last-minute shortages, and focus on what truly matters: welcoming the faithful into the joy of the Resurrection.
If your church needs candles, sacred vessels, vestments, incense, altar linens, or Easter décor, Holyart offers a wide range of reliable, high-quality options that support churches of every size. Use code JG15 for 15% off an order.