Altar bell

The primary reason for the use of such bells is to create a “joyful noise to the Lord” as a way to give thanks for the miracle taking place atop the altar.

The tradition of bell ringing during the consecration finds its historical roots in the Latin Mass era, where much of the celebrant's dialogue was uttered in subdued tones.

During the Middle Ages, the widespread use of rood screens often obstructed the view for many congregants, necessitating the need for auditory signals to denote significant moments within the Mass.

Its enduring presence serves a dual purpose: not only does it maintain continuity with historical practices, but it also functions as a subtle yet poignant reminder to worshipers, redirecting their focus towards the sacred altar and reinforcing the sanctity of the momentous proceedings unfolding before them.

"[3][4] The usual moment chosen for giving the signal of the approach of the Consecration is when the priest stretches out his hands over the host and the chalice while reciting the epiclesis.

[6] All pre-1970 editions of the Roman Missal, including that of 1962, prescribe continuous ringing of the altar bell while the priest recites the words of the Sanctus at Low Mass.

During this holiest season of the liturgical year known as the Paschal Triduum, a wooden clapper known as a crotalus (crotalus/matraca; Latin: Crotalum, Crepitaculum) is sometimes used to make important sounds in place of the altar bell.

[1] In some churches, particularly in the Anglo-Catholic tradition, a large (and sometimes decorated) gong, struck with a mallet, may be used during the celebration of mass as an alternative to the altar bell.