In the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, Lutheranism, Methodism and Anglicanism, an altar or Sanctus bell is typically a small hand-held bell or set of bells.

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.  An ancillary function of the bells is to focus the attention of those attending the Mass that a supernatural event is taking place on the altar.  Such bells are also commonly referred to as the Mass Bell, Sacring Bell, Sacryn Bell, Saints' Bell, Sance-Bell, or Sanctus Bell (or "bells", when there are two or more) and are kept on the credence table or some other convenient location within the sanctuary.

Similarly, the gongs can be used during the consecration