Cleric

A member of the clergy.




Clericals

Distinctive clothes worn by clergy that make the wearer identifiable as a member of the clergy.


Cloister

A walkway, covered but not enclosed, typically found in a monastery, convent, or church.


Collect

Pronounced COLL-ect, a short prayer at the beginning of the liturgy, connected to the appointed lessons or occasion, and following a structure of address to God, petition, and concluding doxology.


Columba of Iona

A sixth-century founder of many churches and monasteries in Ireland, including the monastery and school at Iona. Feast day: June 9.


Columbarium

A place or structure for interring the cremated remains of the dead.




Commission on Ministry

A canonically required diocesan body that assists the bishop in discerning, recruiting, and forming individuals for lay, diaconal, and priestly ministries, and advises the bishop on present and future ministry needs and the implementation of Title III of the Canons.