The sacramental rite in which candidates "express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop" (BCP, p. 860).

To set something or someone apart for a sacred purpose. The church provides for the consecration of various spaces and elements, including bread and wine for the Eucharist, church buildings, altars, graves, and columbaria. Chrism oil is used to consecrate the newly baptized. Deacons, priests, and bishops are consecrated during the service of ordination.

The Martyrs of Memphis, a collection of nuns and priests who died in the Tennessee city while tending to the sick in the yellow fever outbreak in 1878. Feast day: Sept. 9.

Capitalize when referring to the published document containing the official set of governing rules for The Episcopal Church and in numbered citations. Lowercase in other uses.The Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church is published as a separate volume following each General Convention.The Episcopal Church’s constitution was first adopted by General Convention in 1789. The...

The foundational governing document of The Episcopal Church defining its structure, authority, and relationships between dioceses, governing bodies, and officers, and establishing the framework within which the Canons operate. First adopted by General Convention in 1789.

Full repentance for sin and a firm intention for amendment of life.

A religious community and residence, traditionally for women, where members live under vows and a common rule of life devoted to prayer, communal worship, and service.

A grouping of congregations in a geographical area for the purpose of collaboration, support, and fellowship. Clergy and lay representatives typically meet on a regular basis. Also called a deanery, region, or mission area.

In the 10th chapter of Acts, Cornelius and his household were the first known Gentiles to convert to the Christian faith, without first converting to Judaism. Feast day: Oct. 20.

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