Site Glossary

The staff which a verger carries in procession.

A third-century Spanish deacon and martyr, tortured to death under Emperor Diocletian. Feast day: Jan. 22.

An 18th-century English hymn writer, priest, and missionary to colonial America, who wrote more than 5,000 hymns, 20 of which are in the 1982 Hymnal of The Episcopal Church. Feast day: March 3, along with his brother John.

The Canons stipulate that every parish have two elected wardens, a senior and a junior, who assist the rector in the administration of the temporal affairs of the parish and in the care of its property.

Short thick candles inserted into small glass cups which worshippers may light as an act of devotion.

An 18th-century priest and scholar, generally considered the founder of Methodism. Feast day: March 3, along with his brother Charles.

Traditional English name for the Feast of Pentecost.

An item such as a small candle given in fulfillment of a vow or in expression of devotion or hope.

A vocation is a way of life or inner sense of purpose. In a religious context, vocations may be for lay or ordained persons. Priests, nuns and monks are examples of people pursuing a vocation. From the Latin word vocare meaning “to call,” every person has a vocation because all people are called by God…

An 11th-century bishop of Worcester during the Norman Conquest. Feast day: Jan. 19.

An eighth-century monk, missionary, and bishop. Feast day: Nov. 7.

A late 19th-century American missionary bishop to China and Japan. Feast day: Dec. 2.