Site Glossary

An honorific used by some female priests.

The mother of the theologian Augustine of Hippo, whom she convinced to become a Christian in 386. Feast day: May 4.

A 19th-century evangelist and martyr in Rhodesia. Feast day: June 18.

The disciple who replaced Judas Iscariot as one of the 12 apostles. Feast day: Feb. 24.

An annual, official data-gathering instrument of The Episcopal Church. The report includes extensive information about membership and attendance; the number of baptisms, confirmations, marriages and burials; outreach; and finances.

Concerning a parish. Clergy who do not work for a church are sometimes called nonparochial.

The practice of inviting all baptized Christians to receive the Eucharist, regardless of denomination or church membership.

The portion of the Eucharist when the bread and wine is ceremonially placed on the altar. A collection of money customarily is presented at the same time.

A lay person who maintains a close committed relationship with a religious community, without taking full religious vows.

A trainee in a religious order or community who typically has already trained as a postulant.

A 19th-century British cleric, hymn writer, and translator. Feast day: Aug. 7.

Entry space, foyer, or anteroom of a church between the front door and the nave, used for the gathering and formation of processions.