Site Glossary

Liturgical colors for vestments and altar dressings change with the seasons of the church year.

A trained layperson who reads lessons, and may also lead the Prayers of the People. Licensing by the bishop is not required.

An ordered system for designating the Holy Scriptures to be read at the Eucharist, the Daily Offices, and on specific dates and occasions.

A trained layperson licensed by the bishop to lead worship in the absence of clergy.

Ritual cleansing of the celebrant’s hands at the offertory of the Eucharist and the basin that contains the water for this act. From the Latin lavabo meaning “I will wash,” taken from Psalm 26:6.

A 16th-century English bishop and Reformation leader, who was burned at the stake by order of Queen Mary I. Feast day: Oct. 16, along with Thomas Cranmer and Nicholas Ridley.

A tax collector who became one of the 12 apostles. Said to be the author of the Gospel bearing his name, although many scholars doubt this. Feast day: Sept. 21.

Thirty-two young men, pages in the court of King Mwanga, were burned alive in 1886 after refusing to renounce Christianity and submit sexually to the king. Feast day: June 3.

A holy and lifelong covenant between two people, made in the sight of God and before the church, characterized by love, fidelity, mutual support, and God’s blessing.

An 11th-century queen of Scotland and reformer credited with removing Celtic influences in the Scottish Church. Feast day: Nov. 16.

An ecclesial philosophy that emphasizes personal faith, Scripture, preaching, and favors a simpler, less ceremonial style of worship than that of high-church tradition.

Documents transferring the canonical residency of a member of the clergy from one diocese to another.