Site Glossary

A book stand or reading desk that holds the book used for reading Scripture in public worship.

A 17th-century archbishop of Canterbury and martyr, who was the chief theological advisor of Kings Charles I and Charles II of England, and later beheaded for treason. Feast day: Jan. 10.

The London residence of the archbishop of Canterbury since 1207.

From the Greek word laos meaning “people,” the laity are baptized Christians distinct from those who are ordained.

The first missionary bishop of The Episcopal Church, who established seven Midwest dioceses in the 19th century. Feast day: May 24.

A 19th-century priest and professor of poetry, and one of the initiators of the Oxford Movement in England. Feast day: March 29.

The King of Hawaii, who with his queen, Emma, asked the bishop of Oxford to send missionaries in the mid-19th century, thereby establishing Anglicanism in the Hawaiian islands. Feast day: Nov. 28.

A second-century scholar, apologist, and martyr, who has been called one of the most original thinkers Christianity produced. Beheaded in Rome after he refused to sacrifice to the gods. Feast day: June 1.

Husband of the Virgin Mary, known as the Guardian of Our Lord and patron saint of workers. Feast day: March 19.

A fourth-century Italian scholar and monastic, who translated the Scriptures into Latin. Feast day: Sept. 30.

One of the 12 apostles of Jesus. Brother of John, son of Zebedee, also known as James the Greater to distinguish him from the other apostle with the same name. Patron saint of Spain, and the first apostle to be martyred. Feast day: July 25.

Administration of the consecrated bread and wine of the Eucharist at the same time, typically by dipping the bread in the wine and placing the moistened host in the mouth.