Site Glossary

A 19th-century American who lost his hearing to scarlet fever, Syle was the first deaf person ordained in The Episcopal Church. Feast day: Aug. 27, along with Thomas Gallaudet.

Our personal response to God’s generosity in the way we share our resources of time, talent, and treasure.

A leading 18th-century English evangelical who was an acclaimed preacher and one of the founders of the Church Missionary Society. Feast day: Nov. 12.

A hymn sung after the second lesson and before the Gospel acclamation at the Eucharist.

A group charged to identify candidates for the position of bishop, rector, or other ministry in the life of the church. The search often begins by clarifying the job description and qualifications.

A 19th-century Russian American who became missionary bishop to Shanghai and devoted much of his life to translating Christian writing for the Chinese people. Feast day: Oct. 14.

A 15th-century German monastic, priest, and spiritual writer, who stressed the importance of imitating Christ by loving one’s neighbor as oneself. Feast day: July 24.

A seventh-century monk, scholar and reformer who served as the seventh archbishop of Canterbury. Feast day: Sept. 19.

A formal assembly or council of church leaders convened to deliberate and make decisions on matters of doctrine, discipline, governance, or policy.

See Bishop Suffragan

Colloquial term for the use of incense and sanctus bells in Anglo-Catholic worship intended to evoke an atmosphere of mystery and transcendence.

A form of address for a woman who is a member of a religious order or community.