Glossary

The belief that bishops are the successors to the apostles and that episcopal authority is derived from the apostles by an unbroken line of succession in the ministry.

A 13th-century Dominican scholar, considered the leading theologian of the medieval church. Feast day: Jan. 28.

A bishop with administrative and disciplinary authority over other bishops.

The “primate of all England and Metropolitan” of the ecclesiastical province of Canterbury in the Church of England, and the ceremonial head of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

A senior bishop in the Church of England, second only to the archbishop of Canterbury, serving as the metropolitan bishop of the province of York, which includes 10 dioceses.

A clergyperson with defined administrative authority delegated by the diocesan bishop.

The occasion on which the risen Christ is taken into heaven after appearing to his followers for 40 days.

The first of the 40 days of Lent, named for the custom of placing blessed ashes on the foreheads of worshippers at Ash Wednesday services.

Liturgical practice of sprinkling with holy water as a reminder of baptism.

A brush, branch, metal rod, or other instrument used to sprinkle holy water at the asperges.