An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church

Parish Meeting

A meeting of the members of a parish. The by-laws of the parish generally require an annual parish meeting and state the qualifications to be a voting member of the parish. Diocesan canons may state requirements concerning parish meetings. The annual parish meeting typically elects vestry members, and it may elect vestry officers. Delegates to diocesan convention and representatives to other diocesan, deanery, or parish entities may also be elected by the parish meeting. The budget of the parish may be presented and approved. The rector, vestry officers, music director, Christian education director, and other parish or program leaders may make presentations at the annual parish meeting. The parish by-laws may allow the rector or a majority of the vestry to call a special parish meeting at any time. The by-laws may specify the requirements for a special parish meeting, including the requirements for notice to the members of the parish.

Glossary definitions provided courtesy of Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, NY,(All Rights reserved) from “An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians,” Don S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum, editors.