Glossary of Anglo-Catholic Terms
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Abbess: female head of a nunnery of the Benedictine or related orders
Abbey: large religious house belonging either to one of the orders of
the
Benedictine family or to certain orders of the Canons Regular (Augustinian
Canons)
Abbot: the head of a monastic house of the Benedictine or related orders,
and of certain orders of Augustinian canons
Ablutions: the cleansing of the chalice(s), paten, and other vessels
after the administration of Communion. This may be done at the altar or at
the credence, or after the dismissal.
Absolution: the formal act of a priest or bishop pronouncing the forgiveness
of sins by Christ to those who are qualified by penitence to receive it
Acclamation: a versicle and response of praise at the beginning of
the Eucharist and other services
Acolyte: a lay ministry position that assists during the Eucharist.
Acolytes hold different roles such as Crucifer, Torch Bearer, Gospel Holder,
Thurifer, servers, etc
Adoration: refers to the external acts of reverent admiration or
honor given to a thing or person
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: prayer to Christ, who is
recognized as being truly present in the Sacrament. During Adoration, the
Blessed Sacrament is displayed for the people.
Advent: the first season of the church year, beginning with the
fourth Sunday before Christmas and continuing through the day before
Christmas. the name is derived from a Latin word for "coming." the season is
a time of preparation and expectation for the coming celebration of our
Lord's nativity, and for the final coming of Christ "in power and glory"
Agnus Dei: The Lamb of God
at a said service, the priest and the people recite this responsively:
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world,
have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world,
have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world,
grant us thy peace
This is called the Agnus Dei because the Latin translation is:
Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata
mundi,
miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata mundi,
miserere nobis.
Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata mundi,
dona nobis pacem
Aisle: part of a church, parallel to and divided by piers or columns from
the nave, choir or transept
Alb: the white garment that covers him over. Its color
symbolizes purity, not a purity of himself, but a purity gained by the
cleansing blood of Christ. When he dons the alb, he prays, "Cleanse me, O
Lord, and purify my heart that, being made white in the blood of the Lamb, I
may attain everlasting joy"
Albigensian: a heretical movement found in Germany, Italy and France in
the
11th to 13th centuries, based on a dualist belief in two Gods, one of good
and one of evil; also known as Cathars
Alcantara: military monastic order founded in Spain and Portugal in
the 12th
century
All Saints' Day: November 1; a feast day in the church in commemoration of
all the known and unknown saints.
Alleluia: an exclamation of praise and joy, used in various parts of the
liturgy, except during Lent. Derived from the Hebrew, meaning "Praise the
Lord"
Alms: Money or other offerings of the people for the work of the
Church
Alms Basin: a large metal plate into which the money offerings of the
people are placed before they are presented to the officiant.
Alms: money collected for the work of the church
Almuce: item of processional vestments: originally a fur-lined hood, it
became a fur cape
Altar: a table or slab consecrated for celebration for celebration of
the
sacrament of the Eucharist, or Holy Communion; in a medieval church, in
addition to the high altar or principal altar, other altars dedicated to
particular saints were located in chapels around the church
Altar Book: the large book containing the texts from The Book of
Common Prayer and music for the celebrant at the Eucharist and other
liturgies
Altar Cloth: a long piece of white linen that covers the top of the
altar and hangs down the sides almost to the floor. When not in use, the
altar cloth is usually protected with a dust-cover
Altar Guild: a special, usually lay, group in a church charged with
the maintenance and preparation of the altar and its furnishings in a
church; altar guilds may also supervise church decorations and flowers
Altar Rail (or communion rail, or sanctuary rail): a low wall or
railing separating the sanctuary from the choir or nave; it is customary for
worshipers to kneel at the altar rail to receive the Holy Communion
Alternate Primatal Oversight: ministry of a different Primate.
In the case of a diocese, asking for relief from a scripturally unsound
Presiding Bishop
Ambo: a pulpit or lectern, or a structure that serves both purposes
Ambry (or Aumbry): a closed recess in the wall of a church for
reservation of the blessed sacrament or holy oil for the sick
Ambulatory: a semi-circular or polygonal aisle enclosing an apse or a
straight ended sanctuary
Amen: Hebrew word meaning truly, it is true. As concluding word of
prayers it expresses assent to and acceptance of God’s will
American Anglican Council (AAC): an advocacy group linking and
supporting individuals and churches in the U.S. as they promote biblical,
orthodox Anglican Christianity
Amice: a white cloth connected to two long ribbon-like attachments,
which is folded and worn on the head of the priest. the two long ribbons are
tied around the chest of the priest. Priests wear the amice for reasons of
tradition and to prevent damage to their other vestments due to
perspiration. Traditionally, while donning the amice, the priest prays a
short prayer asking God to clothe him with the "helmet of salvation"
Anglican: of or relating to the established Church of England and
churches of similar faith and order in communion with it
Anglican Communion: thirty-eight provinces, or national churches
around the world, which are in communion with each other, the Church of
England and the archbishop of Canterbury. The communion includes more
than 77 million baptized members in more than 100 nations
Anglican Communion Network (ACN or the Network): a bishop-led group
of dioceses, congregations, and clergy formed within the Episcopal Church;
Bishop Bob Duncan of Pittsburgh is moderator of the Network
Anglican Consultative Council: meets every 3 years or so, and
includes bishops, clergy and laity, as members appointed by the 38 provinces
of the Communion. It first met in 1971
Anglican Mission in America (AMiA): a missionary outreach of the
Province of the Episcopal Church of Rwanda, which is a full and active
member of the Anglican Communion. The Mission enjoys the oversight of
Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini of Rwanda and the Rwandan House of Bishops
Anglo-Catholics: identify with Catholic teaching and
liturgical practice and hold a high view of the authority of clergy and
tradition. Anglo-Catholics are called "high church" because of their
emphasis on the divine nature of the church as the mystical body of Christ
Annunciation: the feast celebrating the visit by the angel Gabriel to
the
Virgin Mary to inform her that she was to bear the son of God
Antecommunion: another name for the Liturgy of the Word, the first half of
the Eucharist.
Anthem: a text from Scripture or from the Liturgy which is sung
during a service. (The word comes from the Greek "antiphon," meaning a verse
sung in response to a psalm or other Scripture passage)
Anthem at the Fraction: the words that are said or sung at the
Breaking of the Bread
Antiphon: verses sung alternately by two choirs, or by a soloist and choir;
in the divine office, sentences from scripture recited before and after the
Psalms and canticles
Antiphoner: book containing the music for divine office; a sub-set of
the
breviary
Anti-type: a story from the New Testament which has been prefigured by a
story in the Old Testament
Apocalypse: events leading up to and culminating in the Last Judgment, as
described in the Biblical Book of Revelations
Apocrypha: sections of the Bible which had no original Hebrew text extant
when they were translated into Latin from the Greek; these were included in
their proper place in the Bible in the Latin Vulgate version, but are
relegated to a separate volume in a modern Bible
Apostle: the twelve followers of Christ who were sent to spread the
Christian message after his death and resurrection; the place of Judas
Iscariot was taken by Matthias; the grace and the authority of the church
were believed to have passed directly from Christ through the apostles
Apostolate: the ministry or work of an apostle. In Catholic usage, a
term covering all kinds and areas of work and endeavor for the service of
God and the Church and the good of people.
Apostolic Nunciature: the offices of the Holy Father’s representative
to a country or to the Church in that country.
Apostolic Succession: every bishop of the Church Catholic is ordained
by the laying on of hands by one or more (usually at least three) other
bishops, and so it has been back to the first century when the first bishops
were ordained by the Apostles themselves; but a true Apostolic succession
also requires that they continue in the Apostles' teaching and fellowship,
in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers
Apse: a vaulted semi-circular or polygonal termination, usually to a chancel
or chapel
Arcade: a range of arches carried on piers or columns
Archbishop: a bishop with authority over a group of territorially contiguous
dioceses and their bishops; also known as a metropolitan
Archbishop of Canterbury: "First among equals" of all Anglican
bishops and the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion. The first
archbishop of Canterbury was St Augustine in AD 597
Archdeacon: a cleric having a defined administrative authority delegated to
him by the bishop in the whole or part of the diocese
Archdeaconry: a sub-division of a diocese administered by an archdeacon,
whose authority was delegated to him by the bishop
Archdiocese: the chief diocese of an ecclesiastical province.
Archpriest: a minister assisting a bishop in the administration of a rural
deanery, or subdivision of an archdeaconry; also known as a rural dean
Ascension: the feast of the ascent of Christ into Heaven, celebrated forty
days after Easter
Ash Wednesday: day of special devotion; the day which marks the
beginning of the season of Lent, a period of spiritual discipline, fasting
and moderation in preparation for Holy Week and Easter; one of the most
important days of the church year. In the Ash Wednesday service, ashes are
placed on the forehead in the form of the cross
Aspergillum: a branch, brush, or perforated metal globe, with a
handle, used for sprinkling holy water
Assessment, Diocesan: The amount charged to the congregations to fund
the annual unified budget of diocesan expenditures
Augustinian: 1) order of regular canons following the Rule of St Augustine;
established from pre-existing orders in Italy and France in the 12th
century: 2) order of mendicant friars founded in Italy in the 13th century;
also known in England as the Austin Friars
Aumbry: a stone cupboard, usually set in the north wall of the chancel, for
mass vessels, books and other sacred objects
Austin: term used in England for the Augustinian friars
Auxiliary Bishop: A bishop assigned to a diocese or
archdiocese, to assist a residential bishop
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Ballflower: carved decoration in the form of a globular three petalled
flower
Baptism: the rite admitting an individual to the Christian church;
after the missionising period carried out in early infancy
Baptistery: a separate building or separate area in a church which contains
the font and where the rite of baptism is carried out
Barbe: a tall pleated collar worn by nuns and widows
Barrel Vault: continuous vault of semicircular cross-section; also called
tunnel vault
Bar tracery: window tracery which divides the window into patterns with
bars
of stone, characteristic of later Gothic
Basilica: A church to which special privileges are attached. It is a title
of honor given to various kinds of churches.
Battlements: a parapet with an alternately raised and lowered outline
Beatific Vision: the vision of God in heaven which is the final destiny of
redeemed souls
Beatification: Final step toward canonization of a saint
Beguinage: community of lay women living a life of poverty and chastity,
without living under a rule or taking irrevocable vows
Beguine: lay woman living a life of poverty and chastity in a community,
without living under a rule or taking irrevocable vows
Belfry: the upper storey of a tower where bells are hung, or a special
purpose building for the hanging of bells
Bench end: refers to the ends of pews or choir stalls, often elaborately
carved
Benedictine: order of monks or nuns living according to the Rule of St
Benedict
Benefice: the means of generating an income to support a priest
Bestiary: a description of the animal world in moral terms, based ultimately
in an early Christian text "Physiologus" with a variety of additions
Bible: the basic literature of Christianity, comprising the Old Testament
which essentially describes the history of the Jewish people up to the birth
of Christ, and the New Testament which describes the events of the life of
Christ and their aftermath
Biblical: from the Bible
Bier: the stand upon which a casket rests during the Burial of the
Dead.
Bier Lights: two or more candles that are placed around the coffin or
urn at the Burial of the Dead.
Biretta: a kind of cap worn by the clergy. In the eighteenth century
it was transformed from the soft, functional headwear seen in Renaissance
paintings into a stiff, ornamental thing characterized by three vertical
ridges and topped with a pompom. English custom retained a softer form, but
developed four sharp corners; the English square the cap is now often called
a "Canterbury cap." (The academic "mortarboard" is a further development of
the same type of cap)
Bishop: from the Greek word meaning overseer, a bishop is the chief
pastor of a diocese. All other clergy of the diocese are responsible to the
bishop. Anglicans share a belief with Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox
Christians that bishops are the successors to the twelve original Apostles
appointed by Christ. The ministry of a Bishop is to represent Christ and his
Church, particularly as apostle, chief priest, and pastor of a diocese; to
guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the whole Church; to proclaim the
Word of God; to act in Christ's name for the reconciliation of the world and
the building up of the Church; and to ordain others to continue Christ's
ministry. The bishop is the chief pastor of a diocese, and (when present)
the principal celebrant at sacramental liturgies
Bishop Coadjutor: a Bishop elected to succeed the Diocesan Bishop. An
ordained person consecrated to become the next bishop of a diocese when the
diocesan bishop retires; when the bishop retires or resigns, the Co-adjutor
becomes the Diocesan and the term Co-adjutor is dropped. Suffragan bishops
do not automatically become diocesan bishops
Bishop, Diocesan: the primary bishop of a diocese; sometimes referred
to as "The Diocesan"
Bishop, Suffragan: a Bishop elected to assist the Diocesan Bishop and
to serve under the Diocesan's direction. A working co-bishop in a diocese
but without inherent right of succession when the diocesan bishop retires or
resigns. Suffragan bishops are sometimes called by another diocese to become
their Diocesan bishop
Bishop's Chair: a chair set apart in cathedrals and some churches,
reserved especially for the bishop (sometimes called the Bishop's Throne).
Also, a moveable chair or stool (faldstool) used when the bishop is present
and sits for various parts of the liturgy (confirmation, ordinations, etc)
Blessed Sacrament: the consecrated bread and wine of the Eucharist
which are the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ
Blessing: Bestowal of God's favor
Blind Arcading: a series of arches set against a wall
Boat: a small container, with a lid and spoon, in which incense is
kept before it is placed in the thurible
Bread Box (Ciborium): the container in which the bread or hosts for
the Eucharist are kept. This is presented to the celebrant at the Offertory
by the server or a member of the congregation.
Bucket: A container, equipped with a handle, for Holy Water.
Burse: A pocket or envelope of stiff board covered with material of
the same liturgical color as the vestments, in which the corporal is kept
when not in use on the altar.
Book of Common Prayer: The book containing the forms of the common
(i.e., public) prayers of the church, including the normal church services
and the forms for administering the sacraments. The first Book of Common
Prayer was published in 1549.
Book of Hours: a book for the laity containing Psalms and prayers to
be read
at the times of the daily office
Brass: a tomb effigy incised in two dimensions in a brass plate
Breviary: book containing the form of services for the daily round of divine
office
Brother: a man who is a member of a religious order, but is not
ordained or studying for the priesthood
Buttress: a mass of masonry or brickwork projecting from or built against a
wall to give additional strength
BVM: the Blessed Virgin Mary
Byzantine: referring to the eastern Roman Empire, based in Constantinople,
after the fall of Rome
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Calatrava: military monastic order founded in Spain and Portugal in
the 12th
century
Caldarium: in a monastery, a small room containing a fire where inmates can
go in to warm themselves
Calendar: the annual cycle of religious festivals and saints' days
Campanile: a bell tower, usually separated from the main building
Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA): an Anglican
missionary effort in the US sponsored by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican
Communion)
Candidate: the next step beyond Postulancy for a person who has been
recommended by the Bishop and accepted by the Standing Committee as a
Candidate for Holy Orders
Candle: The use of candles on the altar is an ancient practice. It
reminds us that Jesus, the light of the world, shines in the darkness of out
lives
Canon: a member of the clergy on the staff of a cathedral or diocese.
A canon on a cathedral staff assists the dean, and a canon on a diocesan
staff assists the bishop. Members of the clergy and laity have at times been
made honorary canons of a cathedral in recognition of significant service or
achievement. Historically, canons were secular clergy who were connected to
a cathedral or collegiate church, sharing the revenues and a common rule of
life at the church
Canon Law: the law of the church, imposed by authority in matters of faith,
morals and discipline
Canon to the Ordinary: A canon who is specific to the Bishop's
office; a staff officer who performs tasks as assigned by the Ordinary or
Diocesan Bishop
Canonization: a declaration by the Pope that a person who died a
martyr or practiced Christian virtue to a heroic degree is in heaven and is
worthy of honor and imitation by the faithful. Verification of miracles is
required for canonization (except for martyrs)
Canticle: song or prayer, other than a Psalm, derived from the Bible and
used in church worship
Cantor: a person who chants or sings; often a solo voice that begins
the service. The Festival of Lessons and Carols begins with the solo of the
cantor
CAPA (Council for Anglican Provinces of Africa): 13 provinces in the
fastest-growing part of the Anglican Communion, headed by the Primate of
Nigeria, Archbishop Peter Akinola
Capital: the head or crowning feature of a column
Cardinal: the clergy of Rome who became the immediate advisors of the pope
(Latin cardo = hinge)
Carillon: a set of church bells; generally found only in churches
large enough to have a tower or steeple strong enough to support the weight
of the many bells; some of the bells may weigh a ton or more
Carmelite: order of mendicant friars originally founded in Palestine in
the
12th century, then reformed in Europe in the 13th century after the failure
of the Crusades; also known as the White Friars
Caroline Divines: The school of Anglican preachers and theologians
living under King Charles I, the Interregnum and Charles II are known
collectively as the Caroline Divines. Their extensive patristic and
scriptural learning was put to use in defense of the continuity of the
Church of England with the pre-reformation Ecclesia Anglicana, as well as
the episcopal form of church government against the contemporary claims of
presbyterians. They taught the Real Presence, the use of auricular
confession, and the observance of the fasts and festivals of the Church
year. The writings of the Caroline Divines were collected by adherents
of the Oxford Movement and published in the extensive (and never completed)
Library of Anglo-Catholic Theology.
Carolingian: referring to the reign of Charlemagne, in the 9th century
Carthusian: a monastic order founded in Chartreuse, in France, in the 11th
century; a contemplative order whose brethren were bound to vows of silence
and renunciation of the world
Cassock: a long, close-fitting, ankle-length robe, symbolizing the
covering of our sins. the cassock derives ultimately from the tunic that was
formerly worn underneath the toga in classical antiquity. the word cassock
probably comes from the word casaque which means cloak; or cassaca, which
means white. In older days, it was known in Latin as vestis talaris
Catechesis: religious instruction and formation for persons preparing
for baptism (catechumens) and for the faithful in various stages of
spiritual development
Catechetical: Referring to catechesis
Catechetics: from the Greek meaning "to sound forth," it is
the
procedure for teaching religion
Catechism: the catechism (found in the Book of Common Prayer) is
primarily intended for use by parish priests, deacons, and lay catechists,
to give an outline for instruction. It is a commentary on the creeds, but is
not meant to be a complete statement of belief and practice; rather, it is a
point of departure for the teacher, and it is cast in the traditional
question and answer form for ease of reference; a second use of this
catechism is to provide a brief summary of the Church's teaching for an
inquiring stranger who picks up a Prayer Book
Cathar: a heretical movement found in Germany, Italy and France in
the 11th
to 13th centuries, based on a dualist belief in two Gods, one of good and
one of evil; also known as Albigensians
Cathedra: the throne of a bishop
Cathedral: the church which contains the throne, or official seat, of
the
bishop of the diocese and therefore the "mother church" of the diocese
Catholic: Greek word for universal. First used in the title Catholic Church
in a letter written by St. Ignatius of Antioch to the Christians of Smyrna
about 107 AD
Celebrant: the one who presides at the celebration of the Eucharist
Celebrator: Used only to describe a participant in a nonreligious
celebration
Cell: an individual room in a monastic establishment where one person lived
in seclusion
Cellarium: the storehouse for provisions
Chalice: the cup for holding the wine at the ritual of the Eucharist
Chalice Bearer: one who is licensed by the diocese to administer the
chalice at communion
Chalice Veil: a square piece of material of the same liturgical color
as the vestments used to cover the chalice and paten when they are not in
use. The burse, with the corporal inside, rests on top of the veiled chalice
Chancel: the eastern end of the church containing the high altar, where
the
mass is celebrated, reserved for the priest, other clergy and choir: may
also include an extension of the nave east of the crossing
Chancel arch: the arch, generally stone, at the west end of the chancel
Chancellor: the chief archivist of the official records of a diocese.
Also a notary and secretary of the diocesan curia
Chant: a musical recitation of words midway between reading and
singing; in some churches, the Psalm in the worship service is often chanted
Chantry chapel: a chapel in which masses for the soul of a dead person are
recited
Chantry priest: a priest whose function is to say or sing masses for
the
soul of a dead person in a chantry chapel
Chapel: 1) a part of a church with a separate altar, which may be dedicated
differently to the church as a whole; 2) a self contained building dedicated
to worship, the saying of prayers or the celebration of masses for the dead,
but which does not serve the functions of a parish church; 3) a church which
serves parochial needs, but which is dependent upon another church within
the parish, sometimes called a chapel of ease
Chaplain: a priest who was paid an annual wage to serve in a parish church
or dependent chapel, such as a hospital
Chapter: 1) the members of a religious house in their corporate capacity; 2)
the members of any corporate body responsible for an ecclesiastical
institution; 3) a meeting of the members of a religious institution
Chapter House: a place of assembly for the members of a monastery, cathedral
or collegiate church, for the discussion of business
Charisms: Gifts or graces given by God to persons for the good of
others and the Church
Chasuble: a richly colored outer robe, a
representation of the rich and blessed covering of Christ, reminiscent of
the fine robe the father put around the undeserving prodigal son, and
symbolic of the lord’s covering of love. While putting it on, the priest
prays, "Give me again, O Lord, the robe of immortality which I lost by
the
transgression of my first parents; and although I am unworthy to come unto
Thy Holy Sacrament, grant that I may attain everlasting felicity"
Childermas: the Feast of the Holy Innocents, December 28
Chimere: a sleeveless gown worn over the rochet by a bishop as part
of his normal choir dress. The chimere may be either of black satin
(ordinary) or of red silk (convocation). It apparently derives from the
academic costume of a doctor of theology, and so is unrelated to the similar
continental gown called a "manteletta"
Choir: A group of singers who assist in the celebration of the
liturgy. They may be either in the chancel or in some other part of the
church; also, the part of the church where the choir sits
Choir stalls: the seating for the clergy in the choir of a church
Chor bishop: In the Maronite rite and the Greek Orthodox Church an auxiliary
bishop may be called a chor bishop. When used in other Eastern Catholic
rites it is an honorary term for a close assistant of a bishop, usually the
equivalent of a vicar general
Chrism: oil consecrated by a bishop for use at Baptism, Confirmation
and Ordination
Chrismation: the anointing of a person with chrism at Baptism
Christ: the title of Jesus, derived from Greek translation Kyrios of
the Hebrew term Messiah, meaning the Anointed of God
Christmas: the feast celebrating the birth of Christ, held on 25th December
Church: the universal Church that is spread throughout the world; the
local Church is that of a particular locality, such as a diocese. the Church
embraces all its members—on earth, in heaven and in purgatory
Christmas: the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ celebrated
on December 25th. The Christmas season extends through January 6, the Feast
of the Epiphany
Ciborium: a covered metal or ceramic vessel in which the Blessed
Sacrament is kept when reserved in a tabernacle or aumbry
Cincture: the rope a priest uses as a belt. It is a symbol of
chastity and self-control. As he wraps it around himself, he prays, "Gird
me, O Lord, with the girdle of purity and quench in me the fire of
concupiscence, that the grace of temperance and chastity may abide in me"
Cistercian: monastic order derived from the Benedictine, founded as reformed
order from the French monastery of Citeaux in the 12th century
Clerestory: the upper stage of the main walls of a church, above the aisle
roofs, pierced by windows
Clergy: Collective term referring to male persons who administer the
rites of the Church through Holy Orders
Cleric: any member of the clergy
Clerical: referring to the clergy
Cloister: 1) a quadrangle surrounded by roofed or vaulted passages connecting a
major church to domestic or ancillary buildings 2) Part of a convent or
monastery reserved for use by members of the order that live in that
facility
Close: the enclosed precinct of a cathedral or collegiate church
Cluniac: reformed Benedictine order, founded in the 10th century in France
Collegiality: the shared responsibility and authority that the whole
college of bishops, headed by the Pope, has for the teaching, sanctification
and government of the Church
Collegiate church: a church served by a body of canons or prebendaries; not
housing the throne of a bishop and therefore not a cathedral; served by
secular canons rather than monks
Colors, Liturgical: the vestments of the clergy and the paraments in
the church building (including the altar frontal, pulpit hanging, etc.) vary
in colour according to the season of the Church year or the particular holy
day being observed. There have been numerous colour schemes, but, since the
late sixteenth century the Western custom has been to use: white (or gold)
in Christmastide and Eastertide and on the Feasts of our Lord, the Blessed
Virgin Mary, and Saints who were not martyred, and at weddings and baptisms;
red on Whitsun Day, the Feasts of Martyrs and Evangelists, and at
ordinations and confirmations; purple (or violet) during the penitential
seasons of Advent, pre-Lent, and Lent, for vigils, and sometimes at
funerals; and green for the ordinary times after Epiphany and Trinity. Black
is sometimes used for funerals and on Good Friday and All Souls' Day; rose
(or ashes-of-roses) is sometimes used on the third Sunday in Advent and the
fourth Sunday in Lent
Column: used to indicate a pillar of any shape, although strictly confined
to cylindrical Classical pillars; in Romanesque and Gothic architecture more
correctly known as a pier
Commandery: monastic house of the military order of Hospitallers
Compline: the last of the day services of divine office, recited before
retiring
Confession: the rite of confession of sins to a priest in order to
obtain absolution
Confirmation: the sacrament which follows baptism in the Christian life
cycle, requiring the recipient to affirm their faith in the presence of a
bishop
Consecration: to make sacred, the separation of a thing or person for divine
service; 1) of the Eucharist, the act whereby the bread and wine become the
body and blood of Christ; 2) of bishops, the conferring of the character of
the office by bishops to another; 3) of altars and churches and sacred
vessels, the setting apart of these things exclusively for the service of
God
Contemplative: A religious man or woman who devotes his/her entire
life in the cloister to prayer and reflection
Convent: 1) In common usage, the term refers to a house of women
religious 2)an enclosed and regulated monastic institution
Conventual: in the manner of a monastery
Conventuals: members of the Franciscan order advocating change to the
original rules on property
Conversi: lay converts who had entered the monastic life as adults and were
employed in manual labor; also known as lay brothers
Cope: item of processional vestments; semi-circular outer cloak
Corbel: a carved projecting block, often supporting the springer of a vault
Corbel table: a range of projecting blocks, often carved, running below
the
eaves of a building
Corporal Acts of Mercy: a series of charitable acts which aided the giver to
salvation; feeding the hungry, providing drink for the thirsty, clothing the
naked, visiting the sick, visiting prisoners, taking in the traveller and
burying the dead
Council: a formal meeting of bishops and representatives of churches
convened for the purpose of regulating doctrine or discipline
Council for Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA): 13 provinces in the
fastest-growing part of the Anglican Communion, headed by the Primate of
Nigeria, Archbishop Peter Akinola
Coals: the burning charcoal in the thurible
Collar, Clerical: a stiff round shirt collar worn by Roman Catholic,
Anglican and Orthodox clergy; widely regarded as a sign or identifying mark
of clerical status
Collect: a prayer that is sung or said on behalf of the people by the
celebrant or officiant at liturgical celebrations
Colors, Liturgical: by tradition, various colors are used for the
vestments and altar hangings for the different seasons and feasts of the
Church Year. In Western use the tradition is:
Red - on Pentecost, Feasts of Martyrs, and during Holy Week
White - on Feasts of our Lord, Feasts of Saints who were not martyrs, Feasts
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Green - on the Sundays and Ordinary days of the Year after Epiphany and
Pentecost
Blue -in some places used during Advent
Purple - for penitential occasions, during Lent
Black - for the Burial of the Dead and Requiems
Comfortable Words - from BCP, pg 332. Hear the Word of God to all who
truly turn to him.
• Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh
you. ~ Matthew 11:28
•
God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, to the end that
all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ~
John 3:16
•
This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received, that Christ
Jesus came into the world to save sinners. ~
1 Timothy 1:15
•
If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the
righteous; and he is the perfect offering for our sins, and not for ours
only, but for the sins of the whole world. ~
1 John 2:1-2
Commendation: The rite at the conclusion of the Burial of the Dead
Communicant: a baptized and confirmed member of the Church in good
standing who is eligible to partake of the Holy Eucharist; loosely
identified with the roll or membership of the local church
Communion: the Christian sacramental meal, equivalent to the Lord's Supper;
now more commonly called 'eucharist' in Anglican churches; also called Mass
Compline: an evening service to end the day; although the service is an old
Christian usage, it has only recently been added to the Prayerbook of the
Anglican Church
Concelebrant: an ordained bishop or priest who celebrates the
Eucharist with the principal celebrant
Confession of Sin: a public prayer of penitence at the Eucharist, the
Daily Offices, and other times. Also, the Reconciliation of a Penitent (see
BCP, 447ff)
Confirmation: the opportunity for those baptized at an early age to make a
mature public affirmation of their faith, to commit to the responsibilities
of their Baptism, and to receive the laying on of hands by the bishop
Congregation: a parish or a mission. A mission differs from a parish;
it is normally headed by a Vicar who is appointed by the Bishop, and has an
Advisory Board instead of a Vestry. The group of people who attend church;
the members present for the worship service
Consecrate: the setting apart of anything for God's service. The
Prayer of Consecration invokes God's Presence on the elements of bread and
wine whereby they become the body and blood of Christ
Consecration: a special service of dedication or ordination
Consecration of a Bishop: the liturgy in which a priest becomes a
Bishop
Convent: a disciplined spiritual residential community for women;
similar to a monastery
Convocation: a special gathering of a religious or academic group,
usually marked by use of special vestments, ceremony, procession, etc. Also
the name of a special group of ordained persons. Some dioceses meet as a
convocation; sometimes the meeting of all the clergy of a diocese is called
a convocation
Cope: a long cape, worn over the shoulders by the celebrant and
others at various liturgies (processions, the Burial of the Dead, etc.), or
by a bishop. It is usually of the liturgical color of the day or season, has
a clasp at the chest and is worn over alb and stole or over cassock and
surplice
Corporal: a large square white cloth, usually linen, that is placed
on the altar at the time of the Offertory and upon which the chalice and
paten are placed. The corporal may be kept in the burse when not in use on
the altar
Cotta: a short robe often worn by choir members over cassocks
Council of the Diocese: The Council encourages and supports the mission of
the Church as it is conducted by the people of the Diocese. An appointed or
elective group that advises the bishop. At the diocesan level similar to the
vestry at the parish level. Sometimes referred to as "Bishop-and-Council"
Cowl: a loose gown with hanging sleeves and a hood, worn by Benedictine and
other monks
Credence (or credence table): A shelf or table within the sanctuary,
to the side of the altar, on which the sacred vessels and the elements are
placed until they are used in the Eucharist. (The Italian form of this word,
"credenza," is familiar as the name of an item of furniture that fulfils a
similar secular function)
Creed: the affirmation of the faith of the Church (the three creeds
of the church are "The Apostles' Creed," "The Nicene Creed,"
and "The Athanasian
Creed"). The Apostles' Creed was originally used for baptismal
instruction, outlining the faith of the Apostles; currently used in the
Daily Office. The Nicene Creed is a statement of Christian faith dating from
the 4th century; it was composed to fight heresy and is used regularly at
the Eucharist
Crocket: a carved decorative feature carved in a leaf shape and projecting
from the angles of a spire, pinnacle or gable
Cross/Crucifix: An object is a crucifix only if it depicts Christ on
a cross, otherwise it is a cross
Crossing: the space at the intersection of the nave, chancel and transepts
of a church
Crossing tower: a tower above the crossing, where the nave and chancel meet
the transepts
Crozier: pastoral staff; a processional staff with the head in the form of a
shepherd's crook
Crucifer: a person in a religious procession who bears the cross and
who leads the procession into the church
Crucifix: a representation of the cross on which Christ was crucified
Cruciform: cross shaped
Cruets: glass or metal containers for the wine and water used at the
Eucharist. Cruets have handles and tops, either a removable stopper or a lid
that can be raised
Curate: a deacon or other person not fully ordained who receives a
fee for working in a small parish; the parish a curate works with is his
"cure;" sometimes a curate is the newest assistant to a senior minister at a
large parish. Curates generally work under the supervision of a senior
minister and do not have full responsibility for their parish. Equivalent to
a vicar
Crusade: series of military campaigns waged by Christian countries in
the
Holy Land from the 11th to the 13th century to recover the area from Islam;
used more generally for any military campaign on behalf of the church
Crutched Friars: also known as the Brethren of the Holy Cross; not actually
considered to be a mendicant group and were much involved with running
hospitals
Crypt: a chamber or vault beneath the main floor
Curvilinear: the second phase of the English Decorated style, of the mid to
late 14th century
Custody: subsection of a province within the Franciscan order
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D Min: Doctor of Ministry; a special graduate program for clergy
offered by many seminaries; courses are often scheduled in the summer so
that parish clergy may attend
DD: Common abbreviation of the honorary degree Doctor of Divinity; an
honorary degree reserved exclusively for ordained persons, especially
bishops. The abbreviation is used after the bishop's full name: The Rt Rev
Jack L Iker, SSC, DD
Daily office: the daily cycle of choir services performed by clergy; also
referred to as divine office
Dalmatic: item of mass vestments; a fringed tunic with split sides, worn
under the chasuble by a bishop and as an upper garment by a deacon
De-Consecration: A ritual or service for returning a former sacred
building or site to a non-sacred status; church buildings no longer in use
as churches are de-consecrated before being sold or destroyed
Decorated: the second phase of Gothic in England, basically of the early
14th century, characterised by sinuous decorative forms and considerable
surface decoration
Deacon: Deacons are members of one of three
distinct orders of ordained ministry (with bishops and presbyters). In the
Anglican Church a deacon exercises "a special ministry of servanthood"
directly under the deacon's bishop, serving all people and especially those
in need (BCP, p. 543). This definition reflects the practice of the early
church, in which deacons were ordained "not to the priesthood but to
the servanthood [diakonia, "ministry"] of the
bishop" (Hippolytus, Apostolic
Tradition). In the ancient Greek-speaking world the term diakonos meant an
intermediary who acted or spoke for a superior. Christian deacons were
agents of the bishop, often with oversight of charity. Since ancient times
the liturgical functions of deacons have suggested the activity of angels.
As they proclaim the gospel, lead intercessions, wait at the eucharistic
table, and direct the order of the assembly, deacons act as sacred
messengers, agents, and attendants. The revival of the order of deacons in
the twentieth century has emphasized social care and service. Many bishops
in the Anglican Church expect their deacons to promote care of the needy
outside the church. In addition to those ordained deacon as a permanent
vocation, there are also "transitional deacons" who are ordained deacon as a
preliminary step toward ordination as a priest. This practice is required by
the canons of the Anglican Church
Dean: the dean of a cathedral controlled its services and with the chapter,
supervised its fabric and property; a rural dean assisted the bishop in
administering a sub-division of an archdeaconry
Deanery: a group of parishes forming a subdivision of an archdeaconry; also
referred to as a rural deanery
Decretal: papal letter written in response to a question, then having
the
authority of law
DEPO: (Delegated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight) developed as a
response to a need in some dioceses for the provision of alternative
pastoral oversight and care of congregations who had irreconcilable
theological differences with their bishop and would no longer accept their
sacramental ministry. DEPO requires bishops to exercise restraint in
asserting their authority, and to act with charity toward a theological
minority in their diocese
Deputy: an official church or diocesan delegate to a meeting; a
deputy may be clerical or lay
Diocesan Curia: the personnel and offices assisting the bishop in directing
the pastoral activity, administration and exercise of judicial power of the
diocese.
Diaconate: a special ministry of servanthood of deacons directly
under the Bishop. In the name of Jesus Christ, the diaconate are to serve
all people, particularly the poor, the sick and the lonely. The state of
being a deacon; also, the life of deacon-like service in the church
Diocese: the territorial unit of administration in the church, governed
by a
bishop; also known as a see
Dismissal: the words said or sung by the deacon (or celebrant) at the
conclusion of the Eucharist. The response to the dismissal is "Thanks be to
God" (during the Fifty Days of Easter, "Thanks be to God, alleluia,
alleluia")
Dispensation: an exemption from Church law.
Divine office: the daily cycle of choir services performed by clergy
Dogtooth: decorative carved design of a line of four pointed stars set
diagonally
Dome: a vault of even curvature erected on a circular base
Dominican: order of mendicant friars founded in the early 13th century
by
the Spanish St Dominic; also known as the Friars Preacher or the Black
Friars
Doorkeeper: the fourth rank of minor orders of the ministry; their functions
were similar to those of a modern verger, heading processions and
undertaking general care of the church fabric
Dormitory: the communal sleeping area of a monastery; also known as
the dorter
Dorter: the communal sleeping area of a monastery; also known as the
dormitory
Doxology: words said or sung in praise of the Holy Trinity (see
Gloria Patri; also, the conclusion of each Eucharistic Prayer in BCP)
Dust-Cover: a cloth placed over the altar cloth at times when the
altar is not in use
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Early English: the first phase of Gothic in England, essentially of
the 13th
century, characterized by simple lancet windows and relatively unadorned
surfaces
Easter: the feast of Christ's resurrection. According to Bede, the
word derives from the Anglo-Saxon spring goddess Eostre. Christians in
England applied the word to the principal festival of the church year, both
day and season. 1) Easter Day is the annual feast of the resurrection, the pascha or Christian Passover, and
the eighth day of cosmic creation. Faith
in Jesus' resurrection on the Sunday or third day following his crucifixion
is at the heart of Christian belief. Easter sets the experience of
springtime next to the ancient stories of deliverance and the proclamation
of the risen Christ. In the west, Easter occurs on the first Sunday after
the full moon on or after the vernal equinox. Easter always falls between
Mar. 22 and Apr. 25 inclusive. Following Jewish custom, the feast begins at
sunset on Easter Eve with the Great Vigil of Easter
Easter Sepulchre: a table tomb in a wall niche, used to display an effigy of
Christ during Easter
Eastern-Rite (Oriental) Church: Term used to describe the Catholic churches
which developed in Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa. they have their own
distinctive liturgical and organizational systems. Each is considered equal
to the Latin rite within the Church.
Ecclesiastical: pertaining to the church
Ecumenical Council (or Oecumenical Council): a gathering to which all
of the bishops of the whole inhabited world (in Greek, "oikumene") are
called to address the common needs and concerns of the entire Church
militant here in earth. To date, there have been seven ecumenical councils:
Nicea (325), Constantinople (381), Ephesus (431), Chalcedon (451),
Constantinople (553), Constantinople (690), Nicea (787). There have, of
course, been no ecumenical councils since the schism between the Eastern and
Western churches in 1054; certain councils of the Western church (including
four held at the Lateran Palace in Rome) are sometimes, but inaccurately,
called "ecumenical"
Ecumenism/Interdenominational/Ecumenical Movement: A movement for
spiritual understanding and unity among Christians and their churches. the
term also is extended to apply to efforts toward greater understanding and
cooperation between Christians and members of other faiths
Ecclesial: Having to do with the Church in general or the life of the
Church
Effigy tomb: a tomb bearing a representation of the deceased, usually life
sized, in three dimensions and of stone
Egg Sunday: Quinquagesima Sunday, or the Sunday before Lent, in
English customary usage. (The name apparently refers to this being a last
opportunity for high living before the Lenten fast.) In the seventeenth
century, the secular observance of "Egg Saturday" involved the playing of
pranks by youngsters and students
Elements: the bread and wine to be consecrated at the Eucharist, and
the water of Baptism
Elevations: the lifting up of the Consecrated Elements after the
Words of Institution, at the conclusion of the Great Thanksgiving, or at the
Invitation to Communion
Encyclical: a pastoral letter addressed by the Pope to the whole
Church
Epiphany: feast of the 6th January, associated with the visit of the Magi to
the infant Jesus
Episcopal: Refers to a bishop or groups of bishops as a form of
Church government, in which bishops have authority
Episcopal Church of the United States (ECUSA): Established in 1789 in
the wake of the American Revolution
Episcopal Synod of America: see Forward in Faith North America
Epistle: the lesson at the Eucharist preceding the Gospel taken from
one of the Letters of the New Testament, the Acts of the Apostles, or the
Book of Revelation; also any reading from the Bible other than the Gospels
or Psalms
Epistle Side: the right side of a church when facing the altar in a
church with an East facing altar
Eremetical: relating to the life of a hermit
Eschatology: Doctrine concerning the last things: death, judgment,
heaven and hell, and the final state of perfection of the people and the
kingdom of God at the end of the world
Eucharist: one of the seven sacraments and the principal ritual of
the
church, in which bread and wine is transformed into the body and blood of
Christ; the ritual must be administered by a priest
Evangelical: Refers to Christians who emphasize the need for a
definite commitment to faith in Christ and a duty by believers to persuade
others to accept Christ
Evangelist: A preacher or revivalist who seeks conversions by
preaching to groups
Evening Prayer: Evening Prayer, most commonly known as Vespers, is
the official prayer that marks the end of the day. It consists primarily of
sung psalms and other readings from Scripture
Ewer: also see Flagon, for water at Baptism or on Maundy Thursday at
the Washing of Feet
Executive Committee: a type of diocesan government in which a
committee advises the bishop; the executive committee is smaller than the
Bishop-and-Council type of government
Exultet: the paean of praise that is sung or said during the first
part of the Great Vigil of Easter by the deacon or other person appointed
Exarch/Exarchy: A church jurisdiction, similar to a diocese,
established for Eastern-rite Catholics living outside their native land. the
head of an exarchy, usually a bishop, is an exarch
Excommunication: a censure imposed by church authority which excludes those
subjected to it from holy communion and imposes on them other deprivations
and disabilities; in the heavier form of this censure, the transgressor was
forbidden any intercourse with fellow Christians and deprived of all rights
and privileges in the church
Exorcist: the second of the minor orders of the ministry; the power of
exorcising evil spirits was never confined to this order although they
assisted in this process, as well as with the pouring out of water at the
mass
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Faidstool: The Bishop's chair
Fan vault: vault consisting of half cones nearly meeting at the apex of
the
vault, with decorative paneling between the ribs
Fast: a day of special devotion (Ash Wednesday, other weekdays of
Lent and of Holy Week, Good Friday and all other Fridays of the year, except
for Fridays in the Christmas and Easter seasons, and any Feasts of our Lord
which occur on a Friday) observed by acts of discipline and self-denial
Father: a familiar or direct way of referring to some ordained
clergy: the Reverend Mark A Stockstill, but--in personal conversation or in
the salutation of a letter--Father Stockstill, Dear Father Stockstill.
Typically used of all Roman Catholic clergy and Anglican clergy
Feast: a day of celebration associated with the life of Our Lord, of
the Saints, or days of thanksgiving
Fifty Days of Easter, The: from the Great Vigil of Easter up to and
including the Day of Pentecost
Finial: carved ornament, usually in the form of a fleur-de-lis, at
the top
of a gable, arch or pinnacle
Flagon: a large metal or ceramic pitcher often used for wine (and
water) to be consecrated at the Eucharist. If more than one chalice is used
during the administration of Communion, the flagon (or an additional cruet
filled with wine and water) is placed on the altar at the Offertory, and
other chalices are brought to the altar after the Breaking of the Bread.
There should be only one chalice on the altar during the Great Thanksgiving
Flamboyant: the late Gothic style in France, characterized by long wavy
tracery designs
Fleche: a narrow openwork tower with a tall spire, sometimes constructed of
wood or metal
Floriated cross: a motif combining a crucifix with foliate or floral
ornament
Flushwork: a decorative technique for exterior walls, in which designs are
picked out in white stone against a background of flint cobbles
Flying buttress: an arch or half arch transmitting the thrust of a vault or
roof from the upper part of a wall to an outer support
Focolare: A lay movement started in Trent, Italy by Chiara Lubich in
1943, now claiming more than a million followers. Its aim is world unity
though the living witness of Christian love and holiness in the family and
in small communities.
Font: receptacle for baptismal water, usually made of stone but sometimes of
metal
Frontal: A covering for the altar, usually of the same material as
the vestments or of the liturgical color of the season or feast. It may
either cover all sides of the altar, or only the front. The altar cloth is
spread over the frontal
Forward in Faith North America: came into being in June, 1999, when
the former Episcopal Synod of America unanimously voted to enter into a new
and dynamic relationship with its sisters and brothers in the UK and
Australia. Its members are to be found all over continental North America
Four centred arch: form of arch used in the Perpendicular phase of Gothic,
flattened at the top
Franciscan: order of friars founded by St Francis of Assisi in the early
13th century in Italy; also known as the Friars Minor or the Grey Friars
Frater: the communal refectory of a monastic establishment
Free Will: the faculty or capability of making a reasonable choice from
among several alternatives.
Friars: members of one of the mendicant orders, the four main orders
being
the Franciscans, Dominicans, Carmelites and Austin friars; they lived in
regular fashion but were extensively involved with the outside community;
the term literally means "brother"
Friars of the Sack: also called the Friars of the Penance of Jesus Christ;
the largest of the lesser groups of friars in England, all of their houses
were abandoned by 1314 and the members obliged to join one of the major
mendicant orders
Friary: a community of friars
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Galilee: a vestibule or occasionally a chapel, originally for penitents and
usually at the west end of a church
Gallery: an upper storey over an aisle, opening on to the nave; also called
a tribune
Garde-robe: a toilet
Gargoyle: a water spout carved in the form of a grotesque human or animal
Gatehouse: a building constructed over a gateway
Geometric: the first phase of the English Decorated style, of the early 14th
century
General Convention: triennial legislative conference of the Episcopal
Church; each diocese is represented by its bishop(s), four clergy and four
lay people
Genuflection, or genuflexion: a gesture of reverence in worship. It
involves touching a knee briefly to the floor while holding the upper body
upright, and then returning to a standing position. It is not required by
the Prayer Book at any time. In some parishes it is a customary gesture of
reverence for Christ's real presence in the consecrated eucharistic elements
of bread and wine. Genuflections are often customary in parishes with an
Anglo-catholic piety. Genuflections may be seen as people enter or leave a
church, or the seating area of a church, or the vicinity of a tabernacle
where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved. the celebrant and assisting
ministers may genuflect at the end of the eucharistic prayer or after the
words of institution concerning each element in the eucharistic prayer.
Genuflection has also been associated with veneration of the cross at the
Good Friday liturgy and with the affirming of the Incarnation in the Nicene
Creed. the genuflection is from imperial and feudal ceremonial. the custom
of genuflecting to the Blessed Sacrament dates from the eleventh century,
and it was introduced into the Mass in the fourteenth century. Some prefer
the profound bow as a more ancient gesture of reverence in worship
Gifts: the offerings of Bread and Wine (and Alms) presented to the
celebrant at the Offertory of the Eucharist
Gilbertine: a monastic order founded in England in the 12th century; a
double order comprising male and female members under the spiritual guidance
of the Augustinian canons
Global South: parts of the Communion south of the equator; mostly
conservative in their theology; including Africa, South America, and
Southern Asia
Gloria Patri: The Doxology which concludes the recitation of a psalm
at the beginning of the Eucharist; at the end of the psalms in the Daily
Offices; and at other times as listed in the Prayer Book (see BCP,'63)
Gloss: marginal or interlinear annotations to a text
God: the infinitely perfect Supreme Being, uncaused and absolutely
self-sufficient, eternal, the Creator and final end of all things. the one
God subsists in three equal Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit.
Good Friday: The Friday of Holy Week is the only day of the year that
the Church calls "good." It is the anniversary of the passion,
crucifixion, and death of Jesus Christ.
Gospel: the books of the New Testament of the Bible detailing the life of
Christ and the immediate aftermath of his death and resurrection; comprises
the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
Gospel Book: the book (usually with an ornamented cover) which
contains the Gospel lessons appointed for use at the Eucharist. It is
carried in procession (at the entrance) and at the proclamation of the
Gospel by the deacon or other reader. "It is desirable that the lessons and
Gospel be read from a book or books of appropriate size and dignity" (BCP,
406)
Gospel Procession: the movement of the deacon or celebrant with
torches, incense and processional cross, to the place of the proclamation of
the Gospel: the nave, the lectern, or the pulpit
Gospel Side: the Gospel Side is the north side [the left side facing
the altar]
Gothic: the architectural style of the later middle ages, based on
the
pointed arch and construction by a skeletal framework rather than mass
Grace: A free gift from God to human beings, grace is a created
sharing in the life of God. It is given through the merits of Christ and is
communicated by the Holy Spirit. Grace is necessary for salvation
Gradual: book containing the music for the mass; a sub-set of the missal
Grand Master: title of the heads of the military orders of Templars and
Hospitallers
Great Thanksgiving, The: the major prayer of the Eucharist beginning
with the salutation and preface and concluding with the Lord's Prayer
Grisaille: with respect to stained glass, a style popular in the 13th
century employing abstract rather than pictorial designs and much
transparent white glass
Groin: angle at the intersection of two surfaces in a vault
Groin vault: vault formed by the meeting at right angles of two tunnel
vaults
Guardian: term for the head of a Franciscan friary
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Habit: the distinctive clothing worn by members of monastic orders
Hall church: a church in which nave and aisles are of approximately equal
height
Hallowmas: The Feast of All Saints (or "All Hallows"), November 1. (Hallowe[v]en
is the vigil of All Hallows' Day)
Hammerbeam: a horizontal bracket supported by braces, designed to carry
arched braces and struts which support a roof
Hierarchy: in general, the term refers to the ordered body of clergy,
divided into bishops, priests, and deacons. In Catholic practice, the term
refers to the bishops of the world or of a particular region.
Heresy: the formal denial or doubt of any defined doctrine of the church
Heretic: person who has expressed formal denial or doubt of any defined
doctrine of the church
Holy Communion: the sacrament of the Eucharist
Holy Orders: the sacrament of ordination, which marks the entry of
the candidate into the ordained ministry. The orders of bishops, priests and
deacons are termed Holy Orders. A way of referring to ordination among Roman
Catholics, Anglicans and Orthodox Churches: an ordained man is spoken of as
"being in holy orders" - meaning that he has made priestly vows and has been
admitted by a bishop into one of the several levels of ordination
Holy See: the diocese of the Bishop of Rome; commonly used to denote
the
authority and jurisdiction of the papacy
Host, the Sacred: the bread under whose appearance Christ is and remains
present in a unique manner after the consecration of the Mass.
Holy Trinity: the three persons of God; the Father, Son and Holy Ghost
Holy Water: water blessed by a bishop or priest for use in blessing
the people, in the setting apart of objects for use in the church, or for
other liturgical purposes. Holy Water is often used at the Burial of the
Dead, at Weddings, and at other times at the discretion of the priest
Holy Water Stoup: a small stone basin containing holy water
Holy Week: the week that commemorates our Lord's Passion and Death:
The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday; Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of
Holy Week; Maundy Thursday; Good Friday; and, Holy Saturday. The Great Vigil
of Easter is the climax of Holy Week and the beginning of the Fifty Days of
Easter celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord; the period from Palm Sunday
to Easter Sunday; most important period of the church year with many special
services
Hood Mould: a projecting molding on an arch, above a door or over a window
Hospitallers: military order first recognized in 1113, founded to assist in
the Crusades; their full name was Knights of the Order of the Hospital of St
John of Jerusalem
Hospitium: a monastic guesthouse
Host: the communion wafers which form the bread which is miraculously
transformed during the ritual of the Eucharist
Hours: the times specified for the recitation of divine office; Matins,
Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, Nones, Vespers and Compline
House of Bishops: Full-time administrator of the church's New York
headquarters. Heads many church committees and boards, including presidency
of the foreign and domestic missionary agencies
Hussites: sect founded in early 15th century Bohemia; the founder was much
influenced by the ideas of John Wycliffe
Hymn: Sacred words set to music; church vocal music involving the
congregation and distinguished from the Psalm or anthem; sacred poetry set
to music and sung during the liturgy
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IHS: In Greek, the first three letters of the name of Jesus
Immaculate Conception: dogma concerning Mary and the name of a feast
in her honor celebrated Dec. 8. It refers to the belief that Mary was
without sin from the moment she was conceived
Impost: a projecting molding supporting an arch
Incarnation: the Christian doctrine that the eternal Son of God took
human flesh from his human mother and that the historical Jesus is at once
fully God and fully human
Incarnatus: that part of the Nicene Creed which states "He became
incarnate ... and was made man." In many churches it is customary to bow or
genuflect at this part
Incense: a fragrant powder burned in a small dish or pot; used during
the service or in the processions in recollection of one of the three gifts
of the Wisemen to the Christ Child; a mixture of perfumed spices, burned on
the coals in the thurible, and used as a sign of prayer, honor, and
solemnity at liturgical functions
Installation: a service in which a person is made the official bearer
of a clerical or academic office: the Installation of the Dean or
Vice-Chancellor; a service at which an already consecrated bishop is
installed as bishop of a diocese
Instruments of Unity
four entities of the Anglican Communion, namely:
• the 38 Primates
• the Lambeth Conferences
• the Anglican Consultative Council
• the Archbishop of Canterbury (called the "Focus of Unity”)
Introit: the hymn, psalm, or anthem sung (or said) at the entrance of
the ministers at the Eucharist
Invitatory: at Morning Prayer: the Venite, Psalm 95, Jubilate, or
Christ our Passover; at Evening Prayer: 0 Gracious Light (Phos Hilaron) or
other suitable hymn or psalm. The invitatory is used at the beginning of an
Office after the opening versicle and response and before the appointed
psalms
Inquisition: the official persecution of heresy by special ecclesiastical
courts; formally constituted by the papacy in the 13th century
Instruments of Unity: four entities of the Anglican Communion; the 38
Primates; the Lambeth Conferences; the Anglican Consultative Council; and
the Archbishop of Canterbury (called the "Focus of Unity”)
Interdict: an ecclesiastical punishment excluding the faithful from
participation in spiritual things; it could be applied to individuals, to
local areas such as parishes, or to whole populations
International Gothic: an art style of the 14th century which spread across
western Europe; stylistic similarities appeared in different forms of art
including painting, sculpture, stained glass and manuscript illumination
Indulgence: the remission before God of the temporal punishment due
for sins already forgiven
Intercommunion: the agreement or practice of two Ecclesial
communities by which each admits members of the other communion to its
sacraments
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Jesus: the name of Jesus, meaning Savior in Christian usage, derived from
the Aramaic and Hebrew Yeshua and Joshua, meaning Yahweh is salvation
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Keys, Power of the: spiritual authority and jurisdiction in the
Church, symbolized by the "keys" to the kingdom of heaven. Christ promised
the keys to St. Peter and future heads of the Church
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Label Stop: an ornamental boss at the base of a hood mould or arch
Lady Chapel: a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary
Laity: church members who are not members of the clergy
Lancet: a simple narrow window with a pointed arch
Lantern: a circular or polygonal turret surrounded by windows or openwork
Last Judgment: the final judgment of mankind by God after the resurrection
of the dead
Lauds: the early morning service of divine office
Lavabo: the washing of the celebrant's fingers after the Offertory at
the Eucharist or at other times such as when oil or
chrism is used or after the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday
Lavabo Bowl: the metal or ceramic dish into which the water is poured
by the server at the lavabo
Lavabo Towel: a piece of cloth, usually linen, presented to the
celebrant by the server at the lavabo to dry the fingers. It is
presented hung over the server's left arm
Lavatorium: a series of basins outside a monastic refectory for the washing
of hands
Lay: from laios, a Greek word meaning the people
lay brother: member of a religious order who is not bound to the recitation
of the divine office and is occupied in manual work, generally adult
converts to the monastic life; also known as conversi
Lay sister: female member of a religious order who is not bound to
the
recitation of the divine office and is occupied in manual work, generally
adult converts to the monastic life
Lay Minister: a person who is not ordained, but who works closely
with a church or religious program. Some lay ministers are
un-paid volunteers; some are paid staff members of a church
Lay Reader: any non-ordained person who participates in reading part
of a church service. In some churches Lay Readers are
officially recognized as a special group assisting in church services; A
person licensed by the Bishop to read the lessons at
the Eucharist or at the Daily Offices and who may assist the celebrant or
officiant in other ways; if specifically licensed by
the Bishop, may administer the chalice at Communion
Lectionary: a book containing a series of biblical extracts to be read at
the mass
Lector: the third rank of minor orders of the ministry; also known as reader
Lent: the forty days preceding Easter; a period of fasting
Lectern: a raised platform with railing used for reading prayers or
scripture; usually located at the front of the nave
opposite the pulpit; a book-stand or podium from which the lessons and
sometimes the Gospel are read at the Eucharist and other
Offices. Also called an Ambo
Lectionary: the appointed lessons and psalms for use at the Eucharist
and Daily Offices
Lector: a person who reads a lesson at the liturgy.
Lent: the period of fasting, sobriety and meditation following Ash
Wednesday; in the past Lent was widely associated with
denial. The season recalls the period of Christ's fasting and meditation in
the wilderness, so traditionally is for a period of forty days--from Ash
Wednesday to Palm Sunday. The term is derived from an old word for
'lengthen' which referred to the lengthening days of early
spring; The season of penitence and preparation for Holy Week and Easter
which begins on Ash Wednesday
Lenten Array: the use of sack-cloth or similar fabric in place of
purple for vestments, coverings, and hangings
during Lent and Holy Week
Lenten Cross: a plain wooden processional cross (painted red with
black edges) used during Lent and Holy Week
Lesser Feasts and Fasts: a book containing the collects, lessons,
psalms, and short biographical material for the minor saints'
days and observances found in the calendar of The Book of Common Prayer
Lesson: also the Epistle; any reading from the Bible except the
Gospels or Psalms; read on the opposite side of the church from where the
Gospel is read
Liturgical Colors: See Colors,
Liturgical
Liturgy: the ritual, ceremonial, and other activities associated with
formal worship. The "work of the people." In Western usage this term may
apply to any public celebration of the Church. In the Churches of the East,
The Divine Liturgy refers specifically to the celebration of the Holy
Eucharist; literally the word means the work of the people; generally used
to refer to the full text of the words of a worship service; any ritual
order for holding a church service
Lierne: purely decorative extra vaulting ribs joining the structural ribs to
form a net-like pattern
Light: with respect to a window, the individual openings
Lintel: the flat top of a doorway
Litany: a form of prayer consisting of a series of petitions sung by a
deacon, a priest or cantors, to which the people made fixed responses
Little Hours: Prime, Terce, Sext and None; the less elaborate of the
services of divine office
Liturgy: all the prescribed rituals of the church, including the mass and
divine office
Lollards: followers of John Wycliffe; they believed that the Bible was
the
sole authority in religion and that every man had the right to read and
interpret it for himself
Long and short work: long stones on end between flat ones, all bonded into
the walls, at corners
Layman: any Church member who is neither ordained nor a member of a
religious order
Lay Ministries: these are ministries within the Church that are
carried out by laypersons. Included are altar servers, Eucharistic ministers
and lectors
Liturgical Colors: colors used in vestments and altar coverings to
denote special times in the Church year. Green is used in ordinary time, red
denotes solemn feast days, purple denotes penitential times and white is
used for joyful occasions including Christmas, Easter and some saints’ feast
days
Liturgy of the Hours: This is the preferred term in the Latin rite
for the official liturgical prayers sanctifying the parts of each day
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Mace: a staff or baton usually embellished with metal used as an
insignia of office
Magnificat: the song of Mary (Luke 1:46-55) normally used as one of
the canticles at Evening Prayer; also, may be used as a Song of Praise on
Feasts of The Blessed Virgin Mary
Maison Dieu: almshouse, or residence for the poor
Major Orders: the higher ranks of the Christian ministry, comprising
the
orders of bishop, priest, deacon and sub-deacon
Maniple: a strip of silken cloth worn on the left arm
of the priest. the vesting prayer is: “May I deserve, O Lord, to bear
the
maniple of weeping and sorrow in order that I may joyfully reap the reward
of my labors.” Originally the maniple was a strip of linen worn over the
arm. During long services, and in the intense heat of southern countries its
use was frequently necessary to wipe the perspiration and tears of devotion
from the face and brow of the priest. It calls to mind the rope whereby Our
Lord was led, and the chains which bound His sacred hands. It is also an
emblem of the tears of penance, and the fatigue of the priestly office and
its joyful reward in Heaven
Manual: a book containing special services for occasional use, such as
baptisms, marriages and visiting the sick
Manuscript: a written work transcribed by hand
Mardi Gras: literally "fat Tuesday," a festival day ending a period
of celebration and excess; usually occurs mid to late February, sometimes
early March. Immediately followed by Ash Wednesday and Lent
Marriage: the ceremony of union of a man and a woman
Martyr: member of the Christian church who suffered death for their faith;
martyrs ranked before all other saints
Mary: the central point of the theology of Mary is that she is the
Mother of God. In traditions since apostolic times, the Church and the
faithful have accorded to Mary the highest forms of veneration. She is
celebrated in feasts throughout the year, and in devotions such as the
rosary and litany and is hailed the patroness of many countries, including
the United States
Mass: the principal ritual of the church, the service at which the sacrament
of the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is performed
Mass vestments: ceremonial clothing worn by a priest for the celebration of
the mass
Master-general: the head of the Dominican order
Matins: the night office; the service recited at 2 am in the divine office
Matrimony: the Roman, Orthodox and Old Catholic churches consider
matrimony a sacrament and refer to it as the Sacrament of Matrimony. This is
a marriage contract between baptized persons
Maundy Thursday: Thursday in Holy Week; the name is from Latin "mandatum"
referring to Christ's commandment concerning foot-washing; also the day on
which the first Lord's Supper was celebrated
Mendicant Orders: term for the friars; the term refers to begging because of
their dependence on alms for their support
Metropolitan: a bishop with authority over a group of territorially
contiguous dioceses and their bishops; also known as an archbishop
Miniature: a full page or half page painting in a manuscript
Minister: from the Latin word for "servant," in the ecclesiastical
sense a minister is (1) an ordained cleric or (2) one who has the authority
to minister to others
Minister General: term for the head of the Franciscan order
Ministers Provincial: term for the heads of provinces within the Franciscan
order
Minor Orders: the lower ranks of the Christian ministry, comprising
the
orders of acolyte, exorcist, reader and doorkeeper
Minster: a church served by a body of canons or prebendaries; the same as a
collegiate church; in the north of England the term was also used for a
cathedral
Miracles, Apparitions: generally "miracle" is used to refer to
physical phenomena that defy natural explanation, such as medically
unexplainable cures. An apparition is a supernatural manifestation of God,
an angel or a saint to an individual or a group of individuals
Misericord: 1) a swing up seat in the choir of a major church, allowing
clergy celebrating divine office to rest their weight while standing up; 2)
a room in a monastery where the inhabitants were allowed occasionally to eat
meat (Latin misericordia = pity, compassion)
Missal: book containing the forms of service for the mass
Missal Stand: the stand upon which the Altar Book rests when in use
at the altar
Mission: a local congregation that has not yet attained the status of
a parish; also a church that has lost its church status and reverted to
mission status
Mitre: the pointed headdress worn by archbishops, bishops and some abbots on
ceremonial occasions
Monastery: a community of monks
Monastic: refers to the life or community of monks
Monk: a male member of a religious community living under vows of poverty,
chastity and obedience; strictly it is confined to members of those bodies
which live a communal life
Monotheistic: a religion with only one god
Monsignor: an honorary ecclesiastical title granted by the Pope to
some diocesan priests. In the United States, the title is given to the vicar
general of a diocese. In Europe, the title also is given to bishops
Monstrance: the ceremonial vessel used in during Mass to display the
consecrated host. It typically, takes the shape of a solar cross, with a
clear central area made of glass or crystal. The host is usually placed in a
small crescent shaped holder within the crustal, called a lunette due to its
moon-like shape
Morning Prayer: a morning worship service without communion
Morse: decorative fastener for a cope
Mortal Sin: a sin committed with a clear knowledge of its guilt, with full
consent of the will, and concerning a grave matter; where circumstances
allow, every mortal sin must be confessed to a priest otherwise the soul
suffers eternal damnation
Most Reverend, The: the formal title of an Archbishop. The Most
Reverend Dr Rowan Williams for example
Moulding: contoured projection around an arch, window or door
Mullion: vertical bar dividing a window into lights
Mystery Plays: religious drama performed at major festivals, commonly
performed out of doors
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Nailhead: decorative carved design of a line of pyramids
Narthex: An enclosed space at the entry end of the nave of a church
Nativity: birth, when used in the proper form, it would be referring
to the birth of Christ
Nave: The main body of the church in which the congregation sits
during worship services. Derived from an old word for ship; in older
churches the beams of the roof resembled the beams and timbers in the sides
of a ship; The area of the church where the people gather for the liturgy
New Testament: the books of the Bible describing the events of the life of
Christ and later; the part of the Bible unique to the Christian faith
Night Office: Matins; the choir service of the daily round of divine office
performed during the night
Nimbus: halo; symbol of a saint in religious art
Nodding Ogee: an S-shaped arch which bends in three dimensions
None: the fourth of the Little Hours of the divine office, recited at
the
ninth hour (3 pm)
Norman: the term used for Romanesque architecture in Britain
Nun: a female living in a regular order under vows of poverty,
chastity and obedienc
Nunc Dimittis: the Song of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32) normally used as one
of the canticles at Evening Prayer and Compline
Nunnery: an establishment of nuns
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Oblations: offerings to God at the Eucharist
Occasional Services, Book of: a book containing optional services and
prayers
Offertory: the presentation, reception, preparation, and offering of
the gifts at the beginning of The Holy Communion, the second part of the
Eucharist
Offertory Sentence: a passage of scripture that may be said or sung
at the beginning or during the Offertory
Offertory Procession: at the Eucharist, the presentation of the
bread, wine, and other gifts by members of the congregation
Office: See Daily Offices
Office of the Dead: service for the benefit of the souls of the dead
Officiant: A person who officiates at the Daily Offices and other
rites
Ogee: an S-shaped curve, particularly of an arch
Oil: A liquid substance blessed by a bishop or priest for use in the
Ministration to the Sick
Old Testament: the books of the Bible describing events that occurred
before
the birth of Christ; the part of the Bible shared with the Jewish faith
Opus Dei: literal translation: the work of the Lord. A personal prelature
dedicated to spreading through society an awareness of the call to Christian
virtue, awareness, and witness in one’s life and work. Members are not of a
religious order, do not take vows, but sometimes live in community.
Orders: a) with respect to the monastic or regular life, groups of
communities following the same rule or under a common administrative and
spiritual structure b) with respect to the Christian ministry, the various
grades consisting of the major orders - bishop, priest, deacon, sub-deacon -
and the minor orders - acolyte, exorcist, reader, doorkeeper
Orders of Angels: there were held to be nine ranks of angels; Seraphim,
Cherubim, Thrones, Dominations, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels
and Angels
Orders of Clergy: the various grades consisting of the major orders -
bishop, priest, deacon, sub-deacon - and the minor orders - acolyte,
exorcist, reader, doorkeeper
Ordinal: book containing instructions for conducting the prescribed rituals
of the church
Ordinary: diocesan bishops, religious superiors, and certain other
diocesan authorities with jurisdiction over the clergy in a specific
geographical area, or the members of a religious order
Ordination: the rite of admission into the ministry of the church; only
admission to the major orders of the ministry was considered to be a
sacrament
Orphrey: embroidered panel found along the opening of a cope
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Pace: a small aisle or passage way off the main nave aisle in a
church
Pall: a stiffened square of linen white cloth that is placed over the
chalice to keep objects from falling into the wine. The term may refer also
to the cloth covering the casket or urn during the Burial of the Dead
Pallium: item of mass vestments worn by an archbishop; formed from a strip
of cloth encircling the shoulders with similar strips hanging down at back
and front
Palm Sunday: the Sunday before Easter, commemorating Christ's triumphant
entry into Jerusalem the week before he was crucified
Palms: Branches blessed at the Palm Sunday Liturgy and carried by the
people in procession
Palm Sunday: the Sunday of the Passion; the Sunday before Easter.
Members of the congregation carry real palms during the service; in some
churches, the tradition is that palms from one year are saved, dried and
later burned to make the ashes used at the next year's Ash Wednesday service
Panel of Reference: a body appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury
to hear appeals from parishes in dispute with their bishops, or dioceses in
dispute with their provinces
Papacy: the office of Pope, spiritual leader of the Western church
Papal: with reference to the office of the pope
Papal Bull: legal document issued under the authority of the pope
Papal Curia: the central government of the Western church (Latin curia =
court)
Papal Infallibility: the end result of divine assistance given to the
Pope through which he is prevented from the possibility and liability of
error in teachings involving Church dogma and articles of faith
Papal Legate: a personal representative of the pope who has been entrusted
with his authority
Parclose Screen: a wooden or stone screen enclosing a chapel or shrine
Parish: an area under the pastoral care of a priest, himself under
the
jurisdiction of a bishop; the parish church was the centre of worship for
the parish
Parish Coordinator: a deacon, religious, or lay person who is
responsible for the pastoral care of a parish. the parish coordinator is in
charge of the day-to-day life of the parish in the areas of worship,
education, pastoral service and administration
Parlour: in a monastery, an area where speaking was allowed for legitimate
purposes
Paschal Candle: a large white candle, which may be decorated with a
cross, the year of blessing, A (alpha) and 91 (omega), grains of incense,
and other symbols of the resurrection. It is lighted at the beginning of the
Great Vigil of Easter and burns for all services during the Fifty Days of
Easter. At other times, it may be kept near the Baptismal Font and lighted
for Baptisms. It may also be carried in procession at the Burial of the
Dead, and placed in its holder near the casket or urn
Paschal Candle stand: a large wooden or metal stand in which the
Paschal candle is placed. The stand rests on the floor, and is of such
height that the candle is prominent
Passion Week: See Holy Week
Passover: a Jewish festival commemorating the escape of the Jews from
Egypt
Pastor: a priest in charge of a parish or congregation. He is
responsible for administering the sacraments, instructing the congregation
in the doctrine of the Church and other services to the people of the parish
Pastoral Associate: a member of the laity who is part of a parish
ministry team
Pastoral Council: a group of members of the parish who advise the
pastor on parish matters; also called a Parish Council
Paten: the plate for holding the bread or communion wafers for the ritual of
the Eucharist
Patristic: with reference to the early fathers of the church
Pectoral Cross: a cross worn on a chain about the neck of bishops and
abbots as a sign of office
Peace, The: a ritual in which members of the congregation, including
the clergy, greet one another. The priest says, "The Peace of the Lord be
always with you." The congregation responds, "And with thy spirit."
Immediately after these words people greet one another
Penance: See Confession
Penance: a form of punishment whereby one who has confessed his sins to a
priest can obtain absolution
Pendant Vault: a vault supporting one or a number of dependant structures,
usually with much surface decoration
Penitential Psalms: Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130 and 143; they were
recited after Lauds on Fridays in Lent
Pentateuch: the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,
Numbers and Deuteronomy
Pentecost, Day of: the conclusion of the Fifty Days of Easter and the
commemoration of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples
Pentecost, Season of: the Sundays and Weekdays following the Day of
Pentecost and ending on the Saturday before the First Sunday of Advent
Perpendicular: the final phase of Gothic in England, characterized by large
windows with vertical tracery and flattened arches
Pied Friars: also called the Friars of Blessed Mary or the Friars De Domina;
disbanded and the members obliged to join one of the major orders in the
early 14th century
Piscina: A sink for washing the vessels used at the Eucharist and for
reverently disposing of Wine that has been consecrated. The piscina does not
drain into a sewer or disposal system, but directly into the ground
Pier: supporting pillar of any cross-section, from square to multishafted
Pieta: a representation of Christ in the arms of the Virgin Mary after his
deposition from the cross
Pilaster Strip: a shallow rectangular column, without base or capital,
projecting from a wall
Pilgrimage: a journey to a holy place from motives of devotion, to obtain
supernatural help, or as a form of penance
Pilgrim badge: a small lead badge which indicated that its owner had visited
a particular shrine
Pinnacle: steep pyramidal or conical ornament to a spire, buttress or
parapet
Piscina: a stone basin with a drain, used for washing the mass vessels
Place of Reservation: the altar or other place apart from the main
altar of the church where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved on Maundy
Thursday for use at the Good Friday Liturgy. Also called Altar of Repose
(also, Aumbry, Tabernacle)
Plate Tracery: window tracery in which the designs have been carved from a
flat plate of stone rather than constructed from bars, characteristic of
early Gothic
Pontiff/Pontifical: pontiff is used as an alternative form of
reference to the Pope. Pontifical has to do with the Pope
Poor Clares: the female branch of the Franciscan order, maintaining an
enclosed monastic life rather than one equivalent to that of the friars
Pope: head and spiritual leader of the church worldwide (Latin papa
= father)
The titles of His Holiness, the Pope, in the order they are used in the
Annuario Pontificio:
*
Bishop of Rome
*
Vicar of Christ
*
Successor of the Prince of the Apostles
*
Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church
*
Primate of Italy
*
Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province
*
Sovereign of the State of the Vatican City
*
Servant of the Servants of God
Formerly used
*
Patriarch of the West (dropped 2006)
*
Vicar of the Apostolic See
Porch: a covered entrance to a doorway; in some great churches these
became
large and elaborate structures
Post Communion: the Prayer of Thanksgiving after Holy Communion
Postulant: a person admitted by the Bishop into the formal
preparation for the ordained ministry
Prayer: the raising of the mind and heart to God in adoration,
thanksgiving, reparation and petition. the official prayer of the Church as
a worshipping community is called liturgy
Prebend: a cathedral benefice; normally consisting of the revenue from one
manor of the cathedral estates which furnished a living for one cathedral
canon, or prebendary
Prebendary: a cathedral canon supported by a prebend, normally the income
from one manor of the cathedral estates
Preceptory: monastic house of the order of Templars
Preface: the first part of The Great Thanksgiving up to the Sanctus
Premonstratensian: order of canons derived from the Augustinians, founded in
1121
Presbyter: the term "priest" is a contraction of the term "presbyter"
Presbytery: the part of the church lying east of the choir, where the high
altar is placed
Presbyterial Council: also known as the priests’ council, this is the
principal consultative body mandated by the Code of Canon Law to advise the
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