Glossary

  • Assistant Curate

    Deacon or priest who assists the incumbent or take charge of a parish temporarily during a vacancy.

  • Baptism

    The sacrament by which people of all ages are welcomed into the Church. As a sign of cleansing and rebirth, the person being 'baptized' is sprinkled with or immersed in water, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

  • Benefice

    A group of parishes served by one incumbent (member of clergy)

  • Bible

    Christian scriptures consisting of 66 books and divided into the Old Testament and the New Testament

  • Bill of quantities

    A detailed statement of work, prices, dimensions, and other details, for the erection of a building by contract.

  • Bishop

    A senior ordained person who has oversight of clergy and lay people in a diocese.

  • Candlemas

    A church festival held on 2 February, in honour of the presentation of the infant Jesus in the Temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary: candles are blessed on this day.

  • Cathedral

    Principal church building of a diocese, staffed by a dean (or provost) and chapter, where the diocesan bishop has his cathedra (‘seat’ or ‘throne’).

  • Chaplain

    A chaplain is a minister, priest or a lay representative attached to a secular institution such as a hospital, prison, military unit, school, business, police department, fire department, university, or private chapel.

  • Christening

    Another word for baptism, especially of children.