Glossary

Holy Orders refers to the three ordained ministries—deacon, priest, and bishop—to which people are called and ordained. Eligibility is determined by baptism, discernment, and canonical requirements, not by gender, race, ethnicity, or marital status.

The Saturday after Good Friday, which recalls the day when the crucified Christ descended to the dead while his body lay in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.

Defined by the catechism in the BCP as “the Third Person of the Trinity, God at work in the world and in the Church even now.” (BCP, p. 852)

The week before Easter, a time of special devotion focused on the last days of Jesus’ earthly life.

A 16th-century English theologian who provided a theological justification for an English church independent from the Roman Catholic Church. He advocated Scripture, reason, and tradition as the sources of Anglican authority. Feast day: Nov. 3.

The consecrated bread of the Eucharist.

Along with the House of Deputies, a legislative body of the General Convention. The HoB consists of all bishops, active and resigned.

Along with the House of Bishops, a legislative body of the General Convention. The HoD consists of clergy and laypeople elected from every diocese.

A 12th-century French monk, bishop, and friend of the oppressed, especially lepers and Jews. Feast day: Nov. 17.

A prayer for worthy reception of communion that begins with the statement, “We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness.”