Glossary

A small sink that empties into the earth instead of into a sewer. Used for the reverent disposal of consecrated wine and water used for sacred purposes.

A simple chant, usually based on the psalms, and also used for canticles and other sung liturgical texts.

A commitment to give one’s time, talents, and money as an expression of faith and a personal response to God’s generosity.

The form of government for an organized church. The Episcopal Church has a unitary form of government in which all temporal authority is vested in the General Convention. Authority is distributed among bishops, clergy, and laity.

A disciple of the Apostle John, who named him bishop of Smyrna. Polycarp was burned at the stake for refusing to burn incense to the Roman emperor. Feast day: Feb. 23.

A person recognized by the bishop as beginning the canonical process leading to ordination as a deacon or priest. Postulancy is followed by candidacy. See Candidate.

See Book of Common Prayer

Communal intercessory prayers offered during the Eucharist and other services. Preferably led by a deacon who is charged with bringing the needs, hopes, and concerns of the world to the church; also led by laypeople.

A piece of music played immediately before a worship service.

In The Episcopal Church, presbyter is a seldom used synonym for a priest.