Priest in Charge
The canonical term for a clergyperson in charge of a congregation who is not a rector or vicar. Priest in Charge refers to any priest exercising the rights and responsibilities of the rector/vicar during an interim.

Rector 
Term for the duly appointed-priest in charge of a congregation with all the rights and responsibilities as outlined in Title III, 9.5 and following. The rector shall have been appointed after the vestry and bishop have certified that he/she is duly qualified, duly elected, and has accepted election.

Vicar 
Term for a duly-appointed priest in charge of a mission congregation with all the rights and responsibilities as outlined in Title III, 9.5 and following. The bishop appoints a vicar.

Locum tenens 
Refers to a temporary substitute. In the Diocese of Texas locum tenens refers to a priestwho is currently serving on staff in a congregation and who becomes a priest in charge during an interim. Duties are defined by the Letter of Agreement between the priest and vestry and must be approved by the bishop. Canonically, assistants and associates are not permitted to become rectors of the church in which they serve. (Title III, 9.3.c)

Interim Rector 
A priest from outside the congregation who is selected by the vestry in cooperation with the bishop as the priest in charge and whose Letter of Agreement designates them rector for a period of time during a transition between rectors. An interim agreement may last for months or years depending upon the situation.

Acting Rector 
A priest who is selected by the vestry in cooperation with the bishop to serve as acting rector for a year, and who may be called as rector by the vestry at the end of six months and prior to the conclusion of that year. If not selected as rector, the acting rector essentially serves as interim rector for the remainder of the year

Staff Clergy 
Priests who are appointed to serve as a member of a congregational staff and who serve at the pleasure of the rector.

Lay vicar 
Refers to a specially trained layperson, called by the bishop and appointed to be in charge of a congregation.