Glossary definitions provided courtesy of Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, NY,(All Rights reserved) from "An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians," Don S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum, editors.

Fast Facts About the Episcopal church

815--a short reference to the main office complex of the Episcopal Church in New York: Episcopal Church Center, 815 Second Avenue, New York, N. Y. 10017, (212) 867-8400.

1928 Prayer Book - A version of the Episcopal book of worship in use from 1928 to 1979; some services from this prayerbook have been retained in the current prayerbook as "Rite I" services. Preference for the use of the 1928 edition is sometimes associated with "conservative" attitudes in the Episcopal Church.

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 pronouncement of God's forgiveness, after the Confession of Sin, by a bishop or priest at the Eucharist, Daily Offices, or in the Reconciliation of a Penitent (BCP, 447ff.).

Acolyte - A term specifically applied to one who carries a torch or a candle in processions and at other times during the liturgy. This term is also commonly interchanged with server. Originally a minor clerical order but now usually a lay function in the church.

Acclamation - A versicle and response of praise at the beginning of the Eucharist and other services; also, in Rite II, the (memorial) response of the people during the Eucharistic Prayer.

Advent - The beginning of the Church Yearand the four weeks leading up to and concluding with Christmas (the entire Christmas season).

Advent Wreath - A special wreath (circle of greens ) containing five candles used in churches and homes as reminders of the four Sundays before Christmas. Four of the candles are arranged in a circle, the fifth--a white candle--is placed in the center. By tradition one additional candle is lighted each Sunday until on the fourth Sunday all four candles are lighted. On Christmas, the fifth candle is lighted.

Agnus Dei - One of the anthems at the Breaking of the Bread; also found at the conclusion of the Great Litany (BCP, 337, 407,152).

Alb - A long, white, sleeved linen vestment worn over the cassock, covering the body from neck to ankles. It is derived from the under-tunic worn in Roman times.

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."

Alleluia Verse - A passage of scripture with the acclamation "alleluia" sung or said before the proclamation of the Gospel. The Alleluia Verse is not used in Lent (see Tract).

All Saints' Day - November 1; a feast day in the church in commemoration of all the known and unknown saints.
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.

Altar--a table [located in the sanctuary or the crossing] on which are placed the vessels for holding the bread, wine, and water used in the eucharist or communion

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 Cross - A crucifix or cross which stands upon the altar or hangs above it.

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 - The rail or kneelers where the people kneel or stand to receive Communion.

Altar Rail Gates - The gates or hinged top of the center of the altar rail. When opened, these allow access to the altar area, and are closed before the administration of Communion.

Ambo -See Lectern and Pulpit.

Ambry (or Aumbry) - A closed recess in the wall of a church for reservation of the blessed sacrament or holy oil for the sick.

Amen - From the Hebrew for "verily," "it is so," or "I agree." Response said or sung at end of prayers, hymns and anthems, showing agreement with what preceded.

American Episcopal Church - A separated group of American Episcopalians who differ with the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America over matters pertaining to liturgy, ordination, and church government; this group has often favored the use of the "1928 Prayerbook," and has generally opposed the ordination of women.

Amice - A large square or rectangular piece of white cloth with strings attached. It is worn under the alb as a hood or over the shoulders. The strings are wound around the neck before being tied around the chest and waist .

Anglican - As a noun, it refers to members of churches descended from the Church of England, such as the Episcopal Church in the United States, the Anglican Church of Canada, and others. As an adjective, it describes traditions or teachings associated with those churches.

Anglican--simply means English; a term indicating the English origins of the Episcopal Church. Sometimes seen in the expressions Anglican Church or Anglican Communion--both of which terms simply indicate any national church which derives from the Church of England.

Anglican Communion - Those Churches around the world, including the Episcopal Church, that are in communion with the Church of England and that hold the same faith, order and worship.

Anglo-Catholics - Episcopalians who identify with Catholic teaching and liturgical practice and hold a high view of the authority of clergy and tradition. Anglo-Catholics are sometimes called "high church" because of their emphasis on the divine nature of the church as the mystical body of Christ.

Apostolic Succession - The doctrine that the authority and the mission given by Jesus to the Apostles have descended in a direct and unbroken line of bishops to the bishops of today.

Antecommunion - Another name for the Liturgy of the Word, the first half of the Eucharist.

Anthem - Sacred vocal music using scriptural words (a text from Scripture or other sources) that is sung or said during the liturgy; now also any vocal music or hymn sung by a choir but not by the congregation; also called Antiphon.

Anthem at the Fraction - The words that are said or sung at the Breaking of the Bread (BCP, 337 or 364).

Archbishop of Canterbury - The presiding bishop of the Church of England; sometimes acknowledged by American Episcopalians as the honorary spiritual head of the entire Anglican communion.

Archbishop - A bishop over a group of dioceses or national church; for instance, the Archbishop of South Africa or New Zealand.

Archdeacon - A clergy person appointed by the Bishop to provide administrative assistance and other leadership as assigned by the Bishop to congregations and church organizations in the diocese. Archdeacons are referred to as "The Venerable" (The Ven.): The Venerable John Smith. Salutation in letter: "Dear Archdeacon Smith" or "Dear Mr. Smith." The title "Reverend" is not used if Venerable is used. Archdeacons sometimes wear purple instead of black cassocks.

Ascension - The Feast commemorating the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ to glory. This Feast is forty days after Easter and always occurs on a Thursday.

Ash Wednesday - The 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 lightly smeared onto the forehead of a person by the priest or bishop. On this day, a number of people may be seen who appear to have a black or gray smudge on their forehead. (see BCP, 264ff).

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.
Assisting Ministers - Persons who assist the celebrant (see BCP,322 & 354).

Aumbry - A receptacle to hold the Reserved Sacrament, that is affixed to a wall, or sits on a shelf apart from an altar (see Tabernacle). An aumbry may also be used as a place where chrism and oil are kept; this aumbry is separate from the one used for the Sacrament, and is not identified by the burning of a Sanctuary Lamp.

B

---

Baptism (Holy) - Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble. The sacrament of initiation by which a person is born anew by Water and the Holy Spirit and made a member of Christ's Body (see BCP, 299ff.; also, Chapter 16).

Baptismal Font - The basin or tub for the administration of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.

Baptismal Water - The water blessed by a bishop or priest for use at Baptism (BCP, 306).

Baccalaureate--the church service for graduating seniors and their parents; in the past the service was held on Sunday morning with commencement on Sunday afternoon; now the Baccalaureate is on Saturday followed by Commencement on Sunday.

Bells - See Sanctus Bell; Sacristy Bell.

Benediction - Any blessing by a bishop or priest; or, a service of devotion to Our Lord present in the Blessed Sacrament.
Bible - See BCP p. 853.

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.

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 (see BCP, 5]Off.).

Bishop and Council - A type of diocesan government; the council is a governing or advisory body usually selected from several sub-divisions of a diocese.

Bishop, Assistant - A Bishop appointed by the Diocesan Bishop with the consent of the Standing Committee to assist the Diocesan and to serve under the Diocesan's direction, creation of the post having been approved by the Diocesan Convention. A specially ordained or otherwise specially designated person who has the spiritual and liturgical rank of a bishop and who usually assists the Bishop of a diocese; some retired diocesan bishops become assistants to other bishops; some assistant bishops are specially ordained for their work. Assistant Bishops can perform most functions performed by other bishops.

Bishop, Assisting - A Bishop appointed by the Diocesan Bishop to provide short-term assistance with episcopal duties in the Diocese.

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.).

Bishops, Letters to--envelope and inside address; salutation: The Rt. Rev. Don A. Wimberly, D.D., Bishop of Texas, 3203 West Alabama, Houston, TX 77098; Dear Bishop Wimberly: Or, The Rt. Rev. Rayford B. High, Suffragan Bishop of Texas, ...; Dear Bishop High: Or, The Rt. Rev. Elizabeth E. Jones, D.D., Bishop Co-adjutor of Kansas...; Dear Bishop Devon:

Blessed Sacrament - The consecrated bread and wine of the Eucharist that are the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessing - Bestowal of God's favor.

Boat - A small container, with a lid and spoon, in which incense is kept before it is placed in the thurible.

Board of Managers - Part of the name of the corporation that holds title to the property and other assets of the Diocese of New York.

Body of Christ - The Church.

Book of Common Prayer (1979), The - The official liturgy of the Episcopal Church (BCP); a collection of prayers, readings, Psalms, devotions, and services used by the Episcopal Church; the worship book used by Episcopalians. Nearly all services in any Episcopal Church will be printed in this book.

Bread - Basic food; some form of grain food has been a part of human diet in every culture. Early in the Old Testament there emerged two "breads"-a natural one and a heavenly one related to the will of God. In the Eucharist, Jesus brings the two together: "This (natural bread) is my body (heavenly food) given for you." Either leavened (raised) or unleavened bread can be used in the Eucharist. Unleavened bread is used in the Jewish Seder of Passover and therefore became the common bread of the Eucharist. In this form it is often recognized as a small dish-shaped wafer cut from a specially baked and prepared loaf.

Bread Box - 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.

C

---

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.

Candlebearer - See Torchbearer.

Candle Lighter/Extinguisher - A long pole with a two-pronged end. One side is a tube into which is inserted a taper; a knob is used to raise or lower the taper for lighting of candles. The other side is a bell-shaped snuffer used to extinguish the candles.

Candlemas - The Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple, February 2nd. The term comes from the tradition of blessing candles on this feast and carrying them in procession as a symbol of the "Light to Lighten the Nations" (see Nunc Dimittis).

Canon - An ecclesiastical rule or law adopted by General Convention or by Diocesan Convention. Also, a member of the clergy on the staff of a cathedral or of a bishop; the title of a priest who serves on the staff cathedral, except that the head staff priest of the cathedral is the dean. The canon is addressed as "The Rev. Canon Jane A. Doe" Salutation in letter: "Dear Canon Doe" or "Dear Ms. Doe."

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.

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.

Canticle - A hymn, usually taken from Scripture, sung or said after the lessons at Morning or Evening Prayer, or as the Song of Praise at the Eucharist (see BCP 144-145 for list).

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.

Cassock - A long garment with sleeves, normally black, worn over street clothes when one serves at the altar. It buttons in the front, and should be long enough to cover the ankles. Worn by lay readers, vergers, chalice bearers, others "serving" during a worship service, and priests; bishops' cassocks are usually purple.

Cassock-Alb - A combination of the amice and alb worn in place of cassock and surplice or amice, alb, and cincture. It is normally white and should be long enough to cover the ankles. A cincture around the waist should be worn with this vestment, although it is not essential. A surplice is not worn over the cassock-alb, but a tunic may be.

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.

Cathedra - The special chair that a bishop sits in during a church service: The Bishop's Cathedra. The cathedra is sometimes moved to a prominent place for special occasions--as for the conferring of honorary degrees.

Cathedral - An Episcopal Church which is the official church of a bishop of a diocese; sometimes such churches are indicated by the word Cathedral in their name, but not always. Cathedrals are usually in the charge of a priest who is referred to as the Dean of the Cathedral; such Deans are referred to as "The Very Reverend..." Not all large churches are cathedrals; not all cathedrals are large.

Catholic - Literally, "universal" or "found everywhere;" usually a reference to the Roman Catholic Church, although the term also includes Anglican, Syrian, Greek, Coptic, Russian and other churches. The Episcopal Church is a catholic church. Catholic churches generally accept the teachings of tradition as well as scripture, and usually accept the validity of one or more ancient creeds as the summary of the Christian faith.

Celebrant - The principal officiant at the Eucharist and other Sacraments. The bishop is the normal celebrant, or, if the bishop is not present, a priest. The celebrant may be assisted by other priests, deacons, chalice bearers, acolytes, etc.

Celebrant's Chair - See Sedilia.

Censer - See Thurible.

Chalice - The stemmed metal or ceramic cup or other vessel used to hold the Communion Wine.

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 or Choir -The area of the church between the nave and the sanctuary; i.e., the portion of a church between the front row of pews and the altar; usually the place the choir sits; sometimes also called the "choir."

Chancellor - The spiritual head of a clerical house, order, college, or university; in some dioceses the chancellor is the chief administrative assistant to the bishop.

Chant - A musical recitation of words midway between reading and singing; in some churches, the Psalm in the worship service is often chanted.

Chapel - A place of worship lacking a parish congregation, although chapels may have a permanent clergyman; chapels may be large or small, private or institutional. A term for a place of Episcopal worship associated with a college, university, or seminary. A small place of worship attached to a larger structure.

Chaplain - The minister in charge of a chapel or a minister to a group of people who are not organized as a mission or church, such as a hospital or nursing home.

Charcoal - Substance upon which incense is burned in the thurible. There are various types of "self-lighting" charcoals.

Chasuble - A long, wide sleeveless vestment, worn by the celebrant at the Eucharist. It is usually oval when laid out flat, with an opening in the center to accommodate the celebrant's head. It is of the liturgical color of the day or season and usually worn over all other vestments (see Eucharistic Vestments).

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.

Chrism - Oil consecrated by a bishop for use at Baptism, Confirmation and Ordination (BCP, 307).

Chrismation - The anointing of a person with chrism at Baptism (BCP, 308).

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.

Church Annual - The yearbook of the Episcopal Church containing names and addresses of all Episcopal organizations, dioceses, churches, a list of all clergy, etc. Sometimes also called the "Red Book".

Church of England - The name of the Episcopal Church in England.

Church, Local - The smallest social division of the Episcopal Church; above the church is the diocese; above the diocese is the province; above the province is the national church. Sometimes church refers to the local building, sometimes to the local congregation. See also parish, congregation, communicants.

Church Year - See BCP, ]5ff.

Ciborium - A covered metal or ceramic vessel in which the Blessed Sacrament is kept when reserved in a tabernacle or aumbry.

Cincture - A rope, usually white, worn with the alb or cassock-alb, tied with a slip knot at the right side of the waist and allowed to hang down the right side. The ends of the rope may have either knots or tassels. This rope is sometimes called a girdle.

Clergy - The group of ordained ministers of a church or denomination; all ministers together as distinguished from lay persons. When used in distinction from laity, the term includes both bishops and priests; sometimes the term refers to all priests except the bishops: as in the expression, "All bishops and other clergy..."

Cleric - Any member of the clergy.

Clerical Directory - The Episcopal Clerical Directory: a biennial listing of all Episcopal clergy with short biographical paragraphs about each person including schooling, ordination, churches served, family information, address, service to the Episcopal Church.

Clerical - An adjective referring to ordained persons and their work.

Co-Adjutor Bishop - See Bishop Co-adjutor.

Coals - The burning charcoal in the thurible.

Collar, Clerical - A stiff round shirt collar worn by Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Orthodox, and some Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran and other clergy; widely regared 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, and in some places at the Burial of the Dead.
• Green - on the Sundays and Ordinary days of the Year after Epiphany and Pentecost.
• Blue -in some places used during Advent.
• Purple or Violet - forpenitential occasions, during Lent, at Requiems or the Burial of the Dead, and Advent.
• Black - in some places for the Burial of the Dead and Requiems.
• Lenten Array - in some places used during Lent in place of purple (see Lenten Array).

Comfortable Words - See BCP, 332.

Commendation - The rite at the conclusion of the Burial of the Dead (BCP, 482 or 499).

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 Episcopal churches; also called Mass in Roman Catholic churches.

Communion Rail - See Altar Rail.

Communion Rail Gates - See Altar Rail Gates.

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 Episcopal 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 (BCP, 330, 360, & 393), 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 responsiblities of their Baptism, and to receive the laying on of hands by the bishop (see BCP, 412ff).

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; a church [without debt] may be consecrated -- made holy to God's purposes.

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.

Convention - A meeting of a church body, as in a diocesan convention: "Georgia is having its convention this weekend at Saint Paul's" = The Diocese of Georgia is gathering as a diocese at Saint Paul's church.

Convention, General - A gathering every three years of the national Episcopal Church; at General Convention each diocese is represented by appointed or elected deputies, and the basic regulations and decisions that govern the church are made. For voting, the General Convention consists of the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies.

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."

Credence or Credence Table - A shelf or table, usually to the right of the altar, on which the vessels and other items for celebration of the Eucharist are kept.

Creed - The affirmation of the faith of the Church (see BCP, 53 for "Apostles' Creed"; BCP, 326-327 for "Nicene Creed"; and, BCP, 864 for "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.

Cross - An ancient instrument of execution. Jesus died on a cross, and thus it became the emblem of faith and hope.

Crossbearer - See Crucifer.

Crossing - In church architecture, the main intersection of aisles at the front of the church; if viewed from above, these aisles form a large cross. Sometimes the altar is located at the crossing. In a service, crossing refers to a hand gesture of making a cross pattern on one's body; also a gesture made by a priest or bishop over a congregation or upon a person at death or baptism.

Crozier - The bishop's staff representing 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 kind of Christian symbol which is a cross with a likeness of the body of Christ on it (either crucified or in eucharistic vestments); usually thought of as a "very Catholic symbol" by some protestants.

Cruciform - Constructed in the form or shape of a cross.

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. If the cruets are metal, it is helpful if the wine cruet has a "V" engraved upon it (for "vino" - Latin for wine) and the water cruet an "A" engraved upon it (for "aqua" - Latin for water) for easy identification of the contents. Cruets should be held in the palm of the hand with handles facing out when the celebrant or other person will be pouring, as at the Offertory. When the server is to pour from a cruet, as at the lavabo or ablutions, it should be held by the handle.

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.

Cursillo - A contemporary, popular movement of Christian renewal in the Episcopal Church; usually involves a very close-knit group of people in an intense retreat for a weekend, followed by spiritual disciplines and gatherings.

D

---