The first day of Holy Week, the day that Christians remember the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. See the page Palm Sunday.

From Greek 'a district'. Some churches divide counties into large areas called dioceses. Each diocese is divided into smaller parishes. Every parish is supposed to have a church in it for the people of that area.

An executive committee of the parish with powers and duties defined by certain Acts of Parliament. The membership consists of the clergy and churchwardens of the parish, together with a number of representatives of the laity elected by the annual parochial church meeting of the parish. See the page Parochial Church Council.

From Latin: 'shepherd'. Used in some churches as the name for the minister who looks after a congregation.

Caring for the spiritual or practical needs of others.

The candle that is lit as part of the Easter celebrations on Holy Saturday to overcome the darkness of death. See the page Holy Saturday.

The fifth Sunday in Lent, and on which Christ's suffering is contemplated. See the page

A paten, or diskos, is the small circular plate that holds the Communion bread, or hosts. It is used with a chalice and can be made silver or gold. The reserved hosts are stored in a ciborium. See the page The History of the Church Plate and Textiles.

The act of repentance, or something done to show sorrow for sins.

(Or Whitsun) The seventh Sunday after Easter. The festival when the disciples received the Holy Spirit. Often thought of as the birth of the church. See the page Pentecost.

Originally, Christians stood for worship. The pew originated in medieval times and is a long, backed bench where people sit. See the page The Nave.

Fundraising that refers to gifts of cash. Planned gifts are referred to as such because they require more planning than an outright gift. Planned gifts involve an arrangement between a tax-paying donor and the church. See the page Planned Giving.

Talking to God.

A book containing prayers to be used during different church services. The first prayer book in English was brought in at the Reformation to set a pattern of worship in the Church of England. There are several different forms of prayer book. References to 'The Prayer Book' in the Church of England are usually to the 1662 prayer book, and this is still in use, but several other forms in modern English are more common nowadays.

An honorary canon, the holder of a prebendal stall which is a seat, usually in the back row of the choir stalls.

Another name for a priest

The sanctuary, or eastern part of the chancel beyond the choir

An ordained member of the clergy empowered to celebrate the Eucharist and to pronounce the absolution of sins (second in line of ordained seniority: bishop, priest, deacon)

The title given to the archbishop of a province.

A raised structure, usually enclosed, from which the sermon is preached. See the page The Nave.

A vessel used to contain the consecrated bread of the sacrament. See the page Church Plate.