R 

Rector ~ A full time priest in charge of a parish.

Renewal - Apostolate Cycle ~  A core framework defined by Robert Gallagher in Congregational Development Manual. A way of describing a central dynamic of Christian life that defines the primary task and central process of a congregation as enabling people in a faithful and effective movement between renewal in baptismal identity and purpose, and participation in the work of Christ.

Reredos ~ (pronounced rear-re-doss) Any decorative installation behind or above an altar; may be statuary, screens, or tapestries.

Reserved Sacrament ~ Bread and wine consecrated for the Eucharist but saved for use at a later time. Tradition dictates that the Eucharist not be celebrated on Good Friday, yet some congregations want to include the administration of communion in their Good Friday services. Therefore, it is customary that extra bread and wine is consecrated during the Maundy Thursday service and kept in a place of reverence until the next day.

Rite One ~ Used to denote worship services in the Book of Common Prayer that use the older language of the 1928 edition of the prayerbook.

Rite Two ~ Used to denote worship services in the Book of Common Prayer that use more modern language.

S 

Sacristy ~ A room where the communion vessels and vestments are stored, also a room in which clergy and others serving on the altar vest for a worship service.

Sanctuary ~ In a church, the area immediately around the altar.

Seder Meal ~ A special meal the first day of the Jewish Passover, to commemorate the exodus of Jews from Egypt.

See ~ Occasionally used by Episcopalians to refer to the city within a diocese where that diocese's cathedral church is located.

Seminarian ~ A student in a seminary.

Seminary ~ A school that focuses on the study of theology.

Senior Warden ~ The lay person who heads the vestry of a church.

Sexton ~ A person who attends to the routine maintenance and cleaning of church property.

Shape of the Parish ~ A core framework defined by Robert Gallagher in Congregational Development Manual. Configures those associated with a parish into concentric rings, the core of which is Apostolic Faith. The goal is to move people towards the core into a relatively disciplined spiritual life of full Chrsitian faith and practice.

Simple Said Eucharist ~ A celebration of the Eucharist that includes no singing or music.

Solemn Eucharist ~ A celebration of the Eucharist that includes the use of incense and bells or chimes.

Solemn Festival Mass ~ A celebration of the Eucharist that includes music as well as the use of incense and bells or chimes.

Standing Committee ~ A canonical body; members are elected by Diocesan Convention to advise the bishop and to function as the ecclesiastical authority in the absence of the bishop.

Stations of The Cross ~ See Way of the Cross.

Stole ~ A long, narrow length of cloth that is one of a deacon's or priest's vestments. Deacons' stoles are worn over the left shoulder, clasped on the righthand side of the body slightly below the hip. Priests' stoles are worn around the neck, hanging evenly down the front of the body.

Stripping of the Altar ~ Near the end of the Maundy Thursday service all ornaments of beauty such as candles, vestments, altar linens, etc. are removed commemorating the dark events leading up to the death of Christ.

Suffragan ~ see Bishop, Suffragan.

Supply Clergy ~ Priests hired by a congregation to preside at a Eucharist in the absence of a rector or vicar.

Surplice ~ A full length, white robe worn over a black cassock.

SWOT ~ Acronym for Stengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats. A way to assess an organization or department.

Synod ~ Lutheran equivalent of the Episcopal diocese. In our area, the Upstate New York Synod of the ELCA is currently led by Bishop Marie Jerge.