T 

Taize ~ An ecumenical worship service that includes prayer, meditation and a variety of simple chants and songs.

Tenebrae ~ From the Latin word for darkness, this service begins in light and ends in darkness. The service meditates on the events of Christ’s life between the Last Supper and the Resurrection. Portions of the biblical Book of Lamentations are chanted and various Psalms are read. After the reading of each Psalm a candle is extinguished until only one, symbolizing our Lord. Jesus Christ, remains lit in the darkness. At the end of the service, a loud sound is made in the darkness, symbolizing the earthquake at Christ’s resurrection.

The Most Rev. ~ Proper written title on first reference for the presiding bishop.
In Conversation: Bishop _____.

The Rev. ~ Proper written title on first reference for a priest.
In Conversation: Father _____. (male).
There is no standard conversational title for a female priest. It is therefore recommended that female priests be asked which conversational title they prefer.

The Rev. Canon ~ Proper written title on first reference for an ordained canon. Canon refers to some members of a bishop"s staff or the staff of a cathedral.
In Conversation: Canon _____.

The Rev. Deacon ~ Proper written title on first reference for a deacon.
In Conversation: Deacon _____.

The Right Rev. ~  Proper written title on first reference for a bishop. (also: The Rt. Rev.)
In Conversation: Bishop _____.

The Venerable ~ Proper written title on first reference for an archdeacon. (also: The Ven.)
In Conversation: Archdeacon _____.

The Very Rev. ~ Proper written title on first reference for a dean, a cleric who oversees a cathedral or a deanery.
In Conversation: Dean _____.

Theological Education Support ~ Congregational gifts to Episcopal seminaries mandated by General Convention at an amount of 1% of NDBI.

Torch Bearer ~ One who carries a candle in a religious procession.

Total Ministry ~ See Baptismal Ministry .

Transitional Deacon ~ An individual who has taken vows of service to the Church and who plans to become an ordained priest.

Trinity, The Holy  ~ A reference to the oneness and essential unity of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, which is a core docrine of belief in the Episcopal Church.

Trustees, Board of  ~ A canonical body elected by Diocesan convention to oversee the real property and financial investments of the diocese.

U 

United Thank Offering (UTO) ~ A special offering administrated by the Episcopal Church Women and used to grant support to a variety of ministries and missions.

V 

Venerable, The ~ The written form of address denoting one who is an archdeacon.

Veneration of the Cross ~ Varies widely from one congregation to the next, from simple kneeling in the pew as specific anthems are said or sung, to an invitation to walk up the aisle to bow, touch or even kiss the cross while elaborate choral anthems are sung, all in honor of Jesus Christ’s suffering and death. You may participate to whatever degree you are comfortable.

Venture in Mission ~ A capital fund conducted in the diocese in 1980 to underwrite the development of ministries within the diocese.

Verger ~ One who carries a ceremonial staff in procession; occassionally, one who has responsibility for the condition of the interior of a church.

Very Reverend, The ~ The written form of address for a cleric who is the head of a deanery or the dean of a cathedral or school.

Vespers ~ An evening worship service that includes prayers and music. Also called Evensong.

Vestments ~ Special clothing worn by people who lead the services of a church. The color of some vestments are changed during the year to indicate the seasons of the church year. Vestments are usually styled to indicate whether a person is a deacon, priest, or bishop.

Vestry ~ The governing board of a local Episcopal church, consisting of non-ordained members, responsible for basic decisions about church budget, building plans, etc.

Vicar ~ A priest appointed by the bishop to be in charge of a mission church or a small parish.

W

Wafer ~ A thin, unleavened cracker sometimes used as the bread portion of the Eucharist to symbolize the Body of Christ.

Warden ~ One of two officers elected by a parish who serve with a rector as executive officers of the congregation.

Watch at the Altar of Repose ~ A vigil of several hours, immediately following the Maundy Thursday service, in the presence of the reserved sacrament.

Way of the Cross ~ A service conducted with a number of stations throughout the church at which the various events of Christ’s hours on earth are commemorated, from his condemnation by Pilate to his death upon the cross.

Wine ~ The beverage portion of communion symbolizing the blood of Christ. In some Episcopal churches, a non-alcoholic wine is used or offered as an alternative.

X, Y, Z

Youth Commission ~ A self-selected group of middle school and high school youth and adults who meet regularly to plan diocesan-wide youth events such as retreats, conferences and camps.