American Religious Funerals Vocabulary

Protestant

any Western Christian who is not an adherent to the Roman Catholic Church.
A protestant or member of a Christian Church or multiple that aren't connected to the Roman Catholic Church.

Rubric

printed or stated directions regarding church practices and produces as approved by religious leadership.
Rubrics are important to have structure and duties in the church.

Eucharist Centered Worship

see also Liturgical Worship; the prescribed order or form of worship used by some churches in which the Eucharist or Holy Communion is the central element.
The Eucharist-centered worship is commonly the main event.

Gospel Side

the left side of the church (as the congregation faces the alter), from which readings and prayers are often proclaimed.
The gospel side is commonly found on the left side of the alter.

Epistle Side

the right side of the church (as the congregation faces the alter), from which readings and prayers are often proclaimed.
The epistle side is the opposite of the gospel side.

Pall

A symbolic cloth covering placed on the casket representing both the righteousness of Christ bestowed at one's baptism and the equality of all men before God.
Palls are a necessity for most Christian funerals.

Crucifer

one who carries the processional cross in an ecclesiastical procession.
The crucifer will carry a cross or a crucifix.

Officiant

one who conducts a religious service or ceremony.
The officiant typically follows the crucifer.

Anointing of the Sick

One of the Seven Sacraments. It is administered by a bishop or priest to someone who suffers from illness or old age. It includes prayers and anointing of the hands and forehead with the Oil of the Sick. It is usually administered together with Penance and the Eucharist.
Anointing of the sick is a ritual done in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.

Acolyte

an altar attendant (may be male or female)
Acolytes are also known as alter servants.

Altar

An elevated place or structure on which sacrifices are offered or at which religious rites are performed; in the Christian faith, a table on which the Eucharist or Holy Communion is offered.
Alters are raised and are typically used for worship, prayer, and sacrifice.

Benediction

a ritual blessing offered at the conclusion of a service.
Benediction is calling to God for guidance after a service.

Book of Common Prayer

the text containing recitations, prayers and prescribed orders of worship in the Episcopal Church.
The Book of Common Prayer is a compilation of different prayers and hymns for services.

Chancel

the area around the alter of the church, usually enclosing the clergy and other officials.
The chancel is on the right side of the alter.

Ecclesiastical

referring to the church or clergy.
Ecclesiastical refers to anything that possibly relates to the church and or its clergy.

Ecumenical

an epithet applied to a council regarded as representing the whole of Christendom.
Ecumenical is all of the Christian Churches worldwide.

Extreme Unction

in the Episcopal faith, the use of oil, holy water, or hands, to bless those who are in danger of losing life.
Extreme unction is used during the ritual Anointing of the Sick.

Narthex (Vestibule, Foyer, Entryway)

see also Vestibule; the entryway to the church proper.
Narthex allows for individuals who are nearby can listen to the service.

Nave

the main body of the church where seating is provided.
Nave is where the assembly is held during the service.

Non-Liturgical Worship

See also Scripture-Centered Worship; a form or order of worship having the scriptures as the central element, with the actual order of worship determined by the local congregation or clergy.
Non-liturgical worship has less structure and isn't as formal as liturgical worship.

Parochial

belonging to a parish; restricted to a parish; limited in range or scope.
Catholic parochial high schools are affiliated with the religion.

Sanctuary

liturgically, the part of the church containing the alter (or, if there are several alters, the high alter); commonly, a holy place devoted to the worship of any deity; historically, a place of refuge.
Any sanctuary is known as a sacred place.

Scripture Centered Worship

see also Non-Liturgical Worship; a form or order of worship having the scriptures as the central element, with the actual order of worship determined by the local congregation or clergy.
During scripture centered worships the scripture is the main topic.

Transepts

wings of the main part of the church which may serve as small chapels for baptism, weddings, and even small funeral services.
The transepts represent the smaller arms on the cross.

Reverend

Non-Liturgical ministers; A respectful title given to many ordained clergy members.
In Catholic Churches, Reverends can be referred to as Priest.

Bishop

a senior member of the Christian clergy, usually in charge of a diocese and empowered to confer holy orders.
When referring to a Bishop it is respectful to refer to them as Bishop (last name).

Pastor

a minister in charge of a Christian church or congregation.
Pastors counsel individuals from the community.

Amish

conservative family-based group of Christians who broke away from the Mennonite community in 1720; sect noted for their strong family and community ties and separation from secular pursuits.
Amish are known for riding in horse and buggy around or outside their community.

Mennonite

Evangelical Christian community dating back to the 16th century, known for their rejection of infant baptism and opposition to war.
Mennonite women and men are known for their modest clothing.

Jacob Amman

Anabaptist minister who broke away from the Swiss Brethren movement in 1693 over matters pertaining to excommunication; main writer and namesake for the Amish communities.
Jacob Amman is known as the Mennonite elder.

Menno Simons

Ordained Roman Catholic Priest (1515), who converted to the Anabaptist cause and was baptized by immersion circa 1536; considered the namesake of the Mennonite movement.
Followers of Menno Simons formed the Mennonite Church.

Radical Reformation

16th century movement among German-speaking Christians which sought complete separation from Roman Catholicism's practices and doctrine.
When corruption was perceived in the Church a radical reformation was formed.

Swiss Brethren

First major group of Anabaptists which formed in Zurich in 1525; origin of many groups which hold to "believer's baptism".
The Swiss Brethren is a branch of Anabaptism.

Bishop (LDS)

leader of the Ward; functions like a pastor in all aspects of the ward and meeting house (chapel)
In the Latter-Day Saints Church, a Bishop is the leader of the congregation or Ward.

Elder

individual who acts as the officiant for the Jehovah's Witness funeral rite.
Elder is a title for male missionaries.

Endowed

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who have completed the Temple Ordinance.
When a member of The Church Of Latter Day Saints has been to an endowment they have been endowed.

Kingdom Hall

proper name for the Jehovah's Witness worship facility.
Kingdom Hall is a place of worship for Jehovah's Witnesses.

Mary Baker Eddy

founder, teacher, and writer of the Church of Christ, Scientist.
Mary Baker Eddy is an American religious leader.

Mother Church

oldest original church from which other like-minded congregations have sprung.
The mother church is the original church of the religion that inspired other churches.

Prelude

music played prior to the service
Prelude helps set the tone and mood for the upcoming service.

Postlude

music played after the dismissal of the service
A postlude is known as the other bookend of the prelude.

Reader/Practitioner

individual permitted to lead in the lecture and Scripture reading in the Church of Christ, Scientist.
The practitioner prays for others using the Science and Health with a Key to the Scriptures.

Science and Health with a Key to the Scriptures

published writing of Rev. Mary Baker Eddy in 1875; contains the full statement of Christian Science beliefs.
Science and health with a Key to the Scriptures is the foundation for the beliefs in the Christian Science Church.

Temple Garments (LDS)

special undergarments worn by members of the Mormon Church (both LDS and RLDS) who have received the endowment in the Temple; function as a personal reminder of their devotion.
The temple garments for LDS include all-white garments with a green apron.

Temple Clothing (LDS)

clothing worn by the endowed members of the Mormon Church (both LDS and RLDS) at the Temple and for burial
Once inside a Temple, outside clothing must be taken off and temple clothing must be worn.

Temple Ordinance

religious instruction, known as the endowment, given only in the Temple to those worthy members of the faith in the Mormon Church (both LDS and RLDS)
The Temple Ordinance takes place inside of the Temple and is sacred.

The Book of Mormon

religious document translated by Joseph Smith; contains additional information regarding the person and words of Jesus Christ; used alongside the Holy Bible in the Mormon Church (both LDS and RLDS).
The Book of Mormon is a religious text similar to the Holy Bible.

Ward

geographical community of believers; may have familial, linguistic, or cultural characteristics.
The Ward is referred to as a community of people who share the same beliefs and attend services together.