What is the difference between a deacon and a curate

Curates and Vicars and Rectors.. Oh my Discussion in ' Questions? This probably shows I'm not an Anglican lol but Episcopalians seem to have so many titles for ministers that I thought it could be good to have a thread which explains the origins of the names and the differences.

What are the differences between these names? Then you have stipendiary and non-stipendiary ministers. Also what role do deacons and arch deacons play in the Anglican denomination? Last edited: Jan 31, Scottish Knight , Jan 31, A Minister can be a minister even though he is not ordained. A Vicar is the cure of souls in a parish. There are many priests who are not vicars becise they have no parish. A Curate is a traineee priest in a parish.

A Deacon is usually the same. A Stipendiary Priest is payed expenses of office by the Diocese. A non Stipendiary Priest is not payed expenses formally, but may be provided with a house for duty. A Rector does not have to look after the people of his parish.

He can pay a Vicar to do it for him. Deacons are learner Priests, usually. Arch Deacons are next to the Bishop in who they can boss about. Anyone below a Bishop essentially. They are the most feard of all clergy. I'm no expert so I invite others better up in church hierarchy to correct me if I'm wrong. Tiffy , Jan 31, Botolph and Invictus like this. The usage differs somewhat in the United States. You will seldom if ever hear anyone use the term Vicar.

Rector: the senior priest at a parish Curate: the assistant priest at a parish Priest in Charge: the senior priest at a mission Priest Assisting: the junior priest at a mission Deacon in Charge: a deacon in charge of a mission Licensed Lay Reader: a person trained to read the Daily Offices and the Epistle at Holy Communion; this person may be issued a license to preach at the bishop's discretion Archdeacon: typically the senior priest in a diocese who is not a bishop; in my diocese he is the only person other than the bishop authorized to certify someone's liturgical training Dean: the US usage varies significantly from what this means in the UK.

The term is almost interchangeable with Archdeacon in US usage. The title dean is usually used when the person in question does not have the specialized education that is typical of Archdeacons. Canon: this individual has a function at the diocesan level. My diocese has a canon missioner, a canon liturgist, a canon theologian, and a canon for Chaplaincy endorsements; A Canon may have a provincial level function such as being the Archbishop's chaplain or the liaison to other provinces.

Shane R , Jan 31, Botolph likes this. This is a throw over from the time when there were minor holy orders. CofE Readers train on a part time basis for 2 to 3 years and can carry out many of the tasks of an ordained Deacon. Readers cannot routinely Baptize, although anyone may in an emergency , solemnize matrimony, preside at Holy Communion or pronounce the absolution or blessing. Readers are licensed by the Bishop but not ordained. Symphorian , Aug 2, Andy Cothran and Adam Warlock like this.

Posts: Likes Received: Good point about deacons and the blessing. I knew I was forgetting something earlier. Adam Warlock , Aug 2, Gordon , Aug 3, Andy Cothran , Aug 3, In TEC, deacons serve as the eyes and ears of the diocese and brings the concerns on the people to their bishop.

Bishops assign deacons to parishes and while the deacon works with the rector, they are directly responsible to the bishop of the diocese. Transitional deacons are for a 6 month period of time prior to ordination to the priesthood. There are also permanent deacons. Deacons are called to service and it is a servant ministry. Yes, they read the Gospel, can preach, set the Eucharistic table and other roles in the liturgy.

Primarly they are called to be servants of the Gospel to all the people. There are many excellent books about the deacon's ministry.

Joan Lucia-Treese , Aug 7, Andy Cothran , Aug 7, Chapter a Corporate title for the dean and canons of a Cathedral. Church Army Organisation of trained lay people within the Church of England who assist in parishes or engage in various mission and social projects throughout the country. Churchwarden The leading lay officer in a parish at least two are appointed annually. Clerk in Holy Orders Legal title for a member of the clergy. Clergy General name for all ordained ministers.

Commissary a A representative in England of an overseas bishop. Curate Deacon or priest appointed to assist the incumbent or take charge of a parish temporarily during a vacancy or while the incumbent is incapacitated. Curate-in-charge Curate with special responsibility for a second church in a parish.

Daughter church An additional C of E church in a parish other than the parish church — often in an area of new housing. Deaconess Women used to be ordained deaconess to do work in a parish similar to that of a deacon. Dean a Senior priest in charge of a cathedral. Deanery a A collection of parishes over which the Rural Dean has oversight. Deanery Synod Body consisting of all the clergy working in a deanery and lay representatives elected from every parish.

Dedication a Ceremony by which a new building or other major asset e. Diocesan Bishop The bishop in charge of a diocese. Diocese Main administrative and pastoral area in the Church of England — often roughly coincides with local county. Group Ministry Group of adjacent parishes, including more than one benefice, where the clergy work together.

Incumbent The priest who is in charge of church life in a particular benefice. Local Non-Stipendiary Ministry Scheme whereby ministers are ordained deacon or priest, with a view to working only in a clearly defined area, e. Metropolitan Title of a bishop who has special oversight over a group of dioceses or a province.

Minister General name given to all who do the pastoral work of the Church or who lead worship. Ministers in Secular Employment Clergy who, in an honorary capacity, serve as ministers at their place of work. Minor Canon Assistant priest on the staff of a cathedral, usually concerned with choral services.

Missionary Society Organisations set up to help the Church in its task of mission at home and overseas. Monastery House occupied by a community of monks.

See Religious Orders. Monk Male member of a Religious Order. Non-Stipendiary Ministry Ministers ordained deacon or priest who serve as honorary curates whilst continuing full-time secular employment. Nun Female member of a Religious Order. Ordination Ceremony by which priests and deacons are commissioned. A bishop always presides. Parish Smallest pastoral area within the Church of England, sometimes divided into districts.

Parish Deacon One who has served as Assistant Curate for the first appointment may be called Parish Deacon for subsequent and more senior posts. Patron Person or corporate body with the right to nominate to the diocesan bishop a priest to be instituted as incumbent of a parish when there is a vacancy.

Prebendary In some cathedrals a title equivalent to Honorary Canon. Precentor In some cathedrals and collegiate churches, the priest responsible for choral services. Priest Second order of ordained ministry.

Priest-in-charge Priest who is responsible for a parish where for pastoral reasons the diocesan bishop does not wish to grant the freehold and thus make the priest an incumbent. Primate Title given to the archbishop of a province.

Proctor Member of the clergy elected to the Lower House of Convocation of a province and therefore also a member of the House of Clergy and of the General Synod.

Province Area of the Church under the authority of an archbishop — consisting of a number of dioceses. Provost In cathedrals which are also parish churches, the usual title of the senior priest in charge.

Rector Title of incumbents of certain parishes. Registrar See Diocesan Registrar. Religious Orders Groups of men or women, clergy or laity, who bind themselves in a life-long commitment and fellowship according to a monastic discipline or rule. Residentiary Canon Senior member of the clergy on the staff of a cathedral. Royal Peculiar A church within the personal jurisdiction of the Sovereign. Rural Dean Leader of local clergy in a deanery, who is joint chairman of the deanery synod with an elected Lay Chairman.

Rural Deanery Now usually Deanery. Succentor In a cathedral, a priest who assists the Precentor in conducting services. Team Ministry Large parish, or a number of parishes forming a single benefice, where a team of clergy work together.