CAFOD - the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development. The organisation works to end poverty and make a just world. They work in over 60 countries to work alongside the poor regardless of race or religion, build global partnerships for change, campaign for a fairer world and put faith into action. www.cafod.org.uk

Candles – candles obviously have a practical purpose in providing light. However, they are also used in a symbolic way or to draw people’s attention to something important that’s happening. So, for example, candles are placed on or near the altar, or used in processions, such as the Gospel Procession. They also remind us that Christ is the light of the world. They can also be lit as a sign of prayer. See votive candles.

Candlemas – a name given to the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple when he was forty days old. By doing this, his parents were fulfilling Jewish custom. When this day is celebrated there is usually a procession with lighted candles reflecting the words of Simeon about Jesus being ‘a light to lighten the nations’ (Luke 2:22 –39). See also Nunc Dimittis, the Song of Simeon

Canons – this is the title given to priests who are appointed to look after the cathedral of a Diocese. They make up the Chapter of the Cathedral, along with the Dean.

Canticle – a hymn of praise used in worship.

Cantor – someone who leads the singing in worship

Catechumen - someone who is preparing for baptism and/or confirmation

Catechism – an outline of faith used for teaching the Christian Faith

Catechist – someone who teaches the Christian Faith to someone who is preparing to be baptised and/or confirmed

Catechumenate - the time of preparation for Christian Initiation when people are taught the Christian faith

Cathedral – this word comes from the Latin word ‘cathedra’ meaning ‘throne.’ The Cathedral is the place where the Bishop’s throne or chair is contained. It’s regarded at the Mother church of the Diocese. Cathedrals are usually run by a group of appointed clergy called Canons, presided over by the Dean.

Catholic – this is a word used to describe the Church in the Creeds. The church is Catholic because it is universal. This means that it’s concerned about the whole of life, for all people everywhere, and for all time. It also means that we hold the Christian Faith in all its fullness.

Celtic Christianity – The Church that existed in the British Isles before the mission of St Augustine from Rome in 596 – 7.

Celtic Spirituality – a Spirituality that has its roots in the experience of early Christianity in the Celtic areas of the British Isles.

Chalice – the name given to the cup used at the Eucharist

Chancel – the part of the church that contains the choir, choir stalls, etc.

Chaplain – a priest or other minister who is appointed to a non-parish position. For example, a hospital chaplain, prison chaplain, school chaplain, etc.

Charismatic – a word used to refer to the gifts given to every Christian by the Holy Spirit. The word is also used to describe the gifts that individual Christians are given to fulfil specific things that God has called them to do. Another use of the word is to describe a group of Christians who believe in the possibility of receiving the same experience and gifts as the first Christians on the day of Pentecost (Acts 1:1-4)

Chasuble – the outer garment/vestment worn by priests at the Eucharist. Like many vestments it comes from the clothes worn in the Ancient Roman and Greek world – and in this case from the outer cloak. It’s a large piece of material with a hole for the head. One symbolic use of it refers to the seamless garment that was taken from Jesus at his trial and crucifixion for which the Roman soldiers gambled.

Chrism – see the Oil of Chrism

Chrism Mass – a celebration of the Eucharist on Maundy Thursday where priests renew the vows made at their ordination, and the Holy Oils are blessed and consecrated.

Christ – a title that means, ‘The Anointed One’ and attributed to Jesus.

Christening – a popular name for Holy Baptism

Christian – a follower of Jesus

Christian Aid – a multi-church relief agency that works in over 50 countries helping people, regardless of religion or race to improve their own lives and tackle the causes of poverty and injustice. www.christianaid.org.uk

Christian Initiation – the rites through which we become members of the Church, consisting of Baptism and Confirmation.

Christmas – the celebration of the birth of Christ

Church – the Church is the family of God and the Body of Christ through which he continues his work. Its members on earth enter it by baptism and are one company with those who worship God in heaven.

Church Army – an organisation of the Anglican Church that trains men and women as evangelists. Their motto is ‘Sharing faith through words and actions.’ www.churcharmy.org.uk

Church of England – A church has existed in England since the first few centuries. In the sixteenth century, the English Church separated from the Roman Catholic Church. It proclaims and holds fast the doctrine and ministry of the One, Holy Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

Church in Wales – The Church in Wales is the ancient church of Wales. It is catholic and reformed. It proclaims and holds fast the doctrine and ministry of the One, Holy Catholic, and Apostolic Church. www.churchinwales.org.uk

Church Missionary Society – A Missionary Organisation dating back to 1799. It supports 900 people in mission in 26 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. www.cms-uk.org

Church Warden – in the Anglican Church, these are two lay people who are appointed by the Parish Priest and the People. They represent the laity and work closely with the priest. They are elected annually.

Ciborium – a name given to a vessel to hold the bread used at the Eucharist

City of David - this is a title given to Jerusalem, because David captured and fortified the City as his own and used it to unite the tribes of Israel. He rebuilt the Temple of Solomon. See Jerusalem

Colours – see Liturgical Colours

Communion –. In Christian worship, Communion is the act by which we receive the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist, and so become one with him and each other. ‘Holy Communion’ is a name given to the Holy Eucharist

Communion of Saints – this is the whole family of God, the living and the dead, bound together forever in Christ by grace, through sacrament, praise and prayer.

Concelebration – the joint celebration of the Eucharist by a number of priests who say the central bits of the Eucharistic Prayer together

Congregational Church – a church where every local church community has its own independence. In 1972 the greater part of the Congregational Church in England and Wales merged with the Presbyterian Church of England to form the United Reformed Church.

Confirmation – the rite in which we make a mature expression of our commitment to Christ made at Baptism. We receive the strength of the Holy Spirit through prayer, the laying on of hands and anointing.

Confession – One use of this word is to describe the act of ‘Saying Sorry.’ It also refers to the sacramental rite of Confession (also known as Reconciliation and the Ministry of Absolution). This is when someone wishes to express their sins to God in the company of a priest, who then gives advice and declares God’s forgiveness.

Consecration – the setting aside of a person or thing for the service of God. It can be applied to the Eucharist where the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ, and also of bishops, altars and churches and other vessels used for the Eucharist

Convent – the place where members of a female Religious Order live.

Cope – a cloak worn by clergy for public (liturgical) worship

Covenant – an agreement bound by a promise. God made a Covenant with Abraham and the People of Israel. In Christ’s life and death we see the perfect covenant where God gives us the gift of his grace and renews our friendship with him. Although people break their promises, God is always faithful in keeping his.

Crosier – the pastoral staff used by the Bishop. It is shaped like a shepherd’s crook and reminds us that the bishop is a shepherd of the Church, after Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

Credence Table – a small side table in church on which is kept the vessels for the Eucharist before they are used at the altar.

Creed – a summary of the Christian Faith. See The Nicene Creed and the Apostles’ Creed.

Cross, The – although initially used as a form of torture and punishment in ancient Roman Times, Christ has transformed it into an image of his love and salvation. Christ was nailed to a cross, between two criminals on the hill outside Jerusalem called Golgotha.

Crucifixion – an horrific form of execution that was used widely in the Ancient Roman world. People were tied or fastened to a cross shaped structure. Sometimes, they were left there for days. In the Gospels, we are told that Jesus was nailed to a cross on which he died.
Dalmatic – the outer garment/vestment worn by deacons at the Eucharist.