Mormon Dictionary

One of three meetings during the standard block of meetings, comprised of all the men (the priesthood) divided into age groups.

(n.) In Mormonism, Sunday school is one of three meetings held each Sunday during the standard block of meetings. Children are divided into classes by age. Adults are divided into classes by how long they’ve been members of the Mormon church, with newly baptized members going to Gospel Essentials class and more seasoned members going to Gospel Doctrine class. There are also a few special interest classes that run concurrently such as Marriage Prep (preparation) class, Temple prep class, and Mission prep class.

The three-hour span of meetings comprising Sacrament meeting, Sunday school, and Priesthood/Relief Society.

(n.) The primary worship meeting in the Mormon church. Often the 1st of 3 meetings during the 3 hour block of meetings each Sunday. Given its name because members partake of the sacrament, or communion. Also includes singing by the congregation, special musical numbers, testimonies (witnessing), and talks by leaders and members. Usually lasts 70 minutes.

1. (n) The power or authority to act in God’s name. The priesthood is conferred to worthy men and young men. The Aaronic priesthood, or priesthood of Aaron, is the “preparatory” priesthood, usually conferred to a boy when he turns 12. The Melchizedek priesthood is the “higher” priesthood, usually conferred to a man when he turns 18 or 19 (right before becoming a Mormon missionary.)

2. (n) The body of men and young men to whom the priesthood authority [referring back to #1] has been conferred.

(n.) The ecclesiastical leader of a ward. In the Mormon Church, there is no paid ministry. Bishops and other local leaders serve on a volunteer basis, having to earn a living elsewhere. A bishop or stake president might lead Church members on Sunday and then on Monday go to work as a doctor, farmer, or business man.

(n.) The women’s organization in the Mormon church, for women ages 18 and up. It was founded in 1842 by the prophet and founder of Mormonism, Joseph Smith, and his wife Emma. The declaration of the Mormon Relief Society lists the virtues they seek to live. Their motto is “Charity never faileth.”

(n.) A geographic unit in the Mormon church, larger than a ward, comparable to a Catholic diocese. Each stake contains 6-12 wards. As of December 2004, there were 2,665 stakes worldwide.

(n.) A congregation of Mormons, similar to a Catholic “parish”. Wards are generally organized by geography, and often contain between 200-500 members. The entire ward meets together each Sunday. As of December 2004, there were 26,670 wards (and branches) worldwide.