Author Archives: rmiller
Priesthood meeting
One of three meetings during the standard block of meetings, comprised of all the men (the priesthood) divided into age groups.
Sunday school
(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 … Continue reading
Block of meetings
The three-hour span of meetings comprising Sacrament meeting, Sunday school, and Priesthood/Relief Society.
Sacrament meeting
(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 … Continue reading
Priesthood
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 … Continue reading
Bishop
(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 … Continue reading
Relief Society
(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 … Continue reading
Stake
(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.
Ward
(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.