Parish
/ˈpærɪʃ/
Definitions
3 meaningsA territorial division within a diocese, typically having its own church and a pastor or priest.
/ˈpærɪʃ/
A small administrative district typically having its own church and priest.
The small village church serves the local parish.
💡 Simply: Imagine a neighborhood that's all part of one church's area. That area is a parish! Like, 'Our parish is having a bake sale to raise money for the church.'
👶 For kids: A parish is a group of people who live near a church. It's like a neighborhood for church people!
More Examples
The new vicar was warmly welcomed by the members of the parish.
The parish council discussed the upcoming fundraising event.
How It's Used
"The church serves the needs of the local parish."
"The county is divided into several parishes."
The community of people belonging to a parish.
/ˈpærɪʃ/
The people who live in a parish.
The priest is dedicated to serving his parish.
💡 Simply: It's like calling a group of people in one area, who go to the same church, 'the parish'. So, 'The parish celebrated the harvest festival together.'
👶 For kids: The parish is all the people who go to the same church!
More Examples
The parish held a bake sale to support its local charities.
The community of the parish worked together to restore the church.
How It's Used
"The priest is responsible for the spiritual welfare of his parish."
To conduct the affairs of a parish or perform the duties of a parish priest.
/ˈpærɪʃ/
(archaic) To perform the duties of a parish priest.
The new vicar was eager to parish his flock.
💡 Simply: Imagine a priest taking care of all the church business and helping people in the parish. That's 'parishing'! Like, 'He is parishing his church.'
👶 For kids: To parish means the priest is taking care of the church and the people who go there.
More Examples
During his first few months, the vicar spent a lot of time parishing.
He vowed to parish the church with kindness and devotion.
How It's Used
"The new vicar will parish the church."
Synonyms
From Old French *paroisse*, from Late Latin *parochia*, from Greek *paroīkia* 'sojourning, neighborhood', from *pará* 'beside' + *oîkos* 'house'. Originally referred to a geographical area served by a church, and by extension, the people living within that area.
Used historically in religious texts and records to denote geographical areas associated with churches.
Memory tip
Think of the place you go to church. It's a 'parish'.