A Glossary of Terms Commonly Used by Women Religious

Some terms and words commonly used within religious communities are often unfamiliar to the general public. Following is a list of “sisterspeak” terms and their definition in “everyday speak.”

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Assembly

A congregation meeting held periodically (often once a year) as a forum for discussion and evaluation of congregational matters.

Associate membership

Lay persons who are formally committed to the mission of a congregation.

 

Used with permission of NCNWR