parish
/ˈparɪʃ
/noun
1(In the Christian Church) a small administrative district typically having its own church and a priest or pastor: [as modifier]: a parish church...
- Many of these lay candidates are already deeply involved in church ministry: in parishes, on diocesan staffs, as chaplains on campuses, in hospitals, and in jails.
- We should pray for renewal explicitly, as individuals, small Christian communities, parishes, and dioceses.
- In the mainline churches, certain parishes have refused pastoral care to victims and their families.
Synonyms
parishioners, churchgoers, church, congregation, flock, fold, community
1.1 (also civil parish) British The smallest unit of local government, constituted only in rural areas: [as modifier]: a parish councillor...
- Over £16,000 has been awarded over the next two years to take roadshows to the rural parishes and islands to engage older people in activities to benefit their health and well-being.
- Hurling supporters in neighbouring parishes are scouring local GAA officials in the hope of getting a ticket to the September 12 Final.
- We hope this service will help unite the local parishes into a cohesive unit speaking with one voice, something that is sadly lacking over the years.
Synonyms
district, community
1.2US (In Louisiana) a territorial division corresponding to a county in other states.Alford provided a listing of floristic surveys for counties in Mississippi and parishes in Louisiana....
- There are nearly 4,500 registered sex offenders living in the 14 Louisiana parishes hit by Katrina.
- But you have to understand, inside the parishes of Louisiana, most of those city governments were victims.
Origin
Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French and Old French paroche, from late Latin parochia, from Greek paroikia 'sojourning', based on para- 'beside, subsidiary' + oikos 'dwelling'.