noun
curate
A clergy member who assists a parish priest or rector.
The curate helps the rector lead services and visit parishioners.
Etymology
The Latin term concerns someone entrusted with care. The church office takes its name from care of souls; English especially applies it to a priest assisting the parish’s principal minister.
More examples
- Our new curate preaches on the first Sunday of each month.
- The rector asks the curate to visit a hospitalized parishioner.
- Two curates assist the priest at this busy parish.
Forms
curate · curates