Definition: In the very early Christian Church, the term parish referred to all the Christians in a given city, who were ministered to by a bishop. As Christianity began to spread through the western European countryside in the 4th century, parishes were established at important villages, each with their own church and priest.
In Anglo-Saxon England, notable conversions took place among rulers at important administrative centers, where parishes were established shortly thereafter. These were also known as minsters, from which such names as Westminster derived. Later, they were called "old minsters" to distinguish them from village churches. When the English Church broke from Rome, it retained the parish system.
In Europe, a parish system began to form in the 8th century and was firmly established by the 12th century. In both Europe and Britain, parishes were subdivisions of a diocese.
Also Known As: minster
Examples:
Father Eamon was assigned to the parish at Chutney-upon-Mutton as soon as he was ordained.
