A parishioner is a member of a parish, which is the local community that belongs to a particular church. If your family attends St. Mary's Church or the First Baptist Church downtown, you're parishioners of that church.

The word comes from religious communities where a parish is the area or group of people that a specific church serves. In many towns, especially smaller ones, parishes serve as communities where people know each other, celebrate together, and help one another. Parishioners might organize potluck dinners, volunteer for community service projects, or support each other during difficult times.

When a minister or priest talks about “my parishioners,” they mean the people who regularly worship at their church, the community they serve and care for. Being a parishioner often means belonging to a group of people who share beliefs and look out for one another, which can extend beyond attending services.