Frequently
asked questions
What do
Episcopalians
Believe?
As Christians, we believe in a loving, liberating, life-giving God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, whose life, death, and resurrection saved each of us and the world. Episcopalians believe that Jesus’ teachings are most clearly expressed in Holy Scripture (the Bible), which we believe “contain[s] all things necessary to salvation” (BCP 526). We believe in the fundamental dignity of every human being and that God loves you without precondition or exception.
Our church believes that there is “no longer Jew or Greek […] there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). In our church, women and men serve as bishops, priests, deacons, and other leaders without regard to gender. Similarly, the life, worship, and sacraments of the Church are open to all, regardless of gender, sexuality, or background.
For a more thorough rundown of Episcopal beliefs, please check the church’s website or the catechism in the Book of Common Prayer.
I’m Lost in the
Jargon, Please Help
If you are new to the Episcopal tradition there may be several terms that sound unfamiliar to you. Whether you want to know what the term “liturgy” means (format for worship) or you are not sure what words like Eucharist, acolyte, laity, bishop, priest, deacon, or verger mean we there is an easy resource for you to find what you are looking for. Check out a comprehensive glossary of terms here.
What is attending
church like?
Sunday is traditionally when Episcopalians gather for worship, although services are held throughout the week at St. Mark's. Our principal weekly worship service is the Holy Eucharist, also known as the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, or Mass.
At St. Mark's, worship is usually accented with the singing of hymns by one of our choirs and the congregation at large. Music varies from week to week, incorporating a variety of styles, instruments, and soloists.
In addition to music, worship includes readings from scripture, prayers, and Holy Communion. At most services, there will be a reading from the Old Testament, the Psalms of David, the Epistles of the New Testament, and one of the four Gospels. Members of the congregation participate in all aspects of the worship at St. Mark’s, whether it be as an usher, acolyte, Eucharistic minister, or member of the choir.
The service also includes a homily, or sermon from the Priest designated for that day. Fr. Tyler is the current Dean and Rector at St. Mark's, and we are blessed to have Mtr. Holly, our Associate Priest, and a number of retired clergy to assist in leading worship.
Here is a website containing videos of an instructed Eucharist.
Do you need to
Dress a certain
way?
It’s up to you! Some come dressed in their “Sunday best” while others prefer more casual attire such as jeans and a nice shirt. The same goes for children. We invite you and your family to dress in whatever way you feel is comfortable and appropriate.
All baptized Christians are welcome to take Communion in the Episcopal Church. When it is time for you to go forward to the altar rail, an usher will direct your row to proceed forward to the altar rail at the front of the church. When you arrive, please take the next open spot. Our custom is to kneel, but standing is perfectly fine if that is more comfortable. Place your open hands in front of you or rest them on the rail to receive the wafer (gluten-free wafers are available - just ask for one). To sip the wine from the chalice, guide it to your lips with your hand on the base of the chalice. If you do not wish to receive the wine you can return to your seat after receiving the bread. Receiving just bread alone is considered full communion. If you are unable to come to the rail, please let an usher know, and we will bring Communion to you.
All baptized children are welcome to receive communion. You or your child are also welcome to a blessing if you would prefer that instead of taking the bread and wine. Simply come to the rail or altar, kneel if you like, and cross your arms over your chest. This will indicate you are receiving a blessing in lieu of Communion.
Should I take COmmunion?
Please feel free to move about the sanctuary or leave to use the restroom at any time. We do, however, ask that you exercise caution when moving about so as not to disturb the worship of other people. Generally, it’s easiest to leave without disturbance during hymns or other music, and most difficult during prayers or readings.
Can I move about
During Services?
Nursery care is available for children ages 1-5 most Sundays during the 10:30 worship service. Our nursery is located in the basement of the Cathedral. The nursery program is Montessori-inspired and follows a Godly Play approach modified to meet the needs of toddlers and preschoolers. To learn more about the nursery click here. We also welcome the presence of babies and young children in our services—noise and all. Activity bags are available at the rear of the church for those who choose to keep their children with them in the pews. Many families who use the nursery bring their child up into the worship at or after the peace so they can receive Communion or a blessing.
Are there ChildCare Services available?
Will I be asked to introduce myself or do anything uncomfortable?
No, you will not. At the passing of the peace, people around you will greet you and may offer a handshake or a hug. They may introduce themselves then or after the service. You need not do anything that would make you uncomfortable.
I see people crossing themselves. Do I have to?
What does it mean?
Crossing oneself, or making the sign of the cross, is optional. There are many customs in the Episcopal Church that fall into the category of “all may, some should, none must.” This is one of them. We worship with our mind, body and spirit. Involving our body in worship may include making the sign of the cross, kneeling or standing for prayer, standing to sing, and genuflecting or bowing when leaving the pew for Communion. People who choose to make the sign of the cross generally do so when giving or receiving a blessing, at the absolution (forgiveness of sins), and at mention of the Trinity and the resurrection. Participate as you feel led.
HOw do I address the
clergy at St. Mark’s?
Most people call our priests by their first name, but some prefer to call them by the title Father or Mother + their first name. You may also call a Deacon by the title Deacon + their first name. Use what you feel most comfortable with. “The Reverend” is more commonly used as a title when referring to clergy in the third person or in formal writing.
What does
Episcopal Mean?
“Episcopos” is the Greek word for ‘bishop,’ so “Episcopal” means ‘governed by bishops.’ Episcopal bishops lead a diocese, or group, of churches and watch over their unity and practice. Our bishops are consecrated in what is known as the apostolic succession, a symbolic passing on of authority from bishop to bishop. Bishops in the Episcopal Church trace their lineage back to Jesus and the Apostles through the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church.
What is the anglican communion?
The Episcopal Church was established in the United States shortly after the American Revolution. Before that time, we were part of the Church of England. When the American colonies won their independence, most of America’s Anglican clergy refused to swear allegiance to the British monarch as was required by the Church of England. As a result, the Episcopal Church was formed. After a few years, the Episcopal Church regained a relationship with the Church of England, and the Anglican Communion came into existence. Today, the Anglican Communion has more than 85 million members in 44 regional and national member churches in more than 160 countries.
The archbishop of Canterbury is the spiritual head of the Anglican Communion and is considered “first among equals” within the Anglican Communion. The archbishop does not have the same authority within the Anglican Communion that the pope has in the Roman Catholic Church.
How do I make an Appointment with a Priest?
Anyone is welcome to make an appointment to visit with a member of our clergy. You can call the Cathedral office at 801. 322.3400 or email info@stmarksutah.org.
What is The
Book of Common Prayer?
The Book of Common Prayer, also called the ‘BCP’ or just ‘the prayer book’ forms the basis for public worship and private devotion in The Episcopal Church. The BCP contains all of our liturgies, as well as a variety of forms for celebrating the Sacraments and resources for personal devotion. An online version of the Book of Common Prayer is available here.
ARE LGBT People
REALLY WELCOME?
Absolutely. The Episcopal Church and the Cathedral Church of St. Mark affirm the holiness of queer people and relationships, and fully include LGBT+ individuals in the life and worship of the Church. All of the sacraments, including Baptism, Communion, and ordination to be deacons, priests, or bishops, are available to people regardless of gender or sexuality.
What do you believe
about divorce?
We affirm that committed relationships and marriages are lifelong and monogamous, but we also recognize that some relationships are unhealthy and must end. We believe there is grace after divorce, and we do not deny the sacraments to those who have been divorced.
Does the Episcopal Church
have confession?
Yes. The Rite of Reconciliation of a Penitent is offered by any Episcopal priest upon request. We do not, however, have confessionals, and we don’t require private confession to receive Holy Communion. Except during Easter season, most public worship services include a corporate prayer of confession followed by an absolution.
Does the Episcopal Church baptize infants?
Yes. Infants are baptized because we believe the grace given at baptism is for everyone and should not be reserved until one can make a profession of faith. It is NOT a declaration that unbaptized infants are going to hell. On the contrary, baptism is a sacrament that confers membership in the Body of Christ and offers a child the opportunity to live and grow in the midst of the Christian community of the church. Parents, godparents, and the witnessing community take on the solemn responsibility for the child’s upbringing and commit to raising the child in the Christian faith. We believe that Baptism is the beginning of a person’s walk with Christ, rather than its culmination. When baptized children reach an age of maturity they may participate in a mature, public reaffirmation of the Christian faith and the baptismal promises through the rite of confirmation. However, children are fully initiated into the Church at baptism and confirmation is not a requirement to take communion.
What are
the Sacraments?
We believe that the Sacraments are “outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain
means by which we receive that grace” (BCP 857). Episcopalians believe in 2+5 sacraments.
Baptism and Holy Communion are known as the ‘sacraments of the Gospel’ because they were instituted by Jesus Christ Himself.
Reconciliation, Holy Matrimony, Confirmation, Annointing of the Sick, and Ordination are known as the ‘sacraments of the Church’ or ‘sacramental rites,’ and are means of grace instituted by the Church for its governance and wellbeing.
Can Anyone Get
married at St. Mark’s?
Generally, weddings and funerals at the Cathedral are reserved for parish members. Please contact our church admin at info@stmarksutah.org if you have any questions.
I have already been baptized
Do I have to be baptized again?
The Episcopal Church recognizes all baptisms done with water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We do not re-baptize. If you are unsure whether you have been baptized, we will do a conditional baptism, saying, “If you are not already baptized, then I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
How do I join
St. Mark’s Parish?
All are welcome to attend the Cathedral to discern if St. Mark’s is the right place for your next church home. We encourage you to participate as much as you feel comfortable. See service times. If you are interested in being baptized or confirmed please contact the Cathedral office and arrange for a time of preparation with Fr. Tyler or Mtr. Holly. Confirmation classes are offered each year beginning in January, and confirmations take place during the Bishop’s annual visitation on the feast of Pentecost.
Sit, stand, kneel, How will I know what to do?
In general, we stand to sing, praise, and hear the Gospel; we sit during all other readings of scripture and for the sermon; and we may kneel for prayer and to receive Communion. Some stand and some kneel during the Eucharistic Prayer. If you are unsure what to do, follow the example of those around you. If standing or kneeling for periods of time is difficult for you, feel free to remain seated.
ARe you guys Catholic?
Sure looks Catholic.
The Episcopal Church describes itself as "Protestant, yet Catholic.” The Episcopal Church claims apostolic succession, tracing its bishops back to the apostles via holy orders. Often you will hear the Episcopal Church described as via media (Latin for “middle way”) or the middle way between the two extremes of Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. The Episcopal Church has retained many of the traditions of Catholic practice but without submission to papal authority. We have a uniformity of worship, but considerable latitude for individual conscience. Via media is often misunderstood in a negative way to mean compromise or unwillingness to take a firm position. However, for Aristotle and those Anglicans who have used it, the term refers to the "golden mean" which is recognized as a more adequate expression of truth between the weaknesses of extreme positions.
Who is Michael Curry
& What is A PResiding Bishop?
"Being a Christian is not essentially about joining a church or being a nice person, but about following in the footsteps of Jesus, taking his teachings seriously, letting his Spirit take the lead in our lives, and in so doing helping to change the world from our nightmare into God’s dream.” ― Michael Curry
The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry is the Presiding Bishop and Primate (Chief Arch Bishop) of the Episcopal Church. He is the Chief Pastor and serves as President and Chief Executive Officer, and as Chair of the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church. He is not the Pope of our church, but an elected leader among equals.
Presiding Bishop Curry was installed as the 27th Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church on November 1, 2015. He was elected to a nine-year term and confirmed at the 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Salt Lake City, UT, on June 27, 2015.
