Whether you haven’t been to church in a long time or are brand new to Christianity, we have assembled a quick guide to help you feel welcome and at home when attending the Cathedral Church of St. Mark.
What to Expect
When you arrive you will be met by a greeter who will welcome you with a smile, answer any questions you have, and help you find your way to the sanctuary. If you like, they can also find someone to sit with you and explain anything that is unfamiliar. An usher will give you a program that outlines the service. Please sit anywhere you like.
At the 10:30 a.m. service, everything you need to follow the service is in your bulletin. Follow along the scripture reading and prayers, see what hymn number we will be singing, and find information on when to stand or sit as you feel comfortable. While there are Bibles and prayer books in the aisles, we put all the info in the program so you don't have to juggle so many books.
If you are familiar with Roman Catholic or Lutheran services, you will find our worship quite familiar. If you are from a non-liturgical church background, listen and observe, participate as you are comfortable, and ask questions. It won’t take long for you to feel right at home.
What DO I Wear?
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.
WHAT DO I DO?
The format for worship is outlined in the program given to you by the ushers when you arrive. During the service you will see singing of hymns by the congregation and choir, prayers from the clergy and prayers where we all speak together, as well as scripture reading and a sermon. The entire service is about an hour.
Worship in the Episcopal Church is liturgical. Liturgy means “work of the people,” and our worship seeks to engage us in body, mind, and spirit. The liturgy for Sundays consists of two parts. The Liturgy of the Word consists of the prayers, scripture readings and a sermon, an affirmation of faith, corporate confession and absolution, and an exchange of peace (greeting one another in the name of Christ). The second part of the service is the Liturgy of the Eucharist. It begins with the offerings of the congregation and continues with the Eucharistic Prayer, the Lord’s Prayer, the consecration of the bread and wine, Communion, a concluding prayer of thanksgiving, a blessing, and a dismissal. All baptized Christians are welcome at the Lord’s table. Unbaptized children and adults are welcome to come to the communion rail and receive a blessing from the priest in lieu of taking the bread and wine. To do this, simply cross your arms across your chest as an indication you are seeking a blessing. If you cannot walk to the communion rail, let the priest or usher know, and a priest will come to you.
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.
WILL I be asked
to do stuff?
No, you will not. At the passing of the peace, people around you will greet you and may offer a handshake. They may introduce themselves then or after the service. You need not do anything that would make you uncomfortable.
Feel free to say hi
& stay for coffee
Following the 10:30 service on Sundays people meet in the Dean’s Hall at the back of the church to socialize, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and have light refreshments. Feel free to come by and say hi, introduce yourself to Fr. Tyler, Mtr. Holly and meet other parish members.