Cathedral Day 2026 is SATURDAY, APRIL 26!
A “family reunion” for the Diocese of Olympia
Cathedral Day is a “family reunion” for Episcopalians from across western Washington—a time for connecting across communities, experiencing your cathedral in a new light... and having a lot of fun. There’s something for everyone—no matter your age!
A liturgy of Holy Eucharist with the rites of Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation for candidates from parishes near and far begins at 10:30 a.m., opening with a grand, colorful procession of parish banners.
Following the service, all are invited to enjoy lunch from food trucks and participate in activities for all ages. (Food truck lunch is free with advance registration.) Afternoon activities include face painting, demonstration of the Mighty Flentrop, paper airplane launch from the organ loft, docent-led tour including the crypt, a walk through the Greenbelt, and more!
NEW IN 2025:
- Bishop Phil LaBelle was joined by Bishop Melissa Skelton for the Rites of Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation.
- Saint Mark's own Julia Cooper and friends played bluegrass (banjo, fiddle, bass) on the labyrinth following the liturgy
- In addition to face painting, Camp Huston offered lawn games such as corn hole and ladder toss.
- Food truck cuisine in 2025 included South American arepas, Pan-Asian noodles and curry and Levantine specialties such as falafel and shwarma.
TYPICAL SCHEDULE OF THE DAY
(Specifics of the 2026 service will be posted here when available.)
- 8:30 a.m.: Check-in opens for participants in the liturgy
- 9:15 a.m.: Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation Rehearsal – Confirmands, Sponsors, Clergy, Church Representatives gather in the nave for rehearsal, meet with Bishop Phil LaBelle.
- 10:10 a.m.: Assemble for Procession – Candidates, sponsors, clergy, and banner holders line up and prepare to process into Saint Mark’s. All congregations attending Cathedral Day are invited to bring their banners and be a part of this procession.
- 10:30 a.m.: Confirmation Liturgy – A liturgy of Holy Eucharist with the rites of confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation for candidates from parishes near and far will open with a grand, colorful procession of parish banners.
- Following the service: Lunch – Food trucks will be at-the-ready outside the cathedral. Register your whole family here for a free lunch at your choice of three eateries.
- 12:30–2 p.m.: Activities for All Ages – Take a liturgical hike through the Greenbelt, join docent-led tour of the cathedral and crypt; hear a demonstration of the mighty Flentrop organ; launch recycled paper airplanes from the organ loft; walk the labyrinth; and bring seeds from our seed library back to your home or church!
Check out the 1-minute "teaser" video filmed in 2018 below:
Above: The first Cathedral Day in Seattle, May 1931. Below: Views of Cathedral Day through the years. Click to enlarge.
Past Cathedral Day liturgy videos and leaflets:
Video and service leaflets from past Cathedral Day liturgies can be found here:
(Cathedral Day was suspended in 2020 and 2021.)