Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral strives to be...

  • a house of prayer for all people, where we worship God and proclaim the reconciling Gospel of Jesus Christ
  • a loving, welcoming, inclusive community that nurtures faith, encourages service, and integrates social and environmental justice into our lives;
  • a sacred gathering place for the Diocese of Olympia and the broader community in times of crisis, sorrow, and celebration.

Saint Mark's Cathedral is part of the Episcopal Church, and as a cathedral, serves as the seat of the Bishop of the Diocese of Olympia.

 

The Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and traces its heritage to the beginning of Christianity. Some of the distinguishing features of this church are:

  • Men, women, and nonbinary people, as well as LGBTQ people, participate fully in the ministry and governance of the church, and all are eligible to serve as ordained clergy (deacons, priests, and bishops), and at all levels of church leadership.
  • The "three-legged stool" of Holy Scripture, tradition, and reason are central to the expression of our faith. The Bible is basic to what we believe and how we believe it.
  • We worship in the forms of ancient tradition, as preserved in The Book of Common Prayer, and consult our spiritual ancestors as we find our own way forward.
  • We think about what we believe, drawing from the broad range of human understanding and personal experience.
  • Holy Communion forms the center and high point of our worship.

 

 

Saint Mark's Guiding Themes 

Themes of the 2024 Strategic Plan are designed to support Saint Mark's mutual ministry goals and guide ministries in their work and planning.  

Being Rooted in Spiritual Practices
We are formed by spiritual practices: prayer, worship, study, acts of justice, pilgrimage, retreat, generosity, Sabbath, and the care of Creation.

Empowering the Call to Action and Service 
We support all in discerning and living out their call to ministry and commit to developing healthy ministry leaders.

Cultivating Diverse Community
We actively seek and nurture diverse community through listening, connection, and collaboration. 

Stewarding Our Resources
We give generously of our time, talent, finances, and property, and care for the Earth as we respond to the world’s needs.

Expanding Regional Reach and Welcome
We welcome all and serve as a gathering place for the Diocese of Olympia, the Seattle community, and interfaith and mission-related organizations.

Connecting and Telling Our Stories 
We offer creative ways to connect with one another, navigate ministry resources, and tell our stories as a Parish and Cathedral.

 

2024 Strategic Plan 

On Saturday, February 10, 2024 the Vestry adopted the 2024 Strategic Plan at its annual working retreat. This culminated a seven month process of developing the strategic plan initiated by the Vestry in 2023. The Strategic Planning Committee gathered input from 70+ ministries, an all-parish survey, and several engagement activities within the parish. Learn more here. Questions? Email strategicplanning@saintmarks.org.

 

 

Learn more

2023 Annual Report

2022 Annual Report

2021 Annual Report

2021 Statement of Lament and Commitment to Action

2020 Annual Report (published January 2021)

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About The Episcopal Church

Saint Mark's History