Intergenerational Council
The Intergenerational Council consists of Saint Mark’s community members ranging from youth to elders who gather to examine the cathedral’s activities and policies from a range of generational perspectives, and to envision ways of being Church in today’s world. Through intentionally intergenerational programming, small group gatherings, and innovative ways to incorporate those new to Saint Mark’s, the council aims to foster spiritual growth and nourishing relationships among members of the cathedral, as we seek to become Beloved Community.
Contact: Wendy Claire Barrie, Canon for Intergenerational Ministries [wbarrie@saintmarks.org]
Sunday Forum
Sunday Forums foster relationships within the Saint Mark’s community, provide an opportunity to meet distinguished guests, or draw us into a deeper consideration of an element of the Christian faith and life.
Saint Mark’s offers a variety of formation opportunities on Wednesday evenings. These offerings are known as Cathedral Commons, since they provide a space in which the cathedral community can come together to share, learn, and grow. The evening begins with Evening Prayer in the nave at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Community Dinner served in Bloedel Hall, 6–6:30 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family) A presentation or forum then frequently follows the Wednesday dinner, 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. Many of these offerings are hybrid, offered both to those gathered in person in Bloedel Hall and to those joining from home online. Others are offered online via Zoom only, and some are offered only in person.
Cathedral Commons
Saint Mark’s offers a variety of formation opportunities on Wednesday evenings. These offerings are known as Cathedral Commons, since they provide a space in which the cathedral community can come together to share, learn, and grow. The evening begins with Evening Prayer in the nave at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Community Dinner served in Bloedel Hall, 6–6:30 p.m. ($6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family) A presentation or forum then frequently follows the Wednesday dinner, 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. Many of these offerings are hybrid, offered both to those gathered in person in Bloedel Hall and to those joining from home online. Others are offered online via Zoom only, and some are offered only in person.
Contact: Canon Wendy Claire Barrie [wbarrie@saintmarks.org]
The Inquirers' Class
This four-week series offered in fall and winter is facilitated by clergy and canons and explores the basics of the Christian faith through the lens of the Episcopal Church. Whether you are new to Saint Mark’s or simply interested in sharing and learning, we welcome your participation. After completing the series, many people decide to receive the sacrament of baptism or are confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church. Attendees are strongly encouraged to attend all four sessions.
Contact: Canon Wendy Claire Barrie [wbarrie@saintmarks.org]
Contours of the Christian Life
This series, a natural follow-up to the Inquirers’ Class, focuses on deepening our faith, our practices, and our relationships as Episcopalians. Participants commit to a series of sessions in Lent 2026 as part of a journey taken with others in community. Most sessions are held on Wednesday evenings as part of the Cathedral Commons offerings. Contours of the Christian Life provides further preparation for baptism, confirmation, and reception into the Episcopal Church.
Contact: Canon Wendy Claire Barrie [wbarrie@saintmarks.org]
The Radix Project
Saint Mark’s launched The Radix Project: Small Groups/Deep Roots in January 2020. It was conceived as an opportunity to gather in small groups of 8–12 participants with a threefold focus: reflecting together on Holy Scripture and sacred art, sharing personal stories, and praying for one another with intention. Every Radix series begins with an opening plenary presentation which introduces the theme. Each group is guided by a facilitator and meets for 90 minutes, once a week for six weeks. Some groups meet in person, while others meet only online. Radix group members are both local and far-flung, and do not need to be otherwise connected to Saint Mark’s to participate.
Contact: Canon Wendy Claire Barrie [wbarrie@saintmarks.org]
Sacred Ground
Sacred Ground is an intense, small-group learning cohort which will meet over eleven sessions from October 2025 through June 2026. Seven sessions will be via zoom, with four in person at Saint Mark’s. Capacity is limited. The series is built around a powerful online curriculum of documentary films and readings that focus on Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American histories as they intersect with European American histories. Sacred Ground is part of The Episcopal Church’s long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives, our ministries, and our society. This series is open to all and especially designed to help white people talk with other white people openly and honestly about racial history and learning.
Contact: Hannah Hochkeppel: sacredground@saintmarks.org
Education for Ministry (EfM)
Do you want to go deeper into your faith in an intentional, ongoing way? Do you want to form lasting connections with others who also seek that deepening of their spiritual life? Consider registering for Education for Ministry (EfM), the Episcopal Church’s most in-depth adult Christian education course. Study the Bible, history, and theology, as well as connect faith and life experiences through theological reflection. EfM is a program of The University of the South’s School of Theology in Sewanee.
Admission requires a solid commitment to attend the weekly seminars and to spend between two and four hours in study and preparation weekly during the academic year (September–June). It is a four-year program, but students commit to one year at a time. Each class is limited to 12 people. EfM is also available online for students who are not able to attend the weekly seminars. Two different classes meet weekly, September to June, at Saint Mark’s: Mondays, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m., and Mondays, 6–8 p.m.
Children's Chapel
Children’s Chapel is offered each Sunday at the 9 a.m. service. Children in preschool through second grade are invited to join the Gospel procession around the Deacon as the Gospel is proclaimed. Then they process to Thomsen Chapel for the Gospel story in a developmentally appropriate telling, singing, and prayer. They return to their families at the Peace. Younger children may attend accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
Contact: Canon Wendy Claire Barrie [wbarrie@saintmarks.org]
Godly Play
Saint Mark’s has a significant history with Godly Play, long considered the gold standard of children’s formation in The Episcopal Church. It is offered at 10:10 am on the first and third Sundays of the month from September through June, except in November 2025 and April 2026, when it will meet on the second and third Sundays. The classes for children in preschool through second grade and for third through fifth grade students, meet on the mezzanine of the St. Nicholas building. Used in 77 countries worldwide, this Montessori-based method recognizes that children are already in relationship with God. It invites them to wonder deeply about the core stories of scripture and imaginatively explore our liturgical traditions as it gives them practice in speaking the language of our Christian faith. Teachers receive specialized training and must pass a background check and complete Safe Church training.
Contact: Canon Wendy Claire Barrie [wbarrie@saintmarks.org]
Youth Group
Saint Mark’s Youth play, worship, learn, serve, and eat together. Guest speakers, service projects, outdoor activities, retreats, classes, liturgical leadership and inter-generational participation offer the youth many ways to connect with each other and the cathedral community. Deep thoughts, loving spirits and holy silliness are all present when the youth gather.
Contact: Rebekah Gilmore: [rgilmore@saintmarks.org]
Second Sunday Book Group
Saint Mark’s Book Group meets the second Sunday of odd-numbered months to share our enthusiasm for books we love and to get introduced to books we might not have chosen on our own. We read both fiction and non-fiction books that we hope will expand our worldview, our knowledge of our own history and culture and, perhaps, will even make us wiser about ourselves. Sometimes an expert in the subject joins the discussion. All are welcome to participate.
Contact: Pearl McElhern [mcelheranp@gmail.com]
Tuesday Bible Study
Would you like the Sunday scripture readings to have more meaning for you? Tuesday Bible Study provides a weekly conversation around the lectionary readings appointing for the upcoming Sunday. This long-standing Saint Mark’s formation ministry dates back to the historic days of Dean Leffler, when it was called “The Dean’s Bible Study.” Today, the group meets online via Zoom from 12–1:30 p.m. for study, reflection, and prayer. The facilitators rotate through cathedral staff, clergy, and knowledgeable volunteers. Join early at 11:30 a.m. for relaxed conversation and social time.
To get the Zoom link for this lively discussion, contact Lynne Cobb: biblestudy@saintmarks.org
Center for Spirituality and Action
Our life in Christ is grounded in community and mutuality, and we need companions along the way as we seek to deepen our relationships with God, others, self and creation. Drawing on tried-and-true monastic rhythms of prayer and service, Saint Mark’s invites individuals who seek to go deeper in their spiritual practices to form intentional community. Participants will form mutual commitments to daily prayer, regular gatherings for worship and spiritual formation, occasional retreats, and spiritual direction—all of which informs our service in the world, which in turn informs our prayer life. Leffler House on the Cathedral campus will serve as base camp for The Center for Spirituality and Action.
Contact: The Rev. Carol Westpfahl [CSADirector@saintmarks.org]
The Wisdom School
The mission of the Wisdom School is to offer a balanced path for spiritual transformation grounded in prayer and practice, drawing on the Christian contemplative tradition while respecting the diversity of experiences born from contemplative practices of other traditions. Since its launch in 2016 hundreds of people have participated in a variety of offerings including guided retreats, wisdom practice days, workshops and forums, and seasonal contemplative offerings. The space for reasoned discourse, lifelong learning, and spiritual renewal is held sacred for all seekers, whether they worship at the cathedral or not.
Contact: The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason [sthomason@saintmarks.org]