Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, consider attending this four-class series, facilitated by clergy and staff, where we explore the basics of the Christian faith through an Episcopal lens. Whether you are new to Saint Mark’s, or simply interested in sharing and learning more, you are welcome. 

NEXT SERIES: FOUR SUNDAYS, STARTING SEPTEMBER 14, 2025, 12:30–2 P.M., Leffler Living Room; registration required

This series is in-person only. A hybrid offering, with in-person and Zoom options, will be offered in Winter 2026.

  • September 14: How We Worship (this class will meet in the cathedral nave)
  • September 21: Images of God
  • September 28: How We Read Scripture
  • October 5: Prayer and Spiritual Practices

REGISTER USING THIS FORM

Please contact Canon Wendy Claire Barrie with questions: wbarrie@saintmarks.org

Winter 2026 Inquirers' Class

The next series of classes, which will be offered in hybrid format, will be on four non-consecutive Sundays:

  • January 4, 2026
  • January 11, 2026
  • February 1, 2026
  • February 8, 2026

Upcoming Dates for Baptism, Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation

2025/26 Baptism Dates

  • Sunday, November 2, 2025 – All Saints' Sunday
  • Sunday, January 11, 2026 – The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord
  • Saturday, April 4, 2026 – The Great Vigil of Easter
  • Sunday, May 24, 2026 – The Feast of Pentecost
  • Sunday, November 1, 2026 – The Feast of All Saints

2026 Confirmation, Reception, Reaffirmation Dates

Forms

Questions about these forms may be directed to Canon Wendy Claire Barrie: wbarrie@saintmarks.org. 

 

Class Resources

Resources and references will be posted here following each class. 

WEEK 1: The Way We Worship | September 14, 2025 

WEEK 2: Images of God | September 21

WEEK 3: How We Read Scripture | September 28

  • An article about there’s an Updated Edition of the New Revised Standard Edition, and what Bibles are for: "An Even Better Bible" (The Christian Century, Feb. 2023)
  • This article (pre NRSVue) tells how to choose a study bible and provides insights on translations.
  • Here’s what the Episcopal Church says about the Apocrypha. You may be interested in this longer article explaining why we value these books.
  • Learn more about the groundbreaking work of Episcopal priest and womanist theologian Dr. Wil Gafney in this article.
  • All Saints Episcopal Church in California has two excellent LGBTQ+ resources dealing with the “clobber passages.” You’ll also want to scroll down the page for the Rev. Susan Russell’s FAQs.
  • The Bible for Normal People is a great podcast. In this episode, Fr. Richard Rohr takes a contemplative look at scripture.

WEEK 4: Prayer & Spiritual Practices | October 5

Definitions:

  • Baptism: This sacramental rite is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the church. God establishes an indissoluble bond with each person in Baptism, adopting us and making us members of the church and inheritors of the Kingdom of God [BCP, p. 298, 858].
  • Confirmation: The sacramental rite by which candidates confirm their baptismal promises by expressing “a mature commitment to Christ and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop” [BCP, p. 860].
  • Reception into the Episcopal Church: Baptized persons who have been members of another Christian denomination and wish to become affiliated with the Episcopal Church may make a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their baptism in the presence of a bishop.
  • Reaffirmation: Those who have entered a new level of spiritual life or who are returning to church after a period of absence may reaffirm their baptismal vows in the presence of a bishop.

Useful Links

About Sponsors

Sponsors accompany someone on their journey and in congregational life as they move toward baptism, confirmation or reception. Learn about others’ experiences in this handout, or watch the video below:

The Episcopal Church can use particular words that connect to how we worship, engage in spiritual practices, and express what we believe. These may seem intimidating at first glance. Below are some resources to help (asking clergy and staff is always welcome too or signing up for the next Inquirers' Class.
Welcome to a Life of Faith in the Episcopal Church by Megan Castellan
  • Provides frequently encountered vocabulary and overviews of worship, history and The Book of Common Prayer. Available here for loan from the Diocesan Resource Center.
Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices by Scott Gunn and Melody Wilson Shobe
  • Walks through the liturgical year and provides insights about the sacraments, daily prayer and Anglican teachings. Available here for loan from the Diocesan Resource Center.
The Ultimate Quest: A Geek's Guide to The Episcopal Church by Jordan Haynie Ware
  • Engages youth, young adults, seekers and proclaimed "geeks" with a humorous translation of Episcopal practices. Available here for loan from the Diocesan Resource Center.
The Episcopal Church Glossary of Terms
  • This online glossary contains a definition for many words that you may encounter in participating in the life of our Saint Mark's community.