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, JANUARY 7–JANUARY 28, 2024, 12:30–2 P.M., Leffler Living Room.

This January series is in person only. Registration required.

  • WEEK 1: Images of God | January 7, 2024
  • WEEK 2: How We Read Scripture | January 14, 2024
  • WEEK 3: The Way We Worship | January 21, 2024
  • WEEK 4: Spiritual Practices | January 28, 2024

Attendees who are interested in baptism, confirmation, reception into the Episcopal Church or reaffirmation of faith are strongly encouraged to attend both the Inquirers' Class series and Contours of the Christian Life, a new formation series beginning in Lent.

Register to participate by submitting this form. Please contact Canon Wendy Claire Barrie with questions: wbarrie@saintmarks.org

2024 Dates for Baptism, Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation

2024 Baptism Dates

Sunday, January 7, 2024 - The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord
Saturday, March 30, 2024 - The Great Vigil of Easter
Sunday, May 19, 2024 - The Feast of Pentecost
Sunday, November 3, 2024 - All Saints' Sunday

Confirmation, Reception, Reaffirmation 2024
Cathedral Day Saturday, April 27

Forms

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

Previous Meeting Resources

Syllabus subject to change. Resources for each week will be posted here as they become available.

WEEK 1: Images of God | September 17, 2023

Biblical Language for a God Who Transcends Gender by Dr. Wil Gafney

Searching for a Jesus Who Looks More Like Me by Eric V. Copage

God in Feminine Form by Daneen Akers

Canon Barrie's blogpost on talking about God.

WEEK 2: How We Read Scripture | September 24, 2023

Episcopalian and contemplative practices teacher Lindsay Boyer provides simple and clear instructions for two ways of exploring scripture passages, lectio divina and Ignatian meditation (sometimes referred to as imaginative prayer).

The second -ever episode of the podcast The Bible for Normal People is with Richard Rohr and offers a contemplative view of the Bible.

WEEK 3: The Way We Worship | October 1, 2023

WEEK 4: Spiritual Practices | October 8, 2023

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.