Saint Mark’s offers a variety of social and formation opportunities on Wednesday night. These offerings are known as the Cathedral Commons, since they provide a space in which the cathedral parish community can come together to share, learn, and grow.
Many of these offerings are presented as "hybrid" events, with a full experience available both to those gathered in person in Bloedel Hall, and to those joining from home online. Others are offered online via Zoom only, and certain events (such as the Rogation Day procession and Twelfth Night gathering) are offered only in person.
Special events, presentations, and forums sometimes occur on other weeknights—these events are also posted on this page.
WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE
5:30 p.m. | Evening Prayer in McCaw Chapel (behind the altar platform in the cathedral nave).
6–6:30 p.m. | A community dinner, prepared by Chef Marc Aubertin and his team, is served in Bloedel Hall. (Due to food safety requirements, food service must end at 6:30 p.m. sharp.) Cost: $6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family.
Cathedral Commons is offered during the program year, September through May. Occasionally, we will not have a forum offering on Wednesdays.
UPCOMING OFFERINGS
Please note: Schedule and descriptions subject to change.
God and the Alcoholic Experience: Suffering and Solidarity with the Addicted
1 in 6 Americans struggle with addiction at any given moment. Recovery and healing are found through solidarity with fellow addicts, forming community, and service to others.
On Spiritual Darkness
It’s easy to rejoice when we feel God’s presence: a moving service, a beautiful vista, an answered prayer. But when God feels absent, it’s another story. We can easily assume that we’ve failed God somehow, that God is disappointed in us or even angry. Spiritual darkness can be a hopeful sign that we are growing closer to God and more deeply connected to our neighbors.
Cathedral Commons: Unrecognized: The Duwamish Tribe
We will offer a viewing of the documentary film: Unrecognized: The Duwamish Tribe. This film by BJ Bullert explores the impact of the federal government's broken treaty with the Duwamish at a human, personal scale. The central figure in the documentary is Bullert's husband Ken Workman, Duwamish Council Member and descendent of Chief Seattle. A discussion with Bullert and Workman will follow the film.
Talking to God in the Whirlwind: A Sufferer’s Wisdom in the Book of Job
How are we to make sense of suffering when God so blithely allows the life of his servant Job to disintegrate into dust and ashes?
RECENT WEEKDAY OFFERINGS
Radix 17 Opening Plenary: The Book of Job
For the seventeenth iteration of The Radix Project, Saint Mark's series of small group discussions, we are focusing on the Book of Job. All are welcome to join for the opening plenary, whether you have registered for a small group or not. If you have ever argued with God, or wondered if you could, if you’ve questioned how human suffering and God’s justice can co-exist, if you have asked yourself how to be with someone who is grieving, you’re invited … Read More
When is Suffering Redemptive, and Who Decides?
Much has been written about redemptive suffering; that is, the possibility of suffering for the sake of justice or love leading to a greater good. Others counter that the concept is unjust and contributes to further victimization. We’ll question whether redemption is in the eye of the beholder and consider what roles grace and resurrection play in how we make meaning of our suffering.
Cathedral Commons: Cultivating Beloved Community
The Affordable Housing Committee and Kendall Clawson, the consultant for Saint Mark's CBO will share about their work of "repent and repair" as the cathedral prepares to welcome new neighbors to Cathedral Place, an affordable housing community on the property of the St. Nicholas School to the north of the cathedral. As part of this effort, the Committee is telling the story of how Saint Mark's intends to co-create beloved community through a community-based organization that will offer services and … Read More