Below is the archived page for Lent 2023. Information for 2024 can be found here.

Saint Mark's Cathedral marks the journey through Lent with liturgies and a variety of other offerings.

As in previous years, Dean Thomason has encouraged everyone to create or review their funeral plans during the Lenten season, and to share those plans with their loved ones and with the cathedral. As introduced last year, we are also encouraged to write or review our wills. The Dean's forum on Sunday morning, February 26, will discuss this invitation.

A note about events in the cathedral nave: This year, all liturgies are open to all without pre-registration. All seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Following the most recent advice from local public health officials, face masks inside the cathedral are currently recommended (not required). The south section of the seating in the cathedral nave is set apart as a "masked & distanced" section, where all must remain masked and distanced from others. Places in the distanced section are limited, and also available on a first-come, first-served basis. (The preceding applied to Saint Mark's liturgies, and may not apply to events by outside groups hosted at the cathedral, such as the Choir or the Sound or Seattle Choral Company concerts, who may set their own policies.)

 

This video of "The Way of the Cross," a liturgy from The Book of Occasional Services, premiered during Holy Week 2020, and is available to be engaged with a aid to prayer at any time. It features the sculptural interpretation of the traditional Stations of the Cross by artist Virginia Maksymowicz and music by James Falzone. It was directed and edited by David Wild. Learn more about the Stations here.

LENT

February 22: Ash Wednesday

7 a.m.  •  Ash Wednesday Liturgy

Holy Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes (in person only)

12 p.m. •  Ash Wednesday Liturgy

Holy Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes (livestream and in person)

7 p.m. •  Ash Wednesday Liturgy

Holy Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes (livestream and in person)


During Lent, Saint Mark's is collaborating with St. Paul's, Seattle, to offer Morning Prayer at 8:30 a.m., Monday–Friday, in addition to Evening Prayer at 6 p.m., Monday–Friday. Learn more hereAlso during Lent, the in-person Evening Prayer offering is suspended, and all Evening Prayer liturgies will be online via Zoom only.

 


February 26: The First Sunday in Lent

8 a.m.  •  The Holy Eucharist with Decalogue

in Thomsen Chapel; in person only

9 a.m. •  The Holy Eucharist with The Great Litany in Procession  •

in the cathedral nave; in person only

10:10 a.m.  •  Sunday Forum with Dean Thomason: Planning Your Funeral and Preparing Your Will as Lenten Practice

Adults of all ages are invited to engage in this spiritual practice for Lent. In Bloedel Hall; in person. 

11 a.m. •   Holy Eucharist with The Great Litany in Procession

in the cathedral nave; livestream and in person

7 p.m. •  Contemplative Eucharist

in person in Thomsen Chapel

7:30–Questioning Together: Theodicy and Suffering 

in person in Leffler House

9:30 p.m. •  Compline

livestream, broadcast, and in person

 

Online Morning and Evening Prayer, Cathedral Yoga, Tuesday Bible Study, Centering Prayer, and the Thursday morning liturgy are all offered as usual the week of February 27.

 

Monday, February 27

6:30–7 p.m •  Cathedral Yoga  •  Every Monday at 6:30 p.m. in the cathedral nave

 

Tuesday, February 28

12–1:30 p.m.  •  Tuesday Noon Bible Study 

Online via Zoom only. A weekly conversation about the lectionary texts for the coming week, led by a rotating member of the cathedral clergy or staff. Join early at 11:30 a.m. for social time and chat.

7–8 p.m.  •  Centering Prayer  

in the cathedral nave

 

Wednesday, March 1

6–6:30 p.m.  •  Community Dinner  •  $6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family

There is no Cathedral Commons presentation planned for March 1, but the community dinner will be served as usual. 

 

Thursday, March 2

7 a.m.  •  Thursday Morning Chapel Eucharist

7 p.m.  •  Mideast Focus Film Series presents: Inside Israeli Apartheid

 

Saturday, March 4

7:30–9:30 p.m. Kory Caudill & Wordsmith: The Concert for the Human Family 

 in person in the cathedral nave; reserve tickets here ($20–$35). Co-sponsored by Abbey Arts, Saint Mark's Cathedral, and the Office of the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.

 


March 5: The Second Sunday in Lent

8 a.m.    The Holy Eucharist 

in Thomsen Chapel; in person only

9 a.m. The Holy Eucharist  

in the cathedral nave; in person only

10–11 a.m.  Godly Play  

For ages 3 and up. In the St Nicholas Bldg., 2nd Floor

11 a.m.  Holy Eucharist  

in the cathedral nave; livestream and in person

Newcomers' Coffee Hour with Clergy 

in person only; meet in the rear of the nave following the conclusion of the 11 a.m. liturgy

4:30 p.m.  •  Choral Evensong 

in the cathedral nave; livestream and in person

7 p.m  Contemplative Eucharist  

in Thomsen Chapel; in person only

9:30 p.m  Compline

livestream, broadcast, and in person

 

Online Morning and Evening Prayer, Cathedral Yoga, Tuesday Bible Study, Centering Prayer, and the Thursday morning liturgy are all offered as usual the week of March 6.

 

Monday, March 6

6–6:30 p.m.  •  Organ Meditation before Cathedral Yoga

6:30–7 p.m •  Cathedral Yoga  •  Every Monday at 6:30 p.m. in the cathedral nave

 

Tuesday, March 7

6–8 p.m.  •  20s/30s First Tuesday Centering Prayer and Dinner 

Join members of the 20s/30s group for a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. in Leffler House, then join the Centering Prayer group from 7–8 p.m.

7–8 p.m.  •  Centering Prayer  

in the cathedral nave

 

Wednesday, March 8

6–6:30 p.m.    Community Dinner  •  $6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family

6:45–8:15 p.m.    Cathedral Commons: Hymns as Spiritual Nourishment (PART 1)

with Canon Michael Kleinschmidt; in person in Bloedel Hall only

 

Saturday, March 11

9 a.m.–12 p.m •  Cathedral Campus Gardening 

All are welcome! Just bring gloves and a water bottle.

9:30 a.m.–12 p.m •  A Lenten Quiet Morning 

A variety of contemplative spiritual practices will be offered throughout the morning in the living room at Leffler House on the cathedral campus.

Chili and Care Packages

A 20s/30s Collaboration with SMC Youth. Meet in Leffler House to assemble and stuff care packages for SMC students away at college and then enjoy a chili bar with toppings and cornbread.

 


March 12: The Third Sunday in Lent

8 a.m.  •  The Holy Eucharist  

in Thomsen Chapel; in person only

9 a.m. •  The Holy Eucharist 

in the cathedral nave; in person only

11 a.m. •  Holy Eucharist 

in the cathedral nave; livestream and in person

12Second Sunday Book Group

Discussing A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini; in person in Room 210 and online via Zoom

35 p.m.  •  *Choir of the Sound—The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace

Get tickets here

7 p.m. •  Contemplative Eucharist  

in Thomsen Chapel; in person only

9:30 p.m. • Compline 

livestream, broadcast, and in person

 

Online Morning and Evening Prayer, Cathedral Yoga, Tuesday Bible Study, and the Thursday morning liturgy are all offered as usual the week of March 13. Centering Prayer is suspended due to the Taizé service on Tuesday evening. 

 

Tuesday, March 14

6:30–7:30 p.m.  •  "Climate Conversations" with the Creation Care Ministry

online via Zoom only

Candlelit Prayer in the Style of Taizé 

in person in the cathedral nave and livestreamed

 

Wednesday, March 15

6–6:30 p.m.  •  Community Dinner  •  $6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family

6:45–8:15 p.m •  Cathedral Commons: Hymns as Spiritual Nourishment (PART 2)

with Canon Michael Kleinschmidt; in person in Bloedel Hall only

 

Thursday, March 16

7 p.m.  •   Mideast Focus Film Series presents: Tantura  

 

Friday, March 17

"Is Christianity Worth Saving?"—A One-Day Interactive Event with Brian McLaren

A six-and-a-half hour interactive experience in the cathedral nave featuring Brian McLaren, acclaimed author, speaker, activist, public theologian, and interrogator of 21st Century American Christian expression. Tickets: Regular, $39 | "Bring a Friend," $69 | "Team" (up to five people), $139. Register here.

 

Saturday, March 18

The Music Series presents: Biber’s Mystery Sonatas

in Thomsen Chapel; with Tekla Cunningham, baroque violin, Henry Lebedinsky, organ and harpsichord, and David Morris, viola da gamba and lirone. Two identical performances on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Tickets $20–25.

 


March 19: The Fourth Sunday in Lent

8 a.m.  •  The Holy Eucharist  

in Thomsen Chapel; in person only

9 a.m.  •  The Holy Eucharist  

in the cathedral nave; in person only

10–11 a.m.  Godly Play  •  For ages 3 and up.

11 a.m.  •  Holy Eucharist  

in the cathedral nave; livestream and in person

4The Music Series presents: Biber’s Mystery Sonatas

in Thomsen Chapel; with Tekla Cunningham, baroque violin, Henry Lebedinsky, organ and harpsichord, and David Morris, viola da gamba and lirone. Two identical performances on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Tickets $20–25.

7:30–9 p.m.  •  20s/30s Conversation: All Desires Known: A Theology of Sexuality   

a conversation with Dean Steve Thomason in Leffler House

7 p.m.  •  Contemplative Eucharist 

in Thomsen Chapel; in person only

9:30 p.m.  •  Special Compline of Lament and Memorial 

livestream, broadcast, and in person.

NOTE: Compline on March 19 will feature special elements of lament and memorial for the third anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Seattle.

10–10:30 p.m. • Organ by Night 

in person only

 

Online Morning and Evening Prayer, Cathedral Yoga, Tuesday Bible Study, Centering Prayer, and the Thursday morning liturgy are all offered as usual the week of March 20.

 

Monday, March 20

6:30–7 p.m •  Cathedral Yoga  •  Every Monday at 6:30 p.m. in the cathedral nave

Sound Bath after Cathedral Yoga

 

Wednesday, March 22

6–6:30 p.m.  •  Community Dinner  •  $6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family

6:45–8:15 p.m •  Cathedral Commons: Out of the Ashes—A Story of Recovery and Hope  •  in person and online 

with author and Saint Mark's member Sallie Crotty; in person in Bloedel Hall and online via Zoom

 

Saturday, March 25

*Seattle Choral Company presents: The Fruit of Silence

Featuring John Rutter's Requiem. Get tickets here

 


March 26: The Fifth Sunday in Lent

8 a.m.  •  The Holy Eucharist  

in Thomsen Chapel; in person only

9 a.m.  •  The Holy Eucharist 

in the cathedral nave; in person only

11 a.m.  •  Holy Eucharist  

in the cathedral nave; livestream and in person

7 p.m.  •  Contemplative Eucharist  

in Thomsen Chapel; in person only

9:30 p.m.  •  Compline

livestream, broadcast, and in person

 

Online Morning and Evening Prayer, Cathedral Yoga, Tuesday Bible Study, Centering Prayer, and the Thursday morning liturgy are all offered as usual the week of March 27.

 

Wednesday, March 29

6–6:30 p.m.  •  Community Dinner  •  $6/child; $8/adult; $25/max. family

 

Thursday, March 30

7 p.m.  •   Mideast Focus Film Series presents: H2: The Occupation Lab

 

Friday, March 31

20s/30s Coffee Break at Saint Bread

at Saint Bread, 1421 NE Boat Street, Seattle (University District)

 

Saturday, April 1

Saint Mark’s Cathedral Schola and Early Music Youth Academy present: Baroque Choral Favorites

a joint concert by the cathedral's youth choir and the period-instrument orchestra of Seattle Historical Arts for Kids, presenting masterworks by Vivaldi, Pergolesi, and Vivaldi

at Madison Park Beach

HOLY WEEK

UPDATE: Please see more information and explanations for each of the liturgical offerings in Holy Week 2023 here: Introduction to Holy Week 2023

 


April 2: Palm Sunday

8 a.m.  •  Palm Sunday Liturgy

Liturgy of the Palms, Passion Gospel, and Holy Eucharist; in person only in Thomsen Chapel

9 a.m. •  Palm Sunday Liturgy   

Liturgy of the Palms, Procession, Reading of the Passion, Holy Eucharist; in person only in the cathedral nave

11 a.m. •  Palm Sunday Liturgy 

Liturgy of the Palms, Procession, Reading of the Passion, Holy Eucharist;  in person in the cathedral nave and livestreamed 

12:30 p.m. •  Bilingual Stations of the Cross Liturgy 

A communal walking of the Stations of the Cross offered in English and Spanish. All are welcome. A 20s/30s brunch and discussion follows the service in Leffler House. 

12:30 p.m.  •  Newcomers' Coffee Hour with Clergy

NOTE: No Newcomers' Coffee on April 2 (Palm Sunday). The next gathering will be May 7.

4:30 p.m.  •  Choral Evensong on Palm Sunday  

in the cathedral nave; livestream and in person

7 p.m. •  Contemplative Eucharist

in person in Thomsen Chapel

9:30 p.m. •  Compline on Palm Sunday

livestream, broadcast, and in person

 


April 3: Monday in Holy Week

7 p.m.  •  Contemplative Holy Eucharist

In the Cathedral nave.

NOTE: Cathedral Yoga is cancelled on Monday, April 3. 

NOTE: Regular weekday 6 p.m. online Evening Prayer and 8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer online services are suspended throughout Holy Week. 

 


April 4: Tuesday in Holy Week

11 a.m.  •  Chrism Mass

Bishops and clergy from the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia and the Northwest Washington Synod of the ELCA will join together for a service in which holy oil is consecrated for use by communities throughout the diocese in the coming year, with renewal of clergy vows. Bishop Skelton will preside; Bishop Wee will preach. In the cathedral nave and livestreamed.

7 p.m.  •  Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing

In the cathedral nave.

NOTE: Tuesday Bible Study and Centering Prayer are canceled on Tuesday, April 4. 

 


April 5: Wednesday in Holy Week

7 p.m.  •  Tenebrae 

Chanted psalms and lamentation as darkness falls; in person in the cathedral nave and livestreamed.

NOTE: No Community Dinner or Cathedral Commons program on Wednesday in Holy Week.

 


TRIDUUM: THE SACRED THREE DAYS

 

April 6: Maundy Thursday

7 a.m.  •  Morning Prayer on Maundy Thursday

in person in Thomsen Chapel

5:30 p.m.  •  20s/30s Agape Meal

in Leffler House. Please RSVP to Luke Abdow at: labdow@saintmarks.org 

7 p.m.  •  Maundy Thursday Liturgy 

In person in the cathedral nave and livestreamed. We remember the Last Supper and Jesus' final teachings to his friends. Liturgy of The Word; Washing of Feet; Holy Eucharist. The service concludes with the Stripping of the Altar.

Vigil at the Altar of Repose  •  begins at the conclusion the Maundy Thursday Service, ends Friday morning

Bread and wine consecrated at the Maundy Thursday liturgy are left on the altar in McCaw until sunrise on Friday, and all are invited to spend an hour or more in prayer, inspired by Jesus' words in the Garden of Gethsemene, "could you not stay awake with me one hour?" This year, as in recent years, the vigil will once again be offered as an all night live video feed

 


April 7: Good Friday

11 a.m.  •  Stations of the Cross Liturgy 

12 p.m. •  Good Friday Liturgy 

in person in the cathedral nave and livestreamed

7 p.m.  •  Good Friday Liturgy 

in person in the cathedral nave and livestreamed.

Recalling the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, the Good Friday liturgy is out-of-joint. There is no Eucharist. The Passion Gospel; Solemn Collects; Contemplation of the Cross.

It is the tradition at Saint Mark's to offer The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as “private confession,” on Good Friday. If this is something you would like, please contact any member of the clergy.

 


April 8: Holy Saturday 

12 p.m.  •  Holy Saturday Liturgy

A stark liturgy from the Book of Common Prayer, in person in the cathedral nave only. Note that this liturgy will begin with 15 minutes of silent meditation, with the spoken liturgy commencing at 12:15 p.m.

8:30 p.m.  •  The Great Vigil of Easter 

The most solemn night of the Christian year. Lighting of the New Fire and Paschal Candle; Exsultet; Baptisms, First Eucharist of Easter. Music by the Senior Choristers, Cathedral Schola and Cathedral Choir. Incense is used. In person in the cathedral nave and livestreamed.

Midnight Breakfast after the Easter Vigil

at Lost Lake Cafe on Capitol Hill. Hosted by the 20s/30s Group, but all are welcome!


EASTER

 

April 9: Easter Sunday: The Feast of the Resurrection of  Our Lord Jesus Christ

6:30 a.m.  •  Outdoor Sunrise Service

A simple service of Holy Eucharist outdoors on the labyrinth. Please bring your own chair or blanket to sit on. 

8:30 a.m.  •  Festal Eucharist

Music by the Cathedral Choir with organ, brass, percussion, and handbells. In person in the cathedral nave only. 8:30 service is not livestreamed. Incense is not used.

11 a.m.  •  Festal Eucharist 

Music by the Cathedral Choir with organ, brass, percussion, and handbells. 11 a.m. service is in person in the cathedral nave and livestreamed. Incense is used at the 11 a.m. service only.

Easter Egg Hunts will be offered on the front lawn after the conclusion of the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services. This year, instead of candy being inside the eggs, children will hunt for eggs, turn them in, and choose from a selection of special treats. They may then hide eggs for other children to find.

7 p.m.  •  Contemplative Eucharist

in person in Thomsen Chapel

9:30 p.m. •  The Office of Compline on Easter Sunday

in-person, livestreamed, and broadcast

 


EASTERTIDE

 

Easter is the great feast of the Christian year, and its observance stretches for 50 days from the Easter Vigil to the Day of Pentecost.

A selection of the special offerings at Saint Mark's in this season of Resurrection include:

April 12: Cathedral Commons: Exploring Racial Justice in the Episcopal Church

April 13:   Mideast Focus Film Series presents: The First 54 Years

April 21–23: Women's Retreat

April 22: Cathedral Day!

April 26: Cathedral Commons: Sacred Listening as a Transformational Practice

April 27:   Mideast Focus Film Series presents: Boycott

May 5: The Music Series Presents: Nathan Laube: All Bach on the Flentrop

May 6: The Wisdom School presents: The Wisdom of Your Body: Finding Healing, Wholeness, and Connection Through Embodied Living with Hillary L. McBride, Ph.D.

May 9:Candlelit Prayer in the Style of Taizé 

May 10 & 24: God is a Black Woman book study with Canon Carla Robinson

May 17: Rogation Day Liturgy

May 28: The Day of Pentecost