Newcomers - Welcome to Saint Mark's Cathedral!

• Newcomers at Saint Mark's
  • Newcomer Orientation Classes
  • Class schedule
  • Newcomer Luncheons
  • Membership at Saint Mark's
  • Baptism and Confirmation
• Education and Formation
  • For children and youth
  • For adults
  • Connect? and Commit?
• About our worship
• Publications about the Cathedral
• Contact Us

Jesus said: “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” - Matthew 10:40.

As the cathedral church for the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia, Saint Mark’s seeks to be a place where all people encounter the living God and the reconciling Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are an open and affirming community. We welcome people of every denomination and faith.

Newcomer Coffee Hours in 2011

Welcome newcomers! We'd like to get to know you better. All newcomers are invited to informal coffee hours on the second Sunday of most months at 10:15 a.m. between services. (To confirm the date of the next one, check our calendar or in Sundays and Beyond, our weekly newsletter.) Meet at the baptismal font at the back of the nave. For more information contact newcomers@saintmarks.org or call Carol Green at 206.523.2158

Getting Connected

Several times a year we have a series of discussions with clergy, staff and members of Saint Mark’s for newcomers or long-timers interested in knowing more about being an Episcopalian or becoming part of the Saint Mark’s community. In addition we offer regular tours of the Cathedral, a quarterly brunch, and frequent informal teas with Canon Missioner Rebecca McClain, to help introduce you to the community. Scroll down for more information about these opportunities.

Please feel free to visit the Welcome Table on Sundays or talk to the Newcomer Greeters following the liturgies to learn more about being a part of Saint Mark’s.

We invite you to explore this web site and the pamphlets found in the information racks in the entry way to the Cathedral. Our weekly newsletter Sundays and Beyond is available electronically- subscribe here!

For more information, please contact Alan De Puy at 206.323.0300, ext. 203 or adepuy@saintmarks.org.

Newcomer Orientation Classes

Newcomer Orientation Classes afford one an opportunity to familiarize oneself with Saint Mark’s and meet some long-time and new members as well as many of our clergy. Classes provide an overview of Saint Mark’s including: our history and role in the community; our liturgy and worship; Christian and Episcopalian history; spirituality and our work in the world.

Classes are open to anyone seeking further information about Saint Mark’s Cathedral. Attendance does not construe a commitment to Saint Mark’s, but instead, they are designed to assist you in deciding whether or not you wish to continue your spiritual journey at the Cathedral.

Newcomer Orientation Classes are offered several times a year - usually in September, January and May - and feature guest speakers from a variety of programs at Saint Mark's. Childcare is available.

Click here for the upcoming dates of Newcomer Orientation Classes.

For more information, contact Newcomers@saintmarks.org.

Newcomer Brunch

A Newcomer Brunch is held each quarter to welcome newcomers. This informal gathering is attended by clergy, staff, and lay leaders. All newcomers are invited, whether or not they have attended the class series. The event provides a wonderful opportunity to speak with the clergy and other church leaders; to hear others' stories about their journey leading to Saint Mark's, to learn more about various programs and ministries at the Cathedral and to make new friends.

This light buffet is held on Sundays after church at 1:00 p.m - following the completion of each series of Newcomer Orientation Classes. Childcare is provided. There is no cost to attend the lunch. Attendance is by reservation at newcomers@saintmarks.org.

Membership, Baptism and Other Questions

As a newcomer to Saint Mark’s, there are always lots of questions regarding membership, baptism and the many programs going on at Saint Mark’s Cathedral. Please direct your questions to the Cathedral offices at info@saintmarks.org or call 206.323.0300.

We are a house of prayer for all people. Everyone is welcome to attend all services, events and programs of the Cathedral.

Some who worship with us prefer to participate in activities and services without formally becoming a member. Others wish to become official members of record of the Cathedral parish. There are several ways one can join the Cathedral officially. Please let us know if you are a newcomer or are interested in becoming a member by filling in the Join our Cathedral Community form.

We hope that you will be able attend the Newcomer Orientation Classes and the Newcomer Luncheon to further assist in your decisions about your spiritual life.