About Saint Mark's Cathedral
Who We Are
Welcoming all to live the light of Christ!
We believe that the light and love of God are at the very heart of all things. This light and love are fully manifested for Christians in the life of Jesus of Nazareth and we believe they are also revealed in all of the great faith traditions. We commit to living into this sacred light and sharing it freely with all. Learn more about our 2009-2011 Strategic Plan for Saint Mark’s Cathedral.
We strive to live out the promise made in the Baptismal Covenant “to seek and serve Christ in all persons, respecting the dignity of every human being.” Accordingly, we are an open and affirming community. We welcome people of every denomination and faith.
Welcome to our Cathedral Campus
Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral is located at the north end of Capitol Hill overlooking Lake Union in Seattle. Directions available here. Most of the building is handicap accessible- only a few meeting spaces are not. Please call during normal business hours, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (from June-August we close at 4 p.m.), if you have questions- 206.323.0300. Wheelchair accessible seating in the nave is in the left front section of pews, along with chairs for family members and friends.
There is a large parking lot adjacent to the building. Additional parking is available on Sunday mornings in a free lot, one block south of the Cathedral on the corner of 10th Ave E & E. Highland Ave. Street parking is available, but limited.
Our worship space is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. most days – later on days with evening events. Our worship schedule, including midweek and Sunday services is available online. You are welcome to stop by for quiet prayer and reflection or just to have a look around. If you are interested in the possibility of scheduling a tour of the Cathedral please contact info@saintmarks.org.
The Cathedral Shop, located across the parking lot in Leffler House, is a great source for books, CDs, chocolate and other gift ideas. Looking for a special book? Check with George Treusch, shop book buyer. If he doesn't have it in stock, he can special order for you.
Sunday Mornings
Our worship schedule is available online. Time for fellowship and Sunday morning forums follows the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. Lay ministers are available to pray with those in need of pastoral or spiritual support.
Children Welcome Here
Children are welcome and active participants in all Saint Mark’s liturgies. Activity bags for younger children are available at the back fo the church and there is an area for quiet play on the maroon carpets along the north walls of the Cathedral. We offer a wide variety of programs for children and youth on Sunday mornings. Our Child Care Center also welcomes children ages 3 months through 5 years between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday mornings while their parents are participating in Cathedral activites on campus. Our nursery is equipped and staffed for the safety and care of younger children. Please ask an usher for directions to the Center.
Nursing mothers who would like some privacy are welcome to use Thomsen Chapel during the services. Audio from the services may be heard. Please check with an usher for access.
Learn more about baptism and confirmation here.
During the school year, Saint Mark's Cathedral Preschool provides a joyful, enriching, child-centered program for children ages three to five.
Communion
Receiving Communion
All who seek God and a deeper, stronger life in Christ are welcome to receive Communion. Come forward to the Altar Rail as the ushers direct you and take the next available place. You may kneel or stand. Receive the communion bread from the priest in your open right palm. You may choose to receive the wine directly from the chalice by gently guiding it to your lips as the Chalice Bearer presents it to you, or you may “intinct,” or dip, the bread into the wine. If you choose not to receive the wine, simply cross your arms across your chest after you have received the bread. You may then return to your pew following those around you. If it is physically difficult for you to come to the altar rail, please indicate this to an usher and a priest will bring communion to you where you are seated.
Children and Communion
Children are welcome to receive communion at their parents’ discretion. If you would like for your child to learn more about the sacrament before receiving, please contact Cindy Spencer, Children and Youth Ministries at 206.323.3000, ext. 225 or cspencer@saintmarks.org.
Receiving a Blessing
If you, or your child(ren), would like to receive a blessing from a priest at the altar rail, come forward just as you would to receive communion and cross your arms across your chest, and/or instruct your child(ren) to do the same.
Pastoral Care
If you are in need of pastoral care or assistance outside of regular services, please call our Hotline at 206.755.2076. The hotline is checked regularly by clergy and trained lay ministers.
Learning More
If you are a newcomer, please know that you are especially welcome.
Ushers, greeters, clergy, and members of our community are happy to assist you in learning more about Saint Mark’s. We invite you to fill out a Newcomer Card (located on the pew backs) and put it in the collection plate or give it to someone at the Welcome Table following the liturgy. Please visit the Welcome Table in the back of the nave to find additional information about our ministries and upcoming events.
On the first Sunday of each month, tours of the Cathedral are offered following the 11 a.m. service and may include a demonstration of the organ. The tour will begin at the baptismal font.
Throughout the year we offer many Newcomer Class Series, which include discussions with clergy, staff and members of Saint Mark’s for those interested in knowing more about being an Episcopalian or becoming part of the Saint Mark’s community. Each series begins with a Cathedral tour and organ demonstration open to all. To learn more, please contact the Newcomer Coordinator, at Newcomers@saintmarks.org.
Listings for programs and events at Saint Mark's are available on the Featured Events page of our website, by subscribing to our email publications and on our online calendar.
Finding Community & Getting Involved
Saint Mark’s is a diverse community, bringing together people of many different backgrounds, ages and interests. Some are simply involved on Sunday mornings, others come for programs during the week, and still others choose to envision and plan new programs and directions for the Cathedral to grow. Whatever your desired level of involvement, whatever your interests, we invite you to talk to members of our community (ministry leaders and staff), to browse the pages of this website, to subscribe to Sundays and Beyond, our weekly newsletter, and ultimately to find yourself at home. Volunteer opportunites are also listed here.
We’re glad you’re here.
Cathedral Administrative Offices
Still have questions? Send an email to info@saintmarks.org or call us during regular business hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (from June-August we close at 4 p.m.).