The Wisdom School

A Spirituality of Suffering and Solidarity

How do we cope with and respond to the suffering in our world? In our own lives? And what does it mean to be in solidarity with those who suffer? We begin with God…the God whom we sense is somehow participating in human suffering, instead of passively tolerating it. The prophetic path creates solidarity, first, by honoring the divine presence in each human being, and, secondly, orienting us to compassion, lament, and actionable response. This spirituality acknowledges the painful reality that the world is broken and that we are broken. In this we find our deep bonds with the wounded ones of our world, and with the Wounded Healer. And from that vulnerable place we find in our hearts the courage to have compassion.

“What are we to do about the troubles of the world? Well, Jesus calls us—his brash and troublesome disciples who question, doubt, and continually fail him—to take up the mantle of prophecy, to discern the signs of the times, and to be an ever-present balm in a troubled world…”

-Barbara Holmes, “Solidarity and Compassion,” 2023 Daily Meditations: The Prophetic Path, cac.org, April 11, 2023.

All sessions are offered in-person and online via Zoom, unless otherwise noted. Wednesday evening sessions are offered as Cathedral Commons and are therefore free and preceded by a community dinner at 6 p.m. ($8/adult; $25/family max).

Following in the Footsteps of Paul—A Pilgrimage to Greece and Turkey

OCTOBER 8–19, 2026

Led by The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason, Dean of Saint Mark’s Cathedral, and local archaeological guides

UPDATE (November 2025): The pilgrimage is currently AT CAPACITY, but contact Dean Thomason to put your name on a wait list in case of cancelations.

Greece has often been called the birthplace of democracy and the cradle of Western Civilization. It, together with Turkey, is also the earliest home of Christianity outside of the Palestine/Israel. This 12-day pilgrimage traces the footsteps of Paul in Greece and Turkey as he engaged the early Christian communities there. Our journey will take us to the well-preserved ruins of Athens, Corinth, Philippi, and Thessaloniki in Greece. Along the way, we will visit the byzantine monasteries perched on the cliffs of Meteora. In Turkey, we’ll visit Smyrna and Pergamum, two of the churches to whom Revelation was written to encourage them during troubled times, and on our last full day we’ll explore Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Letter to the Ephesians is a remarkable witness to Paul’s courage and encouragement to the beleaguered Church.

Download a brochure with a full itinerary and description here.

ONGOING OFFERINGS

Cathedral Yoga

EVERY MONDAY, 6:30 P.M. in the cathedral nave.

In the soaring sacred space of the cathedral nave, this practice encourages health, releasing tension and deepening spirituality—in a welcoming style for any experience level. Learn more here. A freewill offering is appreciated.

Contemplative Eucharist

SUNDAYS, 7 P.M., Thomsen Chapel (September–May)

This evening Eucharist offers periods of silence for reflection, simple meditative music, and lots of candlelight, with anointing and healing blessings offered after the service.

Compline

SUNDAYS, 9:30 P.M., cathedral nave

A beloved Seattle tradition since 1956, the Compline Choir leads this meditative choral service of nighttime prayers. Broadcast each week on KING 98.1 FM, or streaming at king.org and as a podcast.

Contemplative Prayer

MOST TUESDAYS*, 7 P.M., cathedral nave (*A Taizé service replaces Contemplative Prayer on a few Tuesday a year; see 2025-26 dates listed below.)

The gatherings will still begin with a period of silent meditation, followed by discussions on a variety of contemplative practices including Centering Prayer

Centering prayer is inspired by the writings of major contributors to the Christian contemplative tradition, including the anonymous author of The Cloud of Unknowing, Teresa of Ávila, John of the Cross, Thérèse of Lisieux and Thomas Merton. Through the silence, we open our minds and hearts—our whole being—to God, the Ultimate Mystery, reaching beyond thoughts, words, and emotions, that we might experience God’s presence within us. Learn more here. Email Phil Fox Rose with questions: phil@philfoxrose.com

Morning & Evening Prayer

MONDAY–FRIDAY, 7:30 A.M., online via Zoom

MONDAY–FRIDAY, 6 P.M., online via Zoom

Every weekday, lay readers from Seattle-area congregations including the cathedral lead a spoken service of daily prayer following the form of the Book of Common Prayer 1979. In the morning, we praise God for the beginning of a new day. In the quiet of evening, we give thanks for the day just passed. All are welcome to participate in both. Learn more and find the links to join here.

In-Person Evening Prayer on Wednesdays

EVERY WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER-JUNE), 5:30–6 P.M., in McCaw Chapel (behind the altar in the cathedral nave)

Hosted by 20s/30s Group—All are welcome

Gather in McCaw Chapel—the space in the cathedral nave behind the altar platform, beneath the rose window. Whatever your prior experience with the Daily Office, come and pray together in community. Attendees can head down to the community dinner in Bloedel Hall at 6 p.m. immediately following the service.

The Center for Spirituality and Action

Our life in Christ is grounded in community and mutuality, and we need companions along the way as we seek to deepen our relationships with God, others, self and creation. Drawing on tried-and-true monastic rhythms of prayer and service, Saint Mark’s is launching a new venture inviting individuals who seek to go deeper in their spiritual practices to form intentional community. Participants will form mutual commitments to daily prayer, regular gatherings for worship and spiritual formation, occasional retreats, and spiritual direction—all of which informs our service in the world, which in turn informs our prayer life.

Leffler House on the Cathedral campus will serve as base camp for The Center for Spirituality and Action: a place of gathering, space for individual retreats, spiritual direction, and intentional community.

If you’d like more information about this new offering visit: saintmarks.org/csa

2026-2027 Program Year