Growing as a Disciple & Becoming a Member
Growing as a Disciple & Becoming a Member
Becoming a Member
Exploring Life at Saint Mark's
To best support your unique connection to Saint Mark’s, we will help you explore life as part of the Cathedral congregation. We have a diverse team of companions to walk with you and to assist you in connecting in whatever ways feel most appropriate at this stage of your life.
Becoming a Member
We welcome you to Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral and are delighted that you are interested in deepening, or beginning, your relationship with Jesus. It is our desire to support you and guide you on your pathway of faith, which can lead to membership, confirmation, reception or baptism for adults.
Opportunities to grow as members of Saint Mark’s and to be transformed as disciples are numerous and are described elsewhere on this website and in the Monday Connector, which is sent via email. Listing every possibility here would be too lengthy; however, the following are core programs to explore as you continue the discipleship path.
- Newcomer’s Coffee and Connect – offered almost every month on the 2nd Sunday.
- Joining the Episcopal Church – offered both fall and spring, this series of classes explores the Baptismal Covenant.
- Our Cathedral and its Culture - offered one Saturday morning in Advent (December 6, 2025) and one in Lent (March 14, 2026).
Prayer, Study & Service
As a growing disciple, a member of Saint Mark's will focus on a rhythm of life. Prayer, Study, and Service are practices that occur every day at home, and they are also practices that happen in community, as we grow in our faith together.
Prayer: Attending worship regularly, in person and virtually, and cultivate a personal life of prayer to attune your heart and mind to God’s heart and mind.
Study: Reading some portion of Scripture daily and engage in ongoing classes and small groups that develop a personal practice of study, considering both the past and present thinking about church and the world, to better understand God and God’s world.
Service: Participating in God’s mission and manifest your faith for the common good. In your daily life, there may be many ways that you are serving others within your personal community.
Growing and Connecting
Opportunities to grow as members of Saint Mark's and to be transformed as disciples are numerous. The following are the core programs to explore as you continue the path to membership and commitment at Saint Mark's.
Newcomer Gathering
Newcomer’s Coffee and Connect – offered almost every month on the 2nd Sunday, this is an initial introduction to lay leadership and clergy, and an early step in learning more about this faith community.
Joining the Episcopal Church
St. Mark’s Cathedral offers a restructured program for adults aged 16 and older interested in Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation within the Episcopal Church. The program centers on exploring the Baptismal Covenant through eight weekly sessions held twice yearly: a Fall session preparing for Baptism on January 11, 2026, and a Spring session preparing for Baptism on April 4, 2026.
Identity Groups
Small groups provide the opportunity to connect with other people in a manner that is deeper than a regular hospitality gathering. Examples include youth, men, LGBTQ, young adults, and children.
Gospel Based Discipleship
This is a small group opportunity that combines study of Scripture with reflection on our spiritual lives. Focusing on the Gospel selection prescribed for the upcoming Sunday, we ask three questions, reading the passage each time. We meet every Friday at 12:15 p.m. via Zoom. Click the "Learn More" link below for the Zoom link and more information.
Voices of Reconciliation
This fall, join us for an three-part series one Wednesday evening each month.
Our Cathedral and its Culture
Our Cathedral and its Culture will focus on a behind the scenes look at Saint Mark’s. You will meet various ministry leaders, consider how you might want to use your gifts with Saint Mark’s, tour nooks and crannies of the building, and engage in an instructed Eucharist that will allow for conversation around the table. This will be offered one Saturday morning in Advent (December 6, 2025) and one in Lent (March 14, 2026).
Claiming Everyday Faith Together
Beginning Fall 2025, our focus will be on Small Groups titled “Claiming Everyday Faith Together”, a six-week series offered on various days at various times. You will be able to choose one that will fit your schedule. Understanding ourselves, our feelings and beliefs, and the language we use, is vital to understanding others and to move us out of “isolation” and into relationship. This series will be a time to create connections within this community.
Additional Information
Transfer of Membership
If you have been a member of a different Episcopal congregation, you may have your membership transferred to Saint Mark’s. Please contact your former church and request a transfer to the attention of Mary Lusk. While the Episcopal 101 classes are not required with a membership transfer, we believe that by attending those and other offerings, you will become better acquainted with our community and the common language that we share. And, we hope that you will celebrate your membership at Saint Mark’s by joining us on one of the Membership Sundays.
Submit a Pledge of Financial Support
Saint Mark's is a pledging community, in which every member commits a meaningful portion of their income to support the mission and ministry of this cathedral community. It is your financial support that ensures Saint Mark's is here both for you and for the world around us. To pledge, visit our Annual Giving page, or pick up a pledge card at the cathedral or call the cathedral business office at (612) 870-7800.
Membership Sundays
Membership Sundays are a time to share in a commitment with the congregation of Saint Mark’s during Sunday morning worship services. Twice a year, we welcome, incorporate, and celebrate new members into our shared life at Saint Mark's. This occurs during Sunday worship around the baptismal fount with shared commitments and prayers. Membership is a commitment and you will know when you are ready. One way to prepare for membership is joining the Episcopal 101 classes.
The upcoming Membership Sunday date May 24, 2026.
For questions about becoming a member at Saint Mark's, contact Mary Lusk.
