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Episcopal Identity

Student receiving ashes in Chapel

Our Episcopal Identity informs everything that we do as a community. As stewards of our students’ intellectual curiosity, faith, and passion for discovery, we recognize that our students are God’s children, entrusted to us to nurture. There is a sense of connection amongst the community that is rooted in the Episcopal tenets of inclusion and embracing those from different backgrounds.

At St. Mark's, our religious instruction provides an atmosphere of inquiry and learning for students in every grade. We select curriculum in our religion classes that is developmentally and age-appropriate for our students, as we seek to guide them along their spiritual journey with love and acceptance.

Our ordained chaplain enhances the richness of our Episcopal Identity and provides more opportunities to shepherd the faith of our children. Besides the liturgical participation of a full-time ordained priest in the life of the school’s weekly chapel services, the religious teaching is enriched by a seminary-trained instructor. Time spent in the religion classroom is informed by the  Episcopal understanding of  “scripture, tradition, and reason” as the building blocks of our life of faith. 

A large part of celebrating the uniqueness of each child is recognizing the similarities and differences among us, and finding opportunities to understand the traditions of students with different religious backgrounds. We believe that exposure to different traditions and customs creates a special environment, where students are celebrated and known. We include awareness of different religions from an early age and encourage students and families of different faiths to share their own beliefs and holiday celebrations. In order for our students to be good global citizens, an awareness of, and respect for, other religions is a vital part of their education.

What Makes an Episcopal School Different?

Nearly 160,000 students are enrolled in Episcopal schools around the world. According to the National Association of Episcopal Schools, “Episcopal schools are known for educational excellence. As embodiments of the Christian faith, Episcopal schools are created to be communities that honor, celebrate and worship God as the center of life. They are created to be models of God’s love and grace. They are created to serve God in Christ in all persons, regardless of origin, background, ability, or religion. They are created to “strive for justice and peace among all people and [to] respect the dignity of every human being.” 

In addition, Episcopal schools are marked by four common ideals:

  • School Worship that is creative, inclusive, draws fully upon the liturgical resources of The Episcopal Church, and is a regular part of school life for all faculty and students.

  • Community Life, in which reflection, prayer, and matters of the spirit are honored and cultivated and the physical, mental, and emotional health of all are supported and nurtured.

  • Religious Formation and Study that is meaningful, academically substantive, and age-appropriate; and in teaching the Christian tradition, fosters dialogue with other faith traditions.

  • Social Justice, which is the integration of the ideals and concepts of equity, justice, and a just society throughout the life of the school; the embracing and honoring of diversity; and the inclusion of community service and service-learning as an integral part of the life of the school.

What is Your Connection to St. Mark's Episcopal Church?

St. Mark's Episcopal School was created as an educational ministry of St. Mark's Episcopal Church. As the parish day school of the church, our buildings and grounds are owned by St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. Priority student admission consideration is given to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church members.

Do Students Attend a Religion Class?

Primary School and Lower School students have religion class once every six-day rotation throughout the year using the Godly Play Curriculum. As students reach 3rd and 4th grade the curriculum is supplemented with additional resources and project-based learning opportunities to deepen their biblical literacy and understanding of the place of faith in their lives and those of their classmates.  

Middle School students have religion once every six-day rotation throughout the year. The aim of the middle school religion program is to continue to improve students’ biblical literacy, and understanding of other religions, while encouraging and giving them tools to put their faith into action in their lives.

Learn about the religion curriculum at St. Mark's.

 

What Does Religious Inclusion Look Like at St. Mark's?

As stewards of our students’ intellectual curiosity, faith, and passion for discovery, we recognize that our students are God’s children, entrusted to us  to nurture. A large part of celebrating the uniqueness of each child is recognizing the similarities and differences among us, and finding opportunities to understand the traditions of students with different religious backgrounds. Many families of St. Mark’s feel comfortable sharing their faith with the classmates of their child.

At St. Mark’s you will discover an environment where all faiths and traditions are welcomed, and a religion program that is rooted in exploration and questioning rather than indoctrination.

How is the Chapel Program Structured?

The chapel program at St. Mark’s fosters a sense of belonging rooted in the Episcopal liturgical tradition. Each week students attend one of three age-appropriate chapel services. These services ground our community in our Christian faith and allow us to center ourselves on God. While strongly rooted in Judeo-Christian teaching, we also celebrate the diversity of our community. Students of all faiths are invited to participate in chapel in ways that are appropriate to their religion.

These services utilize various liturgical resources including  the Book of Common Prayer and include songs, prayers, scripture and teaching. Students are encouraged to take leadership roles in chapel by serving as acolytes and chapel leaders. As students mature, they are given more responsibility in planning chapel services and participating in greater ways. We mark significant liturgical events and seasons such as All Saints, Advent, Epiphany, Lent, and Easter with special services. Eucharist is celebrated three times a year as a school.

Learn about Our Religion Class Curriculum

Chaplain's Reflections

Why St. Mark's

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