In the Episcopal Church, we believe in a God that is loving, liberating, and life-giving. The spiritual journey is lifelong, and as a church community, we pray for and encourage one another as we joyfully follow Jesus Christ. Wherever you are on your journey, there is a place for you here. We believe that God loves you— no exceptions. Saint John’s, and The Episcopal Church more broadly, is a space where you can bring your questions, doubts, and curiosity about God.

Saint John’s Cathedral is a house of prayer for all people and the Episcopal Church in Colorado. Jesus welcomed and healed people from diverse crowds, and we aim to exemplify Jesus’ hospitality to all. Our congregation is made up of individuals and families from all different walks of life: persons of any race, sexuality, gender identity and expression, age, and/or nationality, those from any faith background, and those across the political spectrum are welcomed here. We believe all persons are made in God’s image and are called beloved. LGBTQI+ people serve on staff, in lay leadership, and in a variety of ministries.

This is a time to connect with God and community. The flow of the service is designed to invite us to reflect, pray, be together, and be renewed for the work of our lives.

Our tradition is liturgical – we use elements like vestments, incense, and holy water during each of the services. These items serve to engage all of our senses during worship. We love a script. The leaflet provides all the information you need for the service. Bolded words are said by the entire congregation. The words in red will tell you when to sit, stand, kneel, or bow. You may see additional movements, such as people crossing themselves, or bowing at the cross, altar, or Gospel book. These are signs of one’s own faith, and it’s up to you whether you incorporate them into your worship.

If you are new to the Episcopal Church, please relax and don’t worry about doing the “right thing.” It is most important for you to feel comfortable and enjoy the service.
If you’d like to learn more about the Episcopal Church in general, visit our denomination’s website.

Children are always welcome to remain with you in church or attend age appropriate formation classes. Children are also welcome to attend Children’s Chapel during the first part of the 10:30 am service. More information on this offering is here. Our nursery is also open every Sunday. We ask that parents complete a registration form for each of their children or youth before they participate in any Children & Youth activities. Learn more about our children’s ministry.

We know that challenges with focus and restlessness are not age specific. Please feel comfortable to walk, stretch, or color during any of the services.

In any service you attend, you will find folks standing, sitting, kneeling, and praying. Through our liturgy we all participate and share leadership in worship. In short, you share in the leadership of the service! You will also find designated roles for both clergy and lay folks. At Saint John’s and within the Episcopal Church, all people are invited into these positions of leadership and participation in our worship.

Communion is the time of the service when people come forward to receive the bread and wine. You may come forward when your row is invited by an usher, hold out your hands as you approach the clergy, and the clergyperson will place a wafer in your palm. Gluten-free wafers may also be requested from one of the clergy.

There are a few ways to take communion: You may eat the wafer and then drink from the common cup (or chalice), or you can dip the wafer into the wine (this is called intinction). You are also welcome to just receive the wafer without the wine. If you do not wish to receive communion, you may come forward for a blessing. When you approach the clergy, place your arms across your chest (like an X) with palms on your shoulders, and the clergy will say a blessing for you. Children are invited to also receive communion or a blessing.