Skip To Main Content

Spiritual Life

There must always be remaining in every life, some place for the singing of angels, some place for that which in itself is breathless and beautiful. —The Rev Dr. Howard Thurman

At the heart of St. Mark’s School is a deep and enduring commitment to its identity as an Episcopal school, one that takes the spiritual life seriously while embracing the richness of a diverse community. Rooted in a long tradition as an Episcopal school, St. Mark’s continues to honor its founding vision by nurturing both academic excellence and spiritual growth, believing in the infinite value of every human being as beloved children of God.

Today, our community reflects many faiths and backgrounds, and we welcome students of all religious traditions as well as those with no formal religious identity. Our shared spiritual life, centered in Belmont Chapel, offers space for reflection from our VI Form students, prayers from interfaith traditions, and is rooted in the traditions of The Episcopal Church, the Book of Common Prayer, and moments of silent meditation.

St. Mark’s affirms that education is not only about intellectual curiosity and achievement, but also about cultivating the inner life. We support every student’s spiritual dimension, encouraging respectful dialogue, compassion and kindness, and a sense of purpose and service to the world beyond the classroom.

 

Belmont Chapel

Named in memory of Raymond Belmont, Class of 1880, Belmont Chapel was designed in the Gothic Revival style by architect Henry Fobes Bigelow, Class of 1884. The chapel serves as a central gathering space at St. Mark’s, where the community comes together to reflect, listen, and connect with one another. Below, the crypt offers a quiet place for meditation and contemplation.

Weekday Chapel Services

Twice each week, the entire St. Mark’s community gathers in Chapel. Students, faculty, and invited speakers, often VI Form students, share reflections on life at St. Mark’s and on the broader questions shaping our world. Services draw from a wide range of religious, spiritual, and ethical traditions through readings, music, prayer, and meditation.

Once a month, Chapel is held in the evening and features a more traditional Christian service with choir, acolytes, and formal Episcopal liturgy. These evenings conclude with an all-community seated meal in the Dining Hall, reinforcing the sense of shared life and belonging that defines St. Mark’s. Additionally, Bible study, Eucharist, and silent candlelight all take place weekly in Belmont Chapel.

Chapel Talks

Chapel Talks are offered primarily by VI Form students and adults in the community and take place during our twice-weekly all-School services. These talks may be personal, informative, or thoughtfully challenging, but they are always intended to strengthen community, offer wisdom, and encourage reflection.

Chapel presentations may include music, drama, and dance as part of our worship space, as well as intentional sharing of wisdom. For many students, Chapel provides a welcome pause in a busy school day, a time to reflect, learn something new about a classmate or a shared concern, appreciate one another’s talents, and cultivate gratitude and perspective. One of the favorite moments of morning chapel is the three minutes of silence.

Baptism & Confirmation

St. Mark’s offers preparation for baptism and confirmation beginning after January exams and culminating in a spring service at Belmont Chapel with an Episcopal Bishop. Weekly preparation meetings are held on Sunday evenings at the Chaplain’s residence on campus. All students are welcome to attend, whether or not they plan to be confirmed; the gatherings provide space for thoughtful conversation about faith, doubt, hope, and the role of spirituality and the church in our lives.

Students who have not yet been baptized may be baptized at the same service. For those seeking Catholic preparation, nearby St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church offers classes beginning in January and will prepare students for confirmation either there or through their home parish. With permission from their home parish, students may participate in Confirmation classes at St. Mark’s.

Blessing of the Animals

In an annual tradition at St. Mark's, student and faculty pets are welcomed at the morning Chapel service every October for the "Blessing of the Animals" in celebration of the feast day for St. Francis.

Pastoral Care and Student Wellbeing

The chaplaincy plays an active role in supporting student wellbeing. The Head Chaplain serves on the Student Support Team alongside administrators and health professionals to address issues affecting student life. Chaplains work closely with formally trained school counselors and are available to help students navigate challenges such as change, loss, grief, uncertainty, and the experience of being away from home.

Meet the Chaplains

Katie Solter

Head Chaplain, Religion & Philosophy Department Faculty
View Profile for Katie Solter

Lina Long

Mathematics Faculty, Assistant Chaplain
View Profile for Lina Long

 

The St. Mark's School Prayer

Vouchsafe, O Lord, to prosper with Thy blessing the work of Saint Mark’s School. Grant that all who serve Thee here, whether as governors, teachers, or learners, may set Thy holy will ever before them, and do that which is well-pleasing in Thy sight; that so both the Church and the commonwealth of this land may be bettered by their efforts, and they themselves finally be made partakers of everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen