![Chloe Kim ’26 | Chapel Talk]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770739930/stmarksschool/jh3ncxdfohcm4ocwfjmv/thumb7.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770739930/stmarksschool/jh3ncxdfohcm4ocwfjmv/thumb7.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770739930/stmarksschool/jh3ncxdfohcm4ocwfjmv/thumb7.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1770739930/stmarksschool/jh3ncxdfohcm4ocwfjmv/thumb7.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1770739930/stmarksschool/jh3ncxdfohcm4ocwfjmv/thumb7.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770739930/stmarksschool/jh3ncxdfohcm4ocwfjmv/thumb7.jpg","width":1920}])
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.
Today, our community reflects many faiths and backgrounds, and we welcome students of all religious traditions as well as those with no formal faith. Our shared spiritual life, centered in Chapel, offers space for reflection, meaningful words from many traditions, and moments of silence that allow each student to connect in their own way.
St. Mark’s affirms that education is not only about ambition and achievement, but also about cultivating the inner life. We support every student’s spiritual dimension, encouraging thoughtful engagement, respect for others, and a sense of purpose that extends 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.
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, meditation, and performance.
Once a month, chapel is held in the evening and features a more traditional service with choir, acolytes, and formal liturgy. These evenings conclude with an all-community seated dinner in the dining hall, reinforcing the sense of shared life and belonging that defines St. Mark’s.
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 and encourage reflection.
Chapel presentations often include music, drama, dance, and other creative performances. 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.
![Nina Hurley ’26 | Chapel Talk]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770739821/stmarksschool/yyr4hlg4kdxmnacolmxj/thumb6.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770739821/stmarksschool/yyr4hlg4kdxmnacolmxj/thumb6.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770739821/stmarksschool/yyr4hlg4kdxmnacolmxj/thumb6.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1770739821/stmarksschool/yyr4hlg4kdxmnacolmxj/thumb6.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1770739821/stmarksschool/yyr4hlg4kdxmnacolmxj/thumb6.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770739821/stmarksschool/yyr4hlg4kdxmnacolmxj/thumb6.jpg","width":1920}])
![Ian Cho ’26 | Chapel Talk]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770736322/stmarksschool/xcsbo8jqv9jyos1bnpex/thumb5.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770736322/stmarksschool/xcsbo8jqv9jyos1bnpex/thumb5.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770736322/stmarksschool/xcsbo8jqv9jyos1bnpex/thumb5.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1770736322/stmarksschool/xcsbo8jqv9jyos1bnpex/thumb5.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1770736322/stmarksschool/xcsbo8jqv9jyos1bnpex/thumb5.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770736322/stmarksschool/xcsbo8jqv9jyos1bnpex/thumb5.jpg","width":1920}])
St. Mark’s offers preparation for Episcopal baptism and confirmation beginning after January exams and culminating in a spring service at Belmont Chapel. Weekly preparation meetings are held on Sunday afternoons 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 organized religion 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.
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 Health Committee 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.
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
