Frequently Asked Questions

We believe in the Apostles’ and the Nicene Creeds, the early Christian statements of faith. We believe in the Bible as the Word of God, which contains everything necessary for salvation. We believe in God the creator who is made known to the world as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And we believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.

A sacrament is “an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace” (BCP, p.857). in the Episcopal Church, we recognize seven sacraments: Holy Baptism, Communion (Holy Eucharist), Confirmation, Marriage, Reconciliation, Healing, and Ordination.

No. All people are welcome here, regardless of background. Many of our members come to us from other faith traditions or Christian communities. In the Episcopal Church, you will find a friendly community of people united by their faith and eagerness to serve others.

As you enter the church you will be greeted by members of the congregation. They will welcome you and be happy to direct you to the nursery, parlor, restrooms or church office. As you enter the worship space, you will notice an atmosphere of worship and reverence. It is the custom of the Episcopal Church that before worship and during communion, silence is maintained for the love of God and for our neighbors. This is a time of prayer. Episcopal churches are built in many architectural styles, but whatever the size or design, the focus is on the altar, or the holy table, and on the cross. Our thoughts are taken at once to Christ and to God whose house is the church.

Please come as you are; all are welcome at the table!

Most of the people attending service park on North 25^th Street between Market Street and Logan Street and the side streets of Walnut Street and Logan Street.

Our front entrance on North 25^th Street has an ADA-accessible entranceway which leads to the sanctuary and the upper-level rooms and church office. There is an elevator to the right of the entranceway which allows access to the lower-level rooms. If you are unable to come to the altar in the sanctuary to receive Holy Communion, please inform an usher so that the priest can come to you.

Absolutely! Children are always welcome at all services. While it may not seem that children understand the worship service, they do experience the rhythm and beauty of the liturgy and begin to learn about our faith through their participation.

Nursery care is available for children ages 6 months to 4 years during the 10 a.m. Sunday service. Learn more here.

Yes. Children ages 4 and up are invited to go the children’s chapel during the 10 a.m. Sunday service. Learn more here.

Mount Calvary, like other Episcopal churches, worship in a “liturgical style” which means that it follows a relatively common order of service which includes an opening procession, singing, Bible readings, prayers for ourselves and others, time for meditation, a sermon or pastoral message, and Communion (Holy Eucharist) where we share Bread and Wine in remembrance of Jesus Christ and the Last Supper. All people are welcome to approach the altar for Communion, even if you are not an Episcopalian. Baptized Christians of any denomination are welcome to receive Holy Communion. Children are encouraged to come to the altar rail with their parents. Unbaptized persons are welcome to come forward for a special blessing. We all come to the Lord’s Table to be fed and nurtured by a loving God. Learn more here.

Baptism is the sacrament by which we are adopted by God and welcomed into Christ’s Body, the universal church. If you or your children wish to be baptized, we invite you to take this step. Please speak to the Rector about preparing for this sacrament.

Confirmation is the opportunity for those who are baptized as infants, children, or adults to make a public confession and commitment of Christian faith. In confirmation, the Bishop lays hands on the confirmed in a public ceremony as a symbol of support for their spiritual journey. We warmly encourage all youth (grades 6-12) who are either interested in being confirmed or who feel drawn to explore what it means to be drawn more deeply into the life of Christ’s Church, to join a confirmation class to decide for themselves if they are ready to make the public confession and commitment of the Christian faith. Learn more here.

We would love to host your wedding. We offer the sacrament of marriage to all people, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. At least one member of the couple must be a baptized Christian. Please reach out to the Rector to set up a time to discuss your wedding plans.

Anyone who has been baptized in any Christian church and desires to become a member of Mount Calvary is accepted as a member. If you have been baptized in another church, contact our parish office to learn about the process of transferring your membership or being officially received into the Episcopal Church.