NEWCOMERS will find a variety of ways to get to know other people.

Foyer Groups

Small groups of parishioners meet in homes over a period of several months for light meals and socializing.   Click here for more information about Foyer Groups, including a signup form.

Top of page

Newcomers' Receptions

Held are held twice a year

Top of Page

The Great Pumpkin Chase

This 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run race is held each fall (October 27, 2007) 

Top of Page

What Episcopalians Believe

The Episcopal Church considers itself in the mainstream of Christian faith and practice. Three things which we emphasize are Scripture (the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God, with three Bible lessons being read every Sunday), Tradition (the historic Creeds, Sacraments, and Ministry), and Reason (the God-given faculty of moral judgment).

Episcopalians are both "catholic" and "reformed". By "catholic", we mean that we are part of the worldwide, universal Body of Christ called the Church. By "reformed" we mean we hold the great principle of justification by grace, defended by the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, as a key to understanding the Gospel.

We are a "liturgical church". This means our worship follows a form that grows from two thousand years of Christian worship around the world. Today, that form is found in the Book of Common Prayer in our pews. Since the time of the English Reformation, this book, in English, has gone through an evolution that produced the liturgies we use in Church today: the Eucharist (communion), Baptism, Morning and Evening prayer, burial, marriage, etc.

Many people have come to the Episcopal Church from other denominations. More than half our clergy were born in some other church! In many ways, we are the "bridge" between churches of different traditions, holding to the best of each but remaining flexible about things which are not essential.

You will only appreciate the Episcopal Church by taking part in our worship and using our Prayer Book. Inquirers' Classes for adults are offered regularly. The clergy will help you join them, and will be happy to tell you more about this part of the Church our Lord and his Apostles started.

Top of Page

Six Standards

People often ask, "What is expected of me as a member of the Church?" We offer these six standards, based on our six ministry areas at the Cathedral.

SERVICE: Following the example of Jesus, who said he came "not to be served, but to serve," we suggest that Christian people should always be ready to sacrifice their own self interest for the needs of others -- including the legitimate demands of justice in the community, as well as the personal needs of individuals.

WORSHIP: Worship is the highest activity of the human spirit. In worship we contemplate the truth, mercy and power of God shown to us in Jesus Christ. We respond with adoration, we acknowledge our failures, and we seek to amend our lives in the strength of the Holy Spirit.

EDUCATION: We suggest that studying the faith is an important part of practicing the faith. We provide religious education for everyone in our congregation, from small children to adults, and we hope all members will take advantage of it.

EVANGELISM: We suggest that every Christian has a duty as an apostle – that is , to spread the Gospel to others through word and deed, and to bring others to know Christ and the church. We believe this includes bringing others into the fellowship of a Christian parish.

PASTORAL CARE: Responding to Jesus' summary of the law, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself," we believe it is the responsibility of every Christian person to become aware of and respond to the needs of others. This includes developing tolerance for the differences between us, and sensitivity to the human needs that unite us.

STEWARDSHIP: Stewardship is more than church support; it is the use of "the gifts given to us to carry on Christ's work of reconciliation in the world." Stewardship is more than a duty: it is a thankful response to God's graciousness to us. It is an opportunity to praise God with our lives in thanksgiving. Stewardship is everything we do after we say, "I believe"!.

Top of Page

St. Stephen's Episcopal School

St. Stephen's Episcopal School was founded in 1978 as a mission and outreach of the Episcopal Cathedral in Harrisburg. It offers a full academic program plus an extended school day for children age three through the eighth grade.

The school has a strong academic program. A high teacher/student ratio allows more individual attention. Teachers are certified and the school is accredited with Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Elementary Schools.

The School has a wide geographic base. Approximately half the students live within the city limits of the City of Harrisburg. Others come from surrounding suburbs and small towns in the three county area.

The School is thoroughly interfaith. Approximately one-fourth of the children are Episcopalians, from several parish churches, including the Cathedral parish. The others include Jewish, Muslim, agnostic, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, UCC, Mennonite, and Roman Catholic children.

The School is interracial. Students include Caucasian, African-American, Chinese, Vietnamese, East Indian, African, and Hispanic.

The School is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of representatives of parents, the Cathedral and the community. The Dean of the Cathedral is an ex-officio member of the Board.

Parental involvement is encouraged. An active Home and School Association contributes to the program and provides some financial assistance.

The school keeps its tuition moderate, to make it possible for children of all economic backgrounds to enroll. Scholarship aid is available and is based on need.

The children in the School express the diversity of background and economics which mark our community. They are learning together in an atmosphere of support, loving care, discipline, and excitement.

For more information, please contact the School office at 238-8590.

Top of Page

Education and Formation Ministry

The Education and Formation ministries at St. Stephen's Cathedral is a vital, growing group of committed volunteers who center their work around the great commandment to love God and their neighbor as themselves. This loving takes shape differently in the life of each faithful steward of the education and formation program.

We hold up the Children's Charter of the Episcopal Church as our guide with a three-fold vision of ministry with children. The vision brings together the nurture of the child, ministry to the child, and the ministry of the child. Reverently, we understand that one's spiritual formation begins with a child's initial experience in the nursery and moves forward from there. The "Living the Good News" curriculum is used with children up to grade 6.

Top of Page

Services and Christian Education Classes

Service Schedule

Every Sunday: 8:00 a.m.; 10:15 a.m.; and 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 7:00 a.m.

Thursday: 12:10 p.m.

Nursery, Church School, and Adult Forum (September through May)

Nursery: 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (Cathedral House, 215 N. Front St., next to the Church)

Pre-School - 3rd Grade: Church School classes for this age group begin at 9:00 a.m.

4th Grade - 12th grade: Church School classes 9:00 a.m. (ask an usher for directions).

Adult Forum: Meets in the Uppercroft (go upstairs from church) 9:00 a.m.

Godly Play (3 - 6 year old): A program of guided play and learning at 10:15 a.m. and located behind the sacristy not the 3rd floor (ask an usher for directions)

Top of Page

Parish Health Ministry

Christ calls us to be a caring community to one another by bearing one another's burdens, sharing each other's joys, promoting Christ's gift of health and wholeness in body, mind and spirit. The Parish Health Ministry encourages the community of St. Stephen's Cathedral to fulfill Christ's calling - "….Love one another as I have loved you…." (John 13:34)

The Parish Health Ministry is composed of the Parish Nurse, Parish Health Coordinator, Health Ministries Committee, Lay Eucharistic Visitors and Friends of St. Stephen.

The Parish Health Ministry promotes wholeness /health by: · 

The Parish Health Nurse can be contacted by calling the church and is in her office Thursday from 8:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. (The parish nurse does not render invasive or hands-on care)

For more information about the Parish Health Ministry call 236-4059.

Top of Page

Some Opportunities On Sunday Morning

ACOLYTES                                                                      Greg Penny 657-3872
Boys and Girls from age nine through high school serve as acolytes for the 10:15 a.m. service. Rehearsal and meeting schedules are determined in September.

ALTAR GUILD                                                                  Margaret Messner 770-0462
The Altar Guild is responsible for setting up the altars before each regularly scheduled service at the Cathedral (weekdays and Sundays) as well as weddings, funerals, and other special events.

THE CATHEDRAL CHOIR                                           Michael Shoemaker 236-4059
The Cathedral Choir, provide outstanding choral music for Sunday services and special occasions. The Choir is affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music.

CHURCH SCHOOL TEACHERS                                  John and Ellen Harles, 236-4059
Volunteers are always needed to help with any of the church school classes. The curriculum is provided, and teachers are given training.

FLOWER GUILD                                                                 Donna Burkholder 697-3312
The Flower Guild arranges all of the flowers for Sunday services, weddings, and funerals. Instruction is available for willing helpers. This is a unique ministry at St. Stephen's, with a flower room equipped as a small florist.

LAY READERS/CHALICE BEARERS                             Peter Robelen 763-5511
Parishioners appointed by the Dean and licensed by the Bishop assist in the Sunday services as lay readers and chalice bearers.

USHERS                                                                                Michael Frascella 944-0710
Ushers play an important role on Sunday mornings as they greet people, present the elements and offering, and assist those who need it.

Top of Page

About the Cathedral Staff and Leaders

THE BISHOP, The Right Reverend Nathan Baxter, has his office in the Diocesan Center at the corner of Pine and N. Front Streets. Bishop Baxter has served this diocese since October 2006 after long service as a parish priest in Washington D.C and Lancaster. He is married to Mary Ellen.

THE DEAN AND RECTOR, the Very Rev. Churchill G. Pinder, Dean. He came to us in late August 2005 from the small church in Cold Spring Harbor, New York. He Sally and two children Rhys and Kristina are getting settled in Camp Hill, PA.

ASSISTANT The Rev. Patrick A. Collins. He came to us in May 2006 with his wife Loretta.

THE CATHEDRAL DEACON, the Rev. Paul Williams, serves as the Cathedral Pastoral Assistant, visiting those who are ill and shut-ins. Paul lives in Mechanicsburg.

THE PARISH NURSE; Beth Seng, R.N.  joined the staff in May 2006. Beth lives in Harrisburg with her husband Bill.

THE SENIOR WARDEN, Helen Delano  elected by the Vestry. She, her husband Noel, and son Noel, live in York Springs.

THE JUNIOR WARDEN, another elected leader of the Vestry, is Ellen Harles. She and her husband John live in Camp Hill.

HEAD OF SCHOOL, Ann Tenan is in charge of St. Stephen's Episcopal School, for children through eighth grade, located at the Cathedral. The School has its own office and telephone number: 238-8590.

ORGANIST/CHOIRMASTER, Michael Shoemaker received his B.MUS. degree from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. He has served the Cathedral for over 30 years.

PASTORAL ASSISTANT, The Rev. Bill Murphey, retired and who assists on Sundays and with educational programs.

FACILITIES MANAGER, Joan Esham, and former Property Chair is volunteering in the in this position 

PARISH OFFICE                                                                 SCHOOL OFFICE
221 North Front Street                                                         215 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101                                                          Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 236-4059/fax (717) 236-0906                                   (717) 238-8590
email: cathedral@ststep.org / website: www.ststep.org

Top of Page

Opportunities for Involvement Within the Parish

These ministries are open to anyone who wishes to participate. For further information about any of these groups, please contact the person listed or call the parish office at 236-4059.

Committees of The Vestry

WORSHIP MINISTRY                                                         Jane Bartholomew 238-4598
This committee works with the clergy in all areas related to the Church's liturgical life: Lay readers, altar Guild, acolytes, choirs, special events, and more.

EDUCATION MINISTRY                                                     Karen Weber     731-0127
The Education Committee is responsible for the planning and running of the Church School, the Adult Forum, the Advent and Lenten programs, and other special educational events.

EVANGELISM MINISTRY                                                  Guy Patterson  233-3545
This committee is responsible for new-member programs of all kinds. Its goal is to involve new people in the life and ministries of the Cathedral.

PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY   Dean Pinder, Father Patrick Collins, Beth Seng, and Helen Hendrickson 236-4059
This work includes lay visits to shut-ins, "crisis care" in times of family illness, and special projects. Volunteers are always needed to help with suppers, receptions, Sunday morning coffee hours, and other parish fellowship events.

PROPERTY MINISTRY                                                               Tom Long, 6527165
This committee is involved with all new building projects and with continuing maintenance and care of the Cathedral, the Cathedral House, and the Chapter House, which are the locations of many of our other ministries and a visible witness to the Cathedral's vitality.

STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY                                           Ellen Harles,  731-0394
The development of the stewardship of time, talents, and treasure by Church members is the responsibility of this committee. This includes the annual Fall campaign for stewardship, but is much larger than a once-a-year emphasis.

FINANCE MINISTRY                                                             Wil Everhart, Jr.  763-4776
This group manages the financial affairs of the parish according to the policies set by the Vestry.

ST. STEPHEN'S SCHOOL                                                   Ann Tenan, 238-8590
Volunteers are welcome in the School's many programs and committees. Call for information.

PARISH HEALTH MINISTRY        Beth Seng, Parish Nurse, 236-4059/Helen Hendrickson 545-2956
Provides a resource for health information and training and trains volunteers to visit and assist shut-ins

Top of Page

Membership in the Episcopal Church

Membership in the Church, as in all churches of the Catholic tradition, starts when a person of any age is Baptized with water in the name of the Trinity. Baptism is a "universal sacrament", which means we do not re-baptize any person previously baptized in another Christian body. A person baptized here becomes a parishioner here immediately. Any person baptized elsewhere may be enrolled as a parishioner here ("baptized member") simply by asking the priest or Church office to do so. We will write for a letter of transfer if needed.

Baptized members are generally Confirmed later. Confirmation is the sacrament in which a person "confirms" his or her baptismal vows. It is administered by the Bishop. Adults are offered confirmation after study with the clergy, or after attending an "Inquirers' Class". Anyone who has already been confirmed by a Bishop with "the laying on of hands" is simply "received" by our Bishop, and not confirmed again.

A person who is over eighteen year old and has been confirmed or received (an adult confirmed communicant) is eligible to serve on the Vestry or in Diocesan positions.

It is quite simple to transfer from one Episcopal Church to another. Ask the church office to take care of this for you.

Membership Information