Begin Your Journey

Historically, bishops oversee the Church in particular geographic areas, known as dioceses. In the worldwide Anglican Communion, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who oversees the Diocese of Canterbury, occupies a special position by virtue of history and tradition but he does not hold a governing position. We are a confederation of equals. Bishops from the Anglican Communion meet every 10 years for the Lambeth Conference, at the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, but the resolutions coming from that Conference do not hold authority over all members of the Communion. Collegiality among bishops is the substitute for authority, and communal discernment is the substitute for decision-making power.

Each bishop and diocese, operating through an annual council, determine the character of life and work in that diocese within a set of general decisions made by a triennial General Convention of The Episcopal Church as a whole. These decisions are formalized as canons—rules that govern—by The Episcopal Church and subsequently by each affected diocese. Each diocese elects and sends clergy and lay representatives—deputies—to the General Convention. The annual Convention of the Diocese of Kentucky takes place each Fall.

The Episcopal Church celebrates diversity. We are young and old, male and female, gay and straight, single, married, divorced and widowed, Anglo, African American, Latino, African, Asian, CEO and unemployed, student and teacher, rich and poor. We worship together, study and ask questions as we move more deeply into the mystery of God.

We honor tradition and strive to live by the example of Jesus Christ, welcoming the stranger and the outcast, helping our neighbors and offering love and forgiveness. We want our communities to be better because The Episcopal Church is here.

We are known for our engaging and beautiful worship services. For those who have grown up Roman Catholic, the service, known as the Mass, Eucharist or Holy Communion, will be very familiar. For those of reformed tradition or no religious tradition at all, we think you may find a spiritual home in a church that respects its tradition and maintains its sense of awe and wonder at the power and mystery of God. Some services are more contemporary, some more traditional but all follow the same form found in the Book of Common Prayer.

There are no prerequisites in the Episcopal Church… Everyone is welcome.

We walk the “middle way” between Protestant and catholic traditions. We often talk about the Episcopal Church as following the “via media” or middle way in our theology and discussions because we believe that, whether or not we agree on a particular topic, we all are children beloved by God and we can have thoughtful and respectful discussions.

The Episcopal Church has between 2-3 million members in about 7,500 congregations in the United States, the Virgin Islands, Haiti, Europe and other areas in North America. In the Diocese of Kentucky (one of two dioceses in the state), we have about 10,000 members in 36 congregations. We also have 3 college ministries, and various ministries that reach out to help make our communities better and more caring places to live. We are part of the global Anglican Communion, which has 70 million followers.

Our main community worship on Sunday is known as The Eucharist – a Greek term meaning, “thanksgiving.” Typical Sunday worship includes three Scripture readings and a sung or spoken Psalm. Sermons are based on Scripture readings for the day. Our altar is a table of thanksgiving where we experience the presence of Christ in a meal of bread and wine. Sharing in this mystery is a visible and outward sign of an inward and spiritual grace God gives to us.

If you are not yet baptized but wish to receive a pastoral blessing rather than Communion, you are welcome to approach the worship leaders with arms crossed over your chest.

The congregation also offers a weekday Eucharist and prayer services. Once a month from September through May we offer a meditative Sunday afternoon service known as Evensong, which is usually preceded by a short musical concert.

• God’s love for all people is shown to us in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection in accordance with Biblical accounts and the witness of believers through history.
• God draws people into peace and fellowship with one another in Holy Baptism and without regard to social or economic status, race, gender, age, ability, marital status or sexual orientation.
• God, the Holy Spirit, is active in reading and studying Scripture, worship and meditation, in human reason, acts of service to others and in science and the arts.

Our Cathedral Arts series sponsors concerts by local and regional soloists, choral and instrumental ensembles as well as art exhibits.

In the late 1990’s the congregation began acquisition of an adjacent three-story house and parking lot. In 2006 the Howard Hardy house was restored to its original 1830’s appearance, and is now commercially leased. A 40-unit apartment building, Cathedral Commons, offers housing opportunities to qualified low and moderate-income persons, many of whom work downtown.

Becoming a part of the Christian Church and the Christ Church community begins with Holy Baptism. If you are interested in learning more about Baptism or have arrived at a place in your spiritual journey where Baptism seems right for you, please contact our clergy after a service or arrange an appointment: call 502.587.1354.

We recognize Baptism in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit of all Christian denominations.

If you wish to affiliate with the Christ Church community, the first step is to fill out and return a Welcome Card or sign the guest register and indicate your interest.

• Become regular in attendance at Sunday worship, a regular contributor of time, talent and treasure to the mission of the congregation and regular prayer.
• Attend the Exploring the Faith series for an introduction to the Episcopal Church; watch for announcements during the fall and winter. Pick up the “Membership in the Cathedral Community” brochure for a more detailed description for becoming a member.

The Episcopal Church teaches that morality is positive, rather than negative. It is rooted in Jesus’ summary of the law: ‘to love God with heart, mind and soul and to love one’s neighbor as oneself.’ The focus of Christian morality is not on laws and restrictions but on free and mature response to God’s love and in responsibility to our neighbors.

Episcopalians believe the Holy Scriptures to be the Word of God and to contain all things necessary for salvation. We believe God inspired human authors and continues to speak to us through the Bible.

Episcopalians believe in One God,

• the Father who creates us and things,
• the Son who redeems us from sin and death
• the Holy Spirit who renews us as the Children of God.

In worship, we are united, acknowledging the holiness of God, to hear God’s Word, to offer prayer and to celebrate God’s presence among us. All are welcome to participate in our worship because it is in worship that we live out our life as a Christian family together.

Holy Scripture is the foundation of our worship. The service follows an order found in our worship book called the Book of Common Prayer, two-thirds of which is scriptural. Each Sunday’s worship includes Bible readings, usually from both the Old and New Testaments. Many of our prayers and hymns are filled with Scripture.

The Book of Common Prayer includes a variety of ancient and modern prayers and worship occasions for times when the whole community gathers, and for individual use. The Book of Common Prayer encourages everyone to participate, reminding us that each person is an important part of the worship experience, whether the service is a celebration or a solemn occasion. It is a guidebook for daily Christian living.

Music, both traditional and contemporary, is an integral part of uniting our prayers and scripture.

Episcopalians affirm that salvation is the end of our separation from God and the beginning of a new relationship with God and one another. The Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds are basic statements of our beliefs in God.

The Episcopal Church has more than 2.4 million members in more than 7,000 congregations in 110 geographic areas (dioceses) situated in 16 countries. It participates in the worldwide Anglican Communion, with 77 million members in 166 countries.

We are inclined to joyful and contemplative worship, a thoughtful and courteous exchange of ideas, and acts of compassion for those whose lives are caught in a web of poverty, illness and homelessness.

Baptisms are part of the congregation’s worship life and traditionally take place on All Saints’ Sunday, the Sunday after the Epiphany, the Easter Vigil and on Pentecost Sunday.

The Book of Common Prayer defines the duty of all Christians in the following way:

The duty of all Christians is to follow Christ; to come together week by week for corporate worship; and to work, pray and give for the spread of the kingdom of God.

At Christ Church Cathedral this means:

1. Attending Sunday Eucharist on a regular basis.
2. Having a “Letter of Transfer” or Membership Information Form on file in the Cathedral office so that we have accurate personal records.
3. Maintaining a financial commitment (pledge) or other “contribution of record” that supports the life and ministry of the cathedral community.
4. Sharing in the visible mission of the cathedral community through one of its many service groups, educational opportunities and other ministries.
5. Praying for grace to serve God more effectively as an individual as well as a community of believers.