Cathedral Ministry

As the priestly people of God, the whole community serves as the minister of God’s grace released in our common life and worship. Members of the Cathedral may be called to minister in the life of the community in a variety of ways.

All who worship regularly serve on a Sunday liturgical team which shares in rotation many of the responsibilities for the preparation and action of worship as we assemble to praise God and to offer the gift of ourselves. Each team is led by three co-leaders who share with the clergy the oversight of the cathedral community.

Members of the cathedral community also often live out God’s call to them to minister in the life of the Diocese of Pennsylvania by assisting with the many Diocesan events and worship services occurring at the Cathedral, the seat of our Bishop.

In addition, music, community outreach, stewardship, theological education and spiritual formation, and interfaith activities are an ongoing and integral part of our communal life. Members have many opportunities in which to share their time and their talents in these ministries.

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The Philadelphia Cathedral

Philadelphia Cathedral is a large Romanesque structure rebuilt in 1906 after a disastrous fire, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.The Cathedral was built in the style of an early Christian basilica in which the presbyterium—the seating for bishop and presbyters—would have dominated the apse at the east end, rather than the altar. The Cathedral space was therefore particularly appropriate for the task of recalling us to the roots of our Christian faith. It articulates the insights of the liturgical renewal of our own generation, in which the community of the baptized is the primary symbol of Christ.

Shown here are views of the interior of the Cathedral as renovated by architect George Yu and Dean Richard Giles, and completed in 2002. A limestone 'pavement' has been inserted throughout the building, and a perimeter stone bench - which at the east end serves as a presbyterium incorporating the bishop's cathedra - surrounds the space, symbolizing the community of faith gathered under the presidency of the diocesan bishop. Episcopal oversight is therefore seen to emerge from the assembly.

Prominent within the space is the baptistry, incorporating water cascading between two levels, symbolizing baptism as the primary calling for all Christians. Altar and ambo are significant pieces of liturgical furniture, but movable (along with the seating in chairs) to allow different configurations of this highly flexible space. The liturgy thus speaks more clearly of the journey of exploration that is the call of God.