The E-TEAM, consisting of clergy and lay leadership, meets as needed to train new greeters and to create as many ways as possible in which we can to bring people to God in Christ and to St. Peter’s Cathedral. New members are always welcome. The group meets the first Monday of each month, at 6:30 p.m. in St. Peter's Central.
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Christian conversion is a process through which one changes from being a person who is self-centered to one who is God-centered - moving from being concerned with one's self to being concerned with a larger community.
St. Peter’s Cathedral is such a community – a congregation of the Episcopal Church and is also the cathedral church of the Diocese of Southwest Florida.
We believe that empowered followers of God in Christ continually seek to enhance their relationship with him.
Followers of Jesus share five characteristics of a vital faith:
- regular participation in worship
- daily devotion and personal prayer
- continual growth through Bible study and group learning opportunities
- stewardship of God’s blessings, using our time, talents and treasures, and
- sharing God’s love in mission and service to others
Becoming a Member of St. Peter's Cathedral
You may become a member of St. Peter’s through:
- Baptism
- Transfer of membership from another Episcopal Church
- Reception from another denomination into which you were baptized or confirmed
- Confirmation (an adult affirmation of baptismal vows)
- Expression of intent – you wish to become a member
Baptism takes place in the context of a public ceremony in which the gathered community of Christians all participate in welcoming a new member into the Church. Baptisms are held at least four times a year:
- All Saints Day (November)
- The Baptism of Jesus (January)
- The Easter Vigil (April), and
- The Day of Pentecost (May or June)
What about confirmation or Reception for adults?
Confirmation is the rite through which a mature, public affirmation of baptismal vows is made. Those being confirmed receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop. Reception is the act of being received, by a bishop, into the Episcopal Church from another denomination.
Classes for Confirmation/Reception are offered this year on Wednesday evenings during Lent (February 28 - March 28th, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.) with Dean Johnson in the Bistro. Each class is designed to acquaint you with the biblical basics as taught and practiced at the cathedral. Attendees will be exposed to the Book of Common Prayer, the Hymn books of the Episcopal Church, the Polity of the Episcopal Church and the core theology at the heart of the Gospel. Group discussion is always an integral part of learning and questions are welcomed. You do not need to be preparing for either in order to attend nor do you need to commit to being confirmed or received. Open to anyone who wants to learn more about The Episcopal Church and who wants to grow more in their own faith journey. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to become members of the cathedral community.
What about confirmation for younger people?
Classes will be held, beginning on the first Sunday of Lent, at 9:30 AM. The curriculum, "I will with God's help" provides a journal for each participant. This class is recommended for teens, who of their own free will (not coerced by parents) choose to take the class. It is not necessary for teens to commit to confirmation in order to attend classes. The class will involve group discussion, a service project and retreat.
Confirmation/Reception is on May 6th.
The Welcome Cart
Pick up our newsletter or other information about St. Peter's from The Welcome Cart on Sunday mornings. We are out on the sidewalk to greet and welcome people to the cathedral. Look for the cart with the umbrella. Newcomer information may be picked up here.
Try out our CAYA service at 6:00 PM on Sundays
This service invites those who are new to the church or who have missed the morning service or who have been out of town for the weekend to "come as you are". Our worship service is based on services from the Iona community in Scotland. Our prayers lift up those who are most in need. Everyone is invited to share in a pot-luck dinner following the service. It is not necessary to bring food if this is your first-time visit...but after you feel 'at home' we hope you'll bring a dish.