ESJ Chapel and Cathedral Day (September 11)

Posted September 3, 2024-

Dear Parents and Students,

One of the important annual events on the school calendar is the Holy Eucharist at St. John’s Cathedral. Episcopal School of Jacksonville began in 1966 as a result of the vision and persistence of the Dean, Vestry, and people of the Cathedral. We celebrate our historic link with the Cathedral in Eucharistic worship because that is where the mission and ministry of our school were born. 

This year, students in 7th, 9th, and 12th grades will go to St. John’s Cathedral to participate in the Holy Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 11. These students will worship at the Cathedral, where our great school was founded.  They will meet the Cathedral clergy, worship in this sacred space, and hear the beautiful organ music.

Students in 6th, 8th, 10th and 11th grades will stay on campus on Wednesday, September 11.  They will also participate in the Holy Eucharist.  They will gather in the Deming Theatre after their first class.  After the Holy Eucharist they will go to advisory where they will engage in Spiritual Life activities.

On September 11, ALL students will attend their first class of the day (6th period) from 8:05 a.m. – 9:10 a.m.  At 9:10 a.m., students will go to Advisory.   

Chapel Dress is required of ALL students on this day.

  • Students in grades 7,9, and 12 will get on the bus with their advisor and will stay with their Advisory through the program at the Cathedral which will include the Holy Eucharist. 
    • Seniors will not be permitted to drive themselves to the Cathedral. All students must ride the bus to the Cathedral. 
    • After the service, students will return to campus. They will go to Advisory and then have both Activities period and Lunch period.  
  • Students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 11 will stay on campus for Chapel/Holy Eucharist all together followed by Spiritual Life activities based in their advisory.

Following these special events, all students will continue with their regular schedule including 7th period, Activities/Lunch periods and then the final two class periods of the day (periods 1 and 2).

Student attendance is required at school and at St. John’s Cathedral. Parents are always welcome to attend Chapel services at Episcopal School of Jacksonville, the Cathedral, and all other school Chapel services. 

Faithfully,

Teresa Seagle