Spirituality-themed services begin at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

This summer at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church worshippers will experience Celtic Christian spirituality-themed services each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Celtic spirituality draws inspiration from the early prayers and poetry of the Celtic world and from the lives of Celtic saints such as Columba, Brigid, Patrick, Brendan, Aidan, Cuthbert, and Hilda. It is a tradition of story, art and wisdom that speaks to many concerns of our age including themes such as: developing love of and respect for the natural world, creating a culture for welcoming the stranger, focusing on prayer, learning, and hospitality, cultivating an environment that encourages showing love for God through acts of creativity, understanding life as a pilgrimage, and recognizing “thin places,” that is, thin boundaries between the sacred and the secular, heaven and earth.

The Rev. Kim Hardy, who began serving St. Mark’s last fall, is familiar with Celtic spirituality having served as Celtic Liturgy Coordinator for All Saints Parish in Brookline since 2006 where Celtic-themed services have been offered for thirteen years. Ms. Hardy began introducing Celtic spirituality in Foxboro during Lent with Midweek Moments, brief contemplative evening prayer services in Celtic tradition. She says, “In our fast-paced and somewhat fragmented culture, people of all ages are searching for ways to deepen their spirituality. We’re searching for ways to connect deeply with tradition in a manner that is relevant and authentic to our own time and world view. We are hungry to find meaning in our spiritual lives in authentic community. Celtic spirituality is one path that can lead us to reconnect with nature, our inner selves, and one another as we face 21^st century challenges.

Services will be held either in the church sanctuary or outside in the Memorial Garden depending on the weather. All are welcome.