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For questions or further
Melissa White
Director of Membership Development
713-590-3302
mwhite@christchurchcathedral.org |
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Welcome!
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Who are we?
For over 160 years, a building has stood on the corner of Texas and Fannin bearing witness to the Episcopal Church in Houston. Today Christ Church occupies two blocks in the heart of Houston. On these two blocks are housed a variety of outreach ministries, a bookstore, a restaurant, an art gallery and the offices of the Bishop of Texas. Above all, however, we remain an active and growing community of Christians living out Christ’s call in the world. We welcome all people as we seek to fulfill our call to minister to each other, to our diocese and to our city. If you are interested in learning more, we invite you to browse the pages of this website, but also to come down and experience Christ Church for yourself.
Where is the church located?
We are located in the heart of downtown on the corner of Fannin Street and Texas Avenue, at 1117 Texas Avenue. We are bordered to the north by Prairie Street and to the east by San Jacinto Street.
Where do I park?
The parking garage is on San Jacinto Street, just north of Texas Avenue. The garage is open on Sundays and free for weekday Cathedral events with a validation sticker (available from meeting and event leaders). If coming East on Texas Avenue, take a left on San Jacinto and the garage will be on your right. When exiting the garage use the exit with elevators and cross San Jacinto Street. The Cathedral sanctuary itself is located on the far corner at Texas and Fannin.
What to expect on a Sunday visit
We want your first visit to our Church to be a warm and welcoming experience, and one way to do that, is to help you feel prepared:
What times are the services?
We have five Sunday services:
8 a.m. – Our early service takes place in the Cathedral and uses traditional language. There is no music at this service.
9 a.m. – This is our family service which includes worship bags for children, a Children’s Talk from the Dean, our Parish Choir and is conducted in contemporary language.
11 a.m. – This beautiful service is conducted in traditional language and is accompanied by the magnificent voices of the Cathedral Choir under the direction of Robert Simpson.
1 p.m. – Our afternoon Spanish service is a vibrant, joyful and growing worship experience with a contemporary choir under the direction of Sandra Montes.
5 p.m. – Our Sunday evening service takes place in the more intimate setting of the Golding Chapel, includes music by organist, Bruce Power, and is conducted in contemporary language.
What should I expect when I get inside?
As you enter the main doors to the Cathedral building an usher will hand you a worship leaflet. This booklet contains directions for what to do and page numbers for the Book of Common Prayer (red) and the Hymnal or song book (dark blue). If you aren’t sure, don’t hesitate to ask a fellow worshipper or simply watch and follow others' lead.
Where do I sit?
You can sit anywhere that you feel comfortable. If it's crowded, the ushers will help you find a seat. If you arrive once the service has begun, an usher will be happy to assist you to a seat.
How long will the service last?
The services generally last about an hour.
What if I have children?
Children are welcome at all Sunday services. While it may not seem that they understand all aspects of worship, they do experience the rhythm and beauty of the building and the liturgy. Please consider taking advantage of the worship bags available from ushers at both the front and side entrances. Childcare is also available for ages 5 and under in the Jones Building during services. The Jones Building also houses The Lighthouse Classroom for children with special needs. For more information about our special needs ministry please contact program coordinator, Martha Lewis at lighthouse@christchurchcathedral.org.
How to take Communion
All baptized Christians are welcome at the Lord’s Table. Come forward to the Altar Rail as the ushers direct you and take the next available place. You may kneel or stand. Receive the communion bread from the priest in your open right palm. You may choose to receive the wine directly from the chalice by gently guiding it to your lips as the Chalice Bearer presents it to you, or you may “intinct,” or dip, the wafer into the wine. If you choose not to receive the wine, simply cross your arms across your chest after you have received the wafer. You may then return to your pew following those around you. If it is physically difficult for you to come to the altar rail, please indicate this to an usher and a priest will bring communion to you where you are seated.
Children receiving Communion
Children are welcome at the Lord’s Table at their parents’ discretion. If you would like for your child to learn more about the sacrament before receiving, please contact Lisa Puccio, our Director of Family Ministry concerning the next Holy Communion Workshop.
Receiving a Blessing
If you, or your child(ren), would like to receive a blessing from a priest at the altar rail, come forward just as you would to receive communion and cross your arms across your chest, and/or instruct your child(ren) to do the same.
Education Hour & Fellowship
Every Sunday at the Cathedral we set aside the 10 o’clock hour for education and fellowship. During the program year (September-May) you will find a variety of classes for adults, youth , children of all ages and children with special needs. Stop by the information table or take a look at the bulletin boards for a full listing of class topics and locations. When classes are not in session, or on special occasions, step inside the Great Hall where you’ll find coffee, lemonade, snacks and plenty of great company.
Learning More
As our guest we encourage you to ask questions and seek information. Please fill out a visitor card (found in the pew) and place it in the offering plate so that a member of the staff may contact you. We also invite you to join in on our weekly tours of the Cathedral, which meet at the rear of the church following the 11 o’clock service. Please stop by our welcome table outside in the walkway along the courtyard between and following services. There you can pick up a seasonal brochure and ask questions of our greeters. Of course, we also invite and encourage you to introduce yourself to our clergy and staff. We’ll be happy to see you.
Basics of the Faith
Twice a year, the Cathedral offers its Basics of the Faith Saturday workshop for new members and current members seeking a refresher. The course serves as an introduction to the Episcopal Church as well as our historic cathedral in a relaxed setting. To find out when our next class is please contact our Membership Liaison, Anne Shepard.
The Cloister Restaurant
The Cloister is a downtown institution and one of the city’s most cherished lunchtime haunts. Jamie Mize and Dan Tidwell have been feeding Houstonians out of the Great Hall since 1981 and the famous Treebeard’s fare brings hundreds to our campus every weekday.
Finding Community & Getting Involved
Christ Church is a large and diverse community, bringing together people of many different backgrounds, ages and interests. Some are simply involved on Sunday mornings, others come for programs during the week, and still others choose to envision and plan new programs and directions for the Cathedral to grow. Whatever your desired level of involvement, whatever your interests, we invite you to talk to members of our community, to browse the pages of this website (even to subscribe to our upcoming events e-news) and ultimately to find yourself at home at Christ Church. We’re glad you’re here. |
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