Chapel & Service

The Chapel Theme acts as a central thematic thread throughout the school year.

Chapel Theme for 2025-2026:

"Rooted and Grounded in Love" (Ephesians 3:17)

Each spring, the Lower School Chapel Council, Middle School Chapel Council, Upper School Vestry, and the Volunteer Service Board solicit ideas for the theme that will form a purpose and focus for the spiritual development in the next academic year.

Each year, Lower School students work together to pack 10,000 meals for communities facing high rates of food insecurity. Before they pack the meals, students and faculty attend Chapel to hear scripture readings focusing on caring for the underserved and a speech on the importance of feeding others.

Each May, first graders receive hymnals that symbolize their academic and spiritual development over the year. It marks their ability to read independently and participate fully in Chapel. In addition to first graders, all new students receive a hymnal at this special Chapel.

Each year, an age-appropriate speaker is invited to address a topics of religious, spiritual, or character development in Chapel.

During the second week of November, we honor our veterans and welcome an alumnus to give a Chapel address on the importance of Veterans Day and remembering those who served our country. Many members of The Episcopal Academy who have served in our armed forces attend this Chapel.

This Chapel has been named in honor of our former chair of the board, Edward H. Vick, Jr. ’62, who served two tours of duty during the Vietnam War as an officer of the U.S. Navy. He received two bronze star medals with Combat “V,” the Combat Action Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

At the beginning of each sports season, varsity athletes are invited to celebrate the Eucharist and participate in the blessing of the jerseys. This gives us an opportunity to illustrate Chapel's connection with what we do beyond the sanctuary.

To honor God’s creation and celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, we have a blessing of the animals for the Chapel closest to October 4. This tradition reminds us that we are stewards of God’s creation.

Each year the recipient of the Benjamin H. Reed '43 Scholarship gives a lecture on his or her service activity that was completed during the summer before senior year.

The Benjamin H. Reed '43 Scholar is judged based on two main criteria, including demonstrated excellent scholarship in history courses with emphasis on written and oral expression, and a written proposal describing an original and worthwhile project in the field of public service.

Prior to opening night of the school play, we have a special Eucharist in which we bless our school's artists, giving thanks for the many creative gifts they offer our community. This tradition reminds us to be grateful for our talents and the talent of others.

EA chaplains are happy to preside over weddings. Please contact the chaplain of your choice to take the first step.

As priests of The Episcopal Church, chaplains follow the diocese of Pennsylvania's requirements and will meet with couples at least three times to discuss marriage, faith values, relationships, conflict resolution, the elements of a successful marriage, family, and development of Christian commitment.

EA chaplains may officiate weddings at any venue. Couples may also choose to be married in EA's Class of 1944 Chapel for no charge. Note: EA hosts many events. The earlier you plan your wedding, the more likely you will be able to secure your date.

Because The Episcopal Church and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have validated same-sex marriages, chaplains preside over all marriages as long as both people are fit to share in a mutually exclusive and loving relationship. At least one partner must be a baptized Christian to be married in The Episcopal Church.

EA chaplains do not preside over civil marriage ceremonies, but instead collaborate with clergy of other Christian denominations or faith traditions when two people of different traditions marry. However, they cannot be part of a ceremony that denies the existence of the Trinity or rejects the divinity of Jesus Christ.

If you are interested in being baptized or having our child baptized, please contact the chaplain of your choice. The chaplain will review the process with you.

Chaplains preside over funerals at The Episcopal Academy. Please contact Fr. Tim Gavin for more information.

Chaplains pay visits to the hospital not to evangelize, but to provide support and to help the patient emotionally process all that he or she is experiencing. Chaplains will also visit extended family members of students, staff, teachers, and administrators.

In addition to providing emotional support, the chaplains can offer the sacraments: Eucharist, Healing, or Reconciliation.