LOG IN

Episcopal Schools Celebration

HomeEpiscopal Schools Celebration

Episcopal Schools Celebration 2026

“Be still, and know that I am God!”

Psalm 46:10

October 4–10, 2026

About Episcopal Schools Celebration

Episcopal Schools Celebration (ESC) celebrates the ministry of the 800+ Episcopal schools and early childhood education programs throughout The Episcopal Church. Whether it is at school, the parish or cathedral or at a diocesan-wide service or event, ESC is the time to give thanks and to proclaim to your community and the Church the good news that is your school!

Observed the week beginning with the first Sunday in October, ESC highlights a different aspect of Episcopal school identity and mission through the event’s theme. Below you will find resources to help you plan your celebration. A free poster is mailed to each member in late August.

Share your ESC activities on social media using #EpiscopalSchools

Episcopal Schools Celebration Resources

Two printed posters will be mailed to member schools. If you would like to request additional copies, you can order them for free via the NAES store (available after the initial mailing has been sent). Shipping is also free.

Lectionary

The below-listed suggestions are arranged according to the Book of Common Prayer pattern for the Liturgy of the Word, but use as many or as few lessons as suits your school’s needs.

Please note: all readings linked above utilize the NRSV Updated Edition.

DOWNLOAD WORD DOCUMENT

Hymns

In addition to your school hymn and other favorites, you may wish to includes one or more of these hymns:

The Hymnal 1982

  • 9 – Not here for high and holy things
  • 24 – The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended
  • 228 – Holy Spirit, font of light
  • 400 – All creatures of our God and King
  • 440 – Blessed Jesus, at thy word
  • 482 – Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy
  • 488 – Be Thou My Vision
  • 508 – Breathe on me, Breath of God
  • 516 – Come down, O Love divine
  • 594 – God of grace and God of glory
  • 597 – O day of peace that dimly shines
  • 635 – If thou but trust in God to guide thee
  • 653 – Dear Lord and Father of mankind
  • 660 – O Master, let me walk with thee
  • 662 – Abide with me: fast falls the eventide
  • 664 – My Shepherd will supply my need
  • 665 – All my hope on God is founded
  • 670 – Lord, forever at thy side
  • 671 – Amazing Grace
  • 676 – There is a balm in Gilead
  • 679 – Surely it is God who saves me
  • 684 – O for a closer walk with God
  • 692 – I heard the voice of Jesus say

Lift Every Voice and Sing II

  • 8 – Deep River
  • 106 – Precious Lord, take my hand
  • 181 – Amazing Grace
  • 188 – When peace, like a river, attendeth my way (It Is Well with My Soul)
  • 201 – I’ve got peace like a river
  • 217 – He’s got the whole world in His hand

Other Hymnals

Collect for Episcopal Schools Celebration

God of knowledge and wisdom, we pray to you for all the schools across this country, which are part of the Episcopal Church. We remember them in their variety, in their differences, and in what they share. Give us open doors, open minds, and open hearts that we might accept, learn, and love everything and everyone whom you have given us. Help us to share our lives and what we have, and to learn from all those who are in school with us. We pray in the name of Jesus who opened his arms to all, young and old. Amen.

From John F. Smith, Cycle of Prayer for Episcopal Schools, 2nd ed. (New York: National Association of Episcopal Schools, 2008), 4.

Save these Dates!

Episcopal Schools Celebration 2026-2027
October 4–10, 2026

Episcopal Schools Celebration 2027–2028
October 3–9, 2027

Episcopal Schools Celebration 2028–2029
October 1–7, 2028

Episcopal Schools Celebration 2029–2030
October 7–13, 2029