The Cathedral Chapter
Although St. Mark's has a large and active congregation of regular members, it is more than just a parish church.  As the Cathedral of the Diocese, it is in many ways a "second home" for all Episcopalians in Minnesota - the official "seat" of the Bishop of Minnesota, a host for many diocesan events, and a symbol of the Episcopal Church in the City of Minneapolis and the entire State.

Because of this larger role, St. Mark's governing body is also somewhat different than that of a normal Episcopal church.  That body is officially called "the Chapter," and it includes the Bishop of Minnesota and lay and clergy members elected by the Diocesan Convention or appointed by the Bishop, as well as the Dean of the Cathedral and members elected by the Cathedral congregation from among its members.  The entire Chapter meets quarterly, usually in January, April, July, and September.  Between those meetings, the Dean and the Chapter members who are elected from St. Mark's congregation (officially called "the Executive Committee," but often informally referred to as "the Vestry") meet monthly, except in August, to manage the temporal affairs of the Cathedral.  Meetings of both the Chapter and the Executive Committee normally are held on the third Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m., and they are open to all members of the Cathedral, unless reasons of confidentiality require an "executive session."