Baptisms, Weddings, and Funerals, and other Sacramental Rites

It is our joy and honor to witness God’s presence in the baptisms, weddings, funerals, and other sacramental rights at St. Thomas’ Parish. Please know that we welcome all people to explore and deepen their faith at our parish, and to consider our church for these holy moments in life.

Our rector, the Rev Lisa Ahuja, is the contact person for baptisms, weddings, funerals, and other sacramental rights like Quinceañeras and Primera Comunión. She is bilingual, speaking English and Spanish. Please contact her at lahuja@stthomasdc.org or 202-361-2018 with questions or to plan a sacrament for yourself or a child.

Baptisms, Confirmation, and Reception

Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which God adopts us
as God’s children and makes us members of Christ’s Body,
the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God.

Book of Common Prayer, p 858

It is our joy to welcome people of all ages into the household of God through baptism.

The next date for baptism in November 5, 2023.

Confirmation, Reception,

Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature
commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the
Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.

Book of Common Prayer, 860

Confirmation classes are held each year for those who seek to reaffirm the vows made at their baptism. Those confirmed in another faith tradition will attend the same classes and be formally received into the Episcopal Church at the Confirmation service. From time to time people also choose to reaffirm their Confirmation vows at this service.

Weddings

Holy Matrimony is Christian marriage, in which two people enter into a life-long union, make their vows before their families, friends, God, the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows. Here at St. Thomas’ Parish, we welcome and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, and give thanks for their leadership in our parish. Please know all people seeking a Christian wedding, including the LGBTQIA+ community, are welcomed to celebrate their marriage and have it blessed in our church.

We have additional space in the building for your rehearsal dinner and/or reception.

Please do allow time to prepare for marriage, as all couples who will be married at St. Thomas’ Parish will meet with the Rev. Lisa Ahuja or a qualified therapist prior to their wedding day.  Contact lahuja@stthomasdc.org for more information.

Funerals

The burial service in our Book of Common Prayer helps us to give thanks for those who have died, commend them to God, and pray for those who grieve. Please know that you do not have to be a member of St. Thomas’ Parish to receive Christian burial here. Please contact lahuja@stthomasdc.org for more information.