FAQs

Planning a Visit to St. Thomas’ Parish

St. Thomas’ Contact information:

Phone: (202) 808-3326; email: info@office.stthomasdc.org

When and where are the worship services?

Worship services are held at 10:30am on Sunday mornings, at 1517 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036.

How do I get to St. Thomas’ Parish, and where can I park?

We are at 1517 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036. The closest Metro stop is the north entrance to the Dupont Circle station. Street parking is available in the morning, but limited. Several bike racks are also available outside our building.

Are you handicap-accessible?

Yes! There are no steps between the city sidewalk and the entrance of our recently completed building; a modern elevator provides easy access to all three levels; and there are handicap-accessible restrooms on all floors. There are two handicap-accessible parking spaces in our underground garage. Please request access through our Director of Operations, Paul Barkett at Administrator@stthomasdc.org

What child care services are available?

Childcare is provided prior to Sunday services beginning at 10am, and most Sundays there is a bible story and craft.

Am I welcome to receive Eucharist?

We welcome all who seek a deeper relationship with God and who desire to know more about Jesus to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion at St. Thomas’ Parish. Those who choose not to receive communion are invited to come to the altar during communion to receive a blessing.

Questions about St. Thomas’ Parish

Which denomination is St. Thomas’ Parish?

St. Thomas’ Parish is an Episcopal Church. We are members of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. The Episcopal Church is in 17 countries, and part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Those who worship at St. Thomas’ come from a broad range of denominations and faith experiences. All are welcome.

How does St. Thomas’ Parish contribute to the community? How can I get involved?

St. Thomas’ seeks to have a positive impact on the quality of social justice and community life in the metro Washington DC area and beyond. The best ways to get involved are to begin attending our Sunday worship services and sign up for our weekly newsletter, The Phoenix.

How can I subscribe to your newsletter?

This link will take you to a page where you can send your request. Your email address will then be added to the distribution list for The Phoenix newsletter, which is emailed weekly.

Does St. Thomas’ have a mission statement?

Our mission statement is, “As St. Thomas’ Parish, we are followers of Jesus, striving to see Christ in each person, and to be Christ in our community, our city, and our world.”

How do I become a member?

When you feel ready to officially join St. Thomas’ Parish, we will be glad to welcome you. Please speak with our Rector, the Rev. Lisa Ahuja at lahuja@stthomasdc.org for more information.

Pastoral Care and Life Events

What do I do if I or someone I love is about to be hospitalized?

Please contact the parish office at the number listed at the top of this page to let us know where and when you or your loved one will be hospitalized. The parish will not know of your hospitalization unless you or a member of your family calls.

How can I arrange to have someone to visit me or someone I love at home?

Calls are made regularly by clergy and lay ministers. Do not hesitate to contact the parish office, at the phone number or email address listed at the top of this page, if you know of a parishioner in need.

Is it possible to have Holy Communion brought to me at home or in the hospital?

You can request that the Sacrament be brought to you at the phone number or email address listed at the top of this page.  A member of the clergy or a Eucharistic Visitor will commissioned to bring the sacrament to you.

I’d like to be confirmed, received, or renew my baptismal vows at St Thomas, what do I need to do?

Those planning to be confirmed, received, or to renew their baptismal vows should take one of the preparation courses offered throughout the year. Please see this page for more information.

I’d like to have my wedding at St. Thomas’ Parish, what do I need to know?

Please be in touch with the Rev. Lisa Ahuja to discuss your desire to be married in the parish. Please be in touch with her before making plans, so that you might secure a date when a member of the clergy and the church are available. Since pre-marital  classes are required, we recommend six months advance notice. More information is available at this page.

Can we have our child baptized at St. Thomas’ Parish?

Please see this page for more information.

Who do I talk to about having a funeral at St. Thomas’ Parish?

Please contact the parish office at the phone number or email address listed at the top of this page. A member of the clergy will contact you as soon as possible and offer support, prayers, and assistance in arranging funeral services. More information is available at this page.

How do I add a name to the prayer list?

At each Sunday morning worship service, we pray especially for those on our prayer list. If you know someone who is suffering in body, mind, or spirit, you can add that person to our list by contacting Araceli Ma at ama@stthomasdc.org

Other Needs

My name, address, telephone numbers, or marital/partner status has changed. What should I do?

Please contact the parish office at the phone number or email address listed at the top of this page to update your information. If you already have an account set up on the parish Realm site, you can also update your contact information yourself.

I’m doing genealogical or other research, what sort of archival records does St. Thomas’ Parish have?

We have historical archives going back to 1891. These may be viewed by appointment only. To schedule a time, please contact the parish office at the phone number or email address listed at the top of this page.