Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and their answers can be found on this page.

​

Staff Information

How do I contact someone at the church?

You can call 585-442-3544 and speak to the Office Manager who will forward your call.
 

How do I learn more about the staff and contact them? Click here to meet our clergy and staff.

​

Worship Information
Worship Times

Click here for the complete worship calendar.

 

In general, we hold on service every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. It is a traditional service including Holy Communion in the Sanctuary. For more information about worship at St. Thomas' click here.

​

My children need to be baptized, when can I do that?

If your child is an infant, we can arrange to baptize them at a Sunday service. Contact the Office Manager at 585-442-3544 or via email to schedule a baptism. At least one parent has to be a member of the church.

​

Is childcare available during worship services and other events?

Sunday School is available on Sunday at the 10:00 service for children ages 5 to 11. Childcare for infants up to 4 years of age is available during the service.

​

Can I get a recording of a Sunday service?

The service live-streamed each Sunday. You can access the live-stream via our YouTube channel at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Rochester, NY.

​

History of the Church
How old is St. Thomas’?

St. Thomas’ began as a extension of Christ Church Rochester when Will Congdon founded a Sunday School for boys on Pearl and Goodman Streets in 1889. It became a parochial mission in 1896.  Click here to read a detailed account of our history.

​

Joining & Membership Information
How do I become a member of the parish?

To become a member of the parish, contact a Staff Member or one of our Welcome Guides at any Sunday service. They’ll set the wheels in motion. There are cards in the pews of the sanctuary and chapel which you may fill out if you desire to join. If you have never been baptized, the clergy will arrange to perform this sacrament for you. However, we do honor baptism from any Christian community. All new members are asked to declare their commitment to be a part of the St. Thomas’ family as part of a brief welcoming rite. This consists simply of the commitment to support the parish with their prayers, presence, gifts and their service.

​

Do I need to be a member to participate in church events?

No. If you want to be a member of the vestry or other decision-making groups, membership is required, but you may attend worship and participate fully in other general events without being a member. All are welcome in our community.

 

Do I have to talk to someone first about joining?

No, you do not normally have to talk to someone first. We would always like a chance to get to know you before you join, but it is certainly not a requirement. Since formal membership in the Church and our parish begins with Christian baptism, we will contact you about scheduling that sacrament for you if you have not yet been baptized.

​

Do I have to take a class to join?

No, you do not have to take a class. However, we encourage all who join to complete the Episcopal 101 course that introduces them to or helps them to renew their commitment to Christianity, the Episcopal Church, and to our parish. For more information, contact the Office Manager at 585/442-3544 or via email(Not active).

​

Do I have to walk up front to join?

It is not necessary, however, we encourage it. When someone joins a parish, we want to give our current members the opportunity to meet their new brother or sister in Christ. We celebrate new members and want the congregation to have a chance to welcome you personally. If this is a concern to you, we’ll discuss other options when you inform us of your decision to join.
 

Can my children join when I join?

Children are an important part of our church. When they join the parish with you, they are considered full members of the parish who simply have not yet reached the age of majority.
 

What will be expected of me?

When a new member joins, they are asked if they will support the church by their prayers, presence, gifts and their service. This vow of membership is not just for the benefit of the Church and our parish but for you as well. Together, we make up what we call the Body of Christ, the Church. Each one’s involvement in the life and work of the church strengthens the Body.
 

How many members attend St. Thomas’?

About 600 members are on the official rolls, with about 200 attending services each week.
 

Can you send me a copy of the church’s newsletter?

To receive the newsletter, the Parish Weekly, simply contact the Office Manager at 585-442-3544 or via email.

​

My address has changed. Whom do I contact?

Call the parish office at 585-442-3544; or you can update your information online by submitting this online form.

​

Do you sell the membership lists to any political or religious groups?

St. Thomas’ never gives out private information about members to any group. You can indicate on your membership record if you don’t want your phone number in the membership directory, or you may contact the Office Manager via email for more information.

​

Activities & Programing Information
What programs are available for different age groups?

The St. Thomas’ website contains detailed information about most church programs. Click on any of the buttons at the top of the page to learn more about St. Thomas’ programs.

​

Information on Weddings
How can I arrange for a wedding at St. Thomas’?

Please visit this area of our website. If you have questions, contact the Office Manager at 585-442-3544 or via email.

​

Does the church perform marriages for people who have been divorced?

Yes, St. Thomas’ follows the canons of the Episcopal Church which allow divorced persons to remarry.

​

Parking Information
Do you have handicapped parking spaces?

Handicapped parking places are just outside the sanctuary on the west side of the church.

​

Where should I go if I have an appointment with a minister or other staff member?

Park in the parking lot and use the buzzer systam at the red doors in the middle of the parking loop. The Office Manager will admit you and assist you in finding your meeting location.

​

Information About Children

For more information on programs for children at St. Thomas’, click here.

​

Is childcare available during worship services and other events?

We have a nursery for infants and toddlers through 4 years of age on Sundays beginning at 10:00 a.m. 
 

Do you have Sunday School for children?

Yes, we have Sunday School for children ages 5 to 11 years old during the 10:00 a.m. Sunday service.

​

Can my children join when I join?

Children are an important part of our church. When they join the parish with you, they are considered full members of the parish who simply have not yet reached the age of majority.
 

My children need to be baptized, when can I do that?

If your child is an infant, we can arrange to baptize them at a Sunday service. Contact the Office Manager at 585-442-3544 or via email to schedule a baptism. At least one parent has to be a member of the parish. We suggest that if a child is not an infant, he or she wait until confirmation and the sacrament of baptism will be administered then.

​

Special Needs Information

Do you have handicapped parking spaces?

Handicapped parking places are just outside the sanctuary on the west side of the church with a ramp leading into the church. There is an elevator if you need to use our Chapel or other rooms located on the first or third floors of the building.

​

Can you bring communion to me at my pew?

During communion, you may remain seated and indicate to an Welcome Guide that you need communion brought to you.

​

I am hearing-impaired. Can I get a hearing device for the service?

We have a hearing loop in the sanctuary that broadcasts on channels reserved for personal hearing aids. In addition, a limited number of hearing devices are available from the Welcome Guides.

​

I have trouble reading small print. Can I get a large-print copy of the Sunday service bulletin?

Large-print bulletins and hymnals are available from any Welcome Guide.