You belong before you believe.

Baptism is the moment you say a wholehearted “yes” to God and step out in faith that a new life is waiting. Whether you’re bringing your child to the font or coming yourself, whether you are new to church or have been in it for years, you don’t need to arrive with the right words or a settled faith. You just need to show up.

Father Dave baptizing a young child at St. Thomas’ Church Whitemarsh.

The Promise of Baptism

At St. Thomas’, baptism happens in the midst of Sunday worship, surrounded by people who will actually know your name afterward. A godparent, a sponsor, a whole congregation promises, out loud, to help raise this child or walk alongside this adult in faith. That promise gets kept here through Sunday School, Children’s Chapel, community service opportunities, mentorship, and a community that keeps showing up long after the day itself.

Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ. It marks you—truly, not symbolically—as God’s own. In the Episcopal Church, we don’t baptize people over and over as they grow or change churches; once is enough, because the promise doesn’t depend on us keeping up our end perfectly. It depends on God.

We baptize infants, children, and adults at St. Thomas’. If you were baptized in any Christian tradition, that baptism counts here too—we won’t ask you to do it again. If you’re an adult exploring baptism for the first time, you’re in good company; several adults have been baptized at St. Thomas’ in recent years. 


Family portrait seated during baptism service at St. Thomas’ Church Whitemarsh.

2026/2027 Baptism Dates

Baptisms for all ages are offered several times a year during our 10:00 a.m. Sunday service.

All Saints: November 1, 2026

Baptism of our Lord: January 10, 2027

Easter Vigil: March 27, 2027 (evening)

Pentecost Sunday: May 16, 2027

“Being baptized with my daughter at St. Thomas’ was an incredibly powerful moment in my adult life. It opened me up to my vulnerabilities and imperfections, propelling me forward on my own journey of faith.”

Maxfield G., a new member at St. Thomas’

Mother Amy and Father Dave standing during baptism service at St. Thomas’ Church Whitemarsh.

FAQs

Quick links

Confirmation

Become a Member

Campus Map