“I am resurrection and I am life, says the Lord.”
—John 11:25-26
When someone you love dies, you shouldn’t have to figure out what happens next on your own. The church is here for every part of life—including the moment we enter into eternal life—and we want to walk alongside you as you prepare, plan, and grieve.
Before and at the Time of Death
When a death occurs (or is imminent), call us and a member of our clergy will attend to your loved one and sit with you as you navigate these challenging moments.
Before a death, clergy are able to be present and offer laying on of hands, anointing, and—as death nears—prayers (or what’s popularly known as “Last Rites.”) Once a death occurs, call the clergy at St. Thomas’ at: (215) 233-3970, press #. Clergy are available 24 hours a day, and calling is the most direct way to receive pastoral care in this moment.
Episcopalians are strongly encouraged to hold funerals in the church itself, in the same sanctuary where the deceased may have worshipped, been baptized, or been married—surrounded by the community that actually knew them. If you’d like to make your own arrangements ahead of time, rather than leaving those decisions to your family later, our clergy are glad to help you plan in advance; many parishioners choose to do exactly that.
Our cemetery is part of our 42-acre campus and has been a resting place for St. Thomas’ families since the early-eighteenth century. It is now the final resting place for more than 3,500 people. We offer several options for burial depending on what your family needs.
For more information about burial at St. Thomas’, please contact The Rev. Kristin Waskowicz Woods.
“When I lost my mother, St. Thomas’ clergy and members surrounded me with love, prayer, and food. They even delivered flowers that had decorated the altar during Sunday services. The funeral itself was personalized and heartfelt. I felt tremendous comfort.”
—A St. Thomas’ Member
FAQs
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As soon as you’re able. Our clergy will help you begin planning right away and can reserve a plot or space if one is needed.
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Everything. That includes choosing hymns and scripture readings, deciding who will speak, working through the structure of the service itself, and coordinating timing with the funeral home. You don’t need to arrive with any of this decided. We’ll walk through it together, and the service will reflect the person you’re remembering.
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Holding the service in the church means it happens in the same sanctuary where this person may have worshipped, been baptized, or been married, surrounded by the community that actually knew them.
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Yes, and many parishioners choose to. Working with clergy ahead of time means the big decisions are already made, and your family won’t be left guessing during an already difficult time. Reach out whenever you’re ready to start that conversation—there's no need to wait for a health crisis or a specific age.
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Family plots (traditional in-ground burial for multiple family members in one area), single or couple plots, spaces in the Inurnment Garden (for cremated remains), and spaces in the Memorial Garden. Each has its own character and cost, and our staff can walk you through which fits your family.
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The Inurnment Garden and the Memorial Garden are both for cremated remains. The Memorial Garden is located just outside the church along its south side; it offers an open and garden-like resting place. Both are part of the same Cemetery grounds.
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The Rev. Kristin Waskowicz Woods handles funeral arrangements and cemetery questions and can walk you through next steps whenever you’re ready.
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