About St. Andrew by the Sea · Corpus Christi, Texas
St. Andrew by the Sea is a Roman Catholic parish of the Diocese of Corpus Christi located on North Padre Island in Corpus Christi, Texas. It is widely recognized as the only open-air Catholic church in the world where Mass is celebrated outdoors year-round, weather permitting. The parish serves both a thriving local community of year-round island residents and a vast extended family of seasonal visitors — Winter Texans, summer vacationers, and South Texas travelers. Its mission centers on becoming an ever-clearer reflection of God's image through love, worship, and service, while its worship space, with no physical walls, symbolizes a Church that welcomes all without separation.
- Established
- 1967 (as a Mission); 1973 (first Mass and dedication); 1986 (Independent Mission); 1987 (canonically established parish)
- Patron
- Saint Andrew the Apostle
- Rector
- Rev. Hanh Van Pham
- Diocese
- Diocese of Corpus Christi
Why belong here
St. Andrew by the Sea offers a Catholic community unlike any other — worshiping outdoors year-round against the backdrop of North Padre Island, with no walls to separate worshippers from God's creation or from one another. The parish serves a tight-knit local family and warmly welcomes seasonal visitors, Winter Texans, and travelers from across the country. Strong faith formation for children through 12th grade, OCIA for adults, vibrant liturgical ministries (Music, Altar Servers, Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Ushers, Arts & Environment, Knights of Columbus), and a dedicated pastor and deacon make it a place where both longtime parishioners and first-time visitors can find spiritual nourishment and a sense of belonging.
Mass times at St. Andrew by the Sea
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 4:15–4:45 PM (before the 5:00 PM Vigil Mass)
About St. Andrew by the Sea
St. Andrew by the Sea (Corpus Christi, Texas) is the only open-air Catholic church in the world where Mass is celebrated outdoors year-round, weather permitting. The parish serves both a thriving local community on North Padre Island and a vast extended family of seasonal visitors — Winter Texans, summer vacationers, and shorter-stay travelers to South Texas. Its mission is simple: to strive towards an ever-clearer reflection of God's image, with a constant hope and trust that He will one day make us saints. The parish invites all to join in building up the Kingdom of God in love and service to all people.
Parish History
Established in 1967 as a Mission of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Flour Bluff, the church was originally conceived by Bishop Drury as an 'outdoor pavilion' where visitors could worship informally near their vacation site on North Padre Island. Bishop Drury celebrated the first Mass at 7:00 AM on Easter Sunday, 1973, and dedicated the church at noon Mass on July 29, 1973. St. Andrew became an Independent Mission in 1986 and a canonically established parish on October 17, 1987. Growth in parish facilities — including the 1999 Family Life Center and the 2006 Religious Education Building — has mirrored the explosive growth of North Padre Island itself, from a quiet vacation and retirement community into one populated by many young families.
- 1967: Established as Mission of St. Paul the Apostle, Flour Bluff
- Easter Sunday 1973: First Mass celebrated by Bishop Thomas J. Drury at 7:00 AM
- July 29, 1973: Parish dedicated at noon Mass by Bishop Drury
- October 4, 1986: Became an Independent Mission
- October 6, 1986: Fr. James Tamayo became first pastor
- October 17, 1987: Canonically established as a parish
- 1999: 7,500 sq. ft. Family Life Center built under Fr. Filice
- 2006: 4,000 sq. ft. Religious Education Building with six classrooms built under Fr. McGettrick
Architecture & Campus
The open-air church building was designed by Arlin Yeager, Jr. with Blanton-Yeager Architects of Corpus Christi in a Contemporary Greek Classical style. Architectural details — the flat roof, pillars, and tooth-shaped guttae along the cornice — reference ancient Greek temples and open buildings that dotted the Mediterranean shoreline over two thousand years ago. The worship space seats 500 on fixed precast concrete pews, with the altar and celebrant's chair also built of concrete. A small 500 sq. ft. rectory was integrated into the original design, and the campus has grown to include the Family Life Center and Religious Education Building.
- Style: Contemporary Greek Classical
- Architect: Arlin Yeager, Jr. — Blanton-Yeager Architects, Corpus Christi
- Seating: 500 on fixed precast concrete pews
- Altar and celebrant's chair: concrete
- Family Life Center: 7,500 sq. ft. (built 1999)
- Religious Education Building: 4,000 sq. ft. with six classrooms (built 2006)
Clergy & Staff
The parish is led by Rev. Hanh Van Pham, pastor since July 2019, and is served by Deacon Peter McCort. Danny Kollaja serves as Pastoral Assistant, Cheryl Hooper as Bookkeeper and Director of Religious Education, and Jon Perez as Music Director. A Parish Secretary / CMSE Coordinator staffs the parish office. The Pastoral Council brings together coordinators and directors of the parish's various ministries to enhance the spiritual and liturgical life of the parish.
- Rev. Hanh Van Pham — Pastor
- Deacon Peter McCort
- Danny Kollaja — Pastoral Assistant
- Cheryl Hooper — Bookkeeper / Director of Religious Education
- Jon Perez — Music Director
- Parish Secretary / CMSE Coordinator
Pastoral Council
The Pastoral Council is composed of coordinators and directors of various parish ministries working together to enhance the spiritual and liturgical life of the parish.
- Father Hanh Van Pham
- Ramon Presas — Knights of Columbus
- Ray Salinas — Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC)
- Elaine Hoffman — Lectors
- Myla Ustymenko — Altar Servers
- Gloria Nuñez — Arts & Environment
- Randall Barrera — Ushers
- Cheryl Hooper — Director of Religious Education
- Jon Perez — Music Director
Sacraments
St. Andrew by the Sea prepares parishioners for the full sacramental life of the Church. Baptisms are celebrated on the first Saturday of each month, with prior baptismal instruction required. First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are prepared as a consecutive 2-year process normally beginning in 1st grade. Confirmation preparation is a 2-year process normally beginning in 9th grade. Couples preparing for Marriage must meet with the priest at least 6 months before the desired wedding — only the priest approves wedding dates and times. Adults seeking full communion with the Catholic Church journey through the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA), and children in grades 3–12 who have not yet been baptized participate in the Order of Christian Initiation for Children (OCIC).
- Baptism — first Saturday of each month; instruction required; registration, birth certificate, and approvals needed
- First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion — 2-year preparation, normally beginning in 1st grade
- Confirmation — 2-year preparation beginning in 9th grade
- Marriage — meet with priest at least 6 months in advance; only the priest approves dates and times
- OCIA — Order of Christian Initiation for Adults
- OCIC — Order of Christian Initiation for Children (grades 3–12)
Faith Formation & Religious Education
The Children's Faith Formation department at St. Andrew by the Sea supports parents as the primary educators of their children, providing catechetical instruction in Scripture, doctrine, prayer, and worship, and assisting in preparing children for their sacraments. Religious Education classes are offered for grades PreK 3 (must be fully potty trained) through 12th grade, with all classes meeting Sunday mornings 9:45–10:45 AM. The program includes Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (PreK 3 – 2nd grade), the 'Discover and Connect! Finding Faith in Life' program (Grades 3–6), and Junior High / High School formation (Grades 7–12), which includes youth-led discussion of the Sunday readings, Catholic faith, saints, social justice, morality, prayer and adoration, and the 'Angel Project' service projects. Director of Religious Education: Cheryl Hooper ([email protected]).
- All classes meet Sunday mornings 9:45–10:45 AM
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (PreK 3 – 2nd grade) — Montessori-based atrium approach rooted in Scripture and the liturgy
- Discover and Connect! Finding Faith in Life (Grades 3–6) — Catholic Children's Bible as core text
- Junior High & High School (Grades 7–12) — Sunday readings, faith, saints, social justice, morality, prayer and adoration
- Angel Project youth service projects
- Baptism certificates required for all Sacramental preparation
OCIA / Adult Formation
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is the ancient practice of the Church restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism and full communion. Catechumens (unbaptized adults) and Candidates (baptized Christians from other traditions) journey together through the Pre-Catechumenate (Period of Inquiry), the Rite of Initiation, the Catechumenate, the Rite of Election (with the bishop), the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation), and finally Mystagogy — a time of reflection and celebration after formal reception into the Church. An OCIA team of sponsors guides, supports, and instructs those discerning membership. For registration, contact Cheryl Hooper at [email protected].
- Pre-Catechumenate (Period of Inquiry)
- Rite of Initiation
- Catechumenate
- Rite of Election (with the bishop)
- Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil
- Mystagogy
Liturgical Ministries
St. Andrew by the Sea offers many opportunities for parishioners to serve in the beautiful celebration of the Mass. Liturgical ministries include Altar Servers, Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Music Ministry, Ushers, and Arts & Environment.
Altar Servers
Altar Servers must have a strong desire to serve at the Altar and must be in 4th–12th grade and have made their First Holy Communion. They must attend Mass regularly, be members of St. Andrew Parish, know how to genuflect and make the sign of the cross, and be willing to pray aloud. New servers are required to attend a training session, with additional training for Special Masses, funerals, and weddings. Contact: Danny Kollaja at [email protected].
Lectors
Lectors are men and women who proclaim the readings from sacred Scripture (except the Gospel) at Mass, and who announce the intentions of the general intercessions when the deacon is not present. Readers must be at least in 9th grade and have the ability to read clearly, expressively, and with faith. Training is offered on an 'as needed' basis. Contact: Victoria Smith at [email protected].
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are commissioned members of the congregation who help distribute Communion at Mass, and some extend this ministry to hospitals and to visiting the sick and homebound. The term 'Extraordinary' distinguishes lay ministers from the deacon, priest, and bishop who are the 'ordinary' ministers of Holy Communion. Training is offered on an 'as needed' basis. Contact: Ray Salinas at [email protected] or 361-563-9170.
Music Ministry
As God's servants through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Music Ministry provides music to enhance the liturgy and deepen the spiritual experience of the community. The ministry offers an enriching spiritual experience through musical selections that complement the readings and the liturgical season, and welcomes additional singers, guitarists, flute, trumpet, and other musicians. Music selection for weddings is also provided. Music Director: Jon Perez.
Parish Organizations & Outreach
Beyond liturgical ministries, the parish sponsors the Knights of Columbus (represented on the Pastoral Council by Ramon Presas), the Ushers ministry (Randall Barrera), and the Arts & Environment committee (Gloria Nuñez). The parish also hosts Angel Project youth service projects and welcomes families into its Family Life Center for social gatherings and Religious Education classes.
- Knights of Columbus
- Ushers
- Arts & Environment
- Angel Project youth service projects
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. James Tamayo (later Msgr.)1986–1990
First pastor when St. Andrew became an Independent Mission in 1986; canonically established as a parish Oct 17, 1987; reassigned Jan 1990 as Episcopal Vicar in Western Vicariate of Laredo.
- Fr. Thomas Goodwin1990–1993
Appointed pastor after Fr. Tamayo's reassignment.
- Fr. Richard W. Filice1993–2002
Oversaw the 1999 construction of the 7,500 sq. ft. Family Life Center.
- Fr. Tom McGettrick2002–2013
Appointed July 1, 2002; retired July 2013. Oversaw the 2006 construction of the 4,000 sq. ft. Religious Education Building.
- Fr. Michael Howell2013–2019
Served from July 2013 until his retirement in July 2019.
- Fr. Hanh Van Pham2019–present
Assigned to the parish in July 2019 following Fr. Howell's retirement.