About Saint Andrew by the Sea Catholic Church in Corpus Christi:
One of the more unusual churches in Corpus Christi, Saint Andrew by the Sea is an open-air church. Saint Andrew by the Sea Catholic Church was established in 1967 as a Mission of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Flour Bluff. The church was an “outdoor pavilion” where visitors could celebrate their Sunday worship dressed informally and near their vacation site. Of course, we could name quite a few parishes far from the ocean where worshipers might show up in shorts and flip-flops….but that just our particular gripe!
St. Andrew is located on North Padre Island, approximately 20 miles from downtown Corpus Christi. They are the only parish in the world where Mass is celebrated outdoors year-round (weather permitting). In light of the outdoor setting, the pews, altar and celebrant’s chair are all made of concrete.
St. Andrew by the Sea became an Independent Mission on October 4, 1986. On October 6, 1986 Fr. James Tamayo became the parish’s first pastor. St. Andrew by the Sea became a canonically established parish on October 17, 1987. In January of 1990 Msgr. James Tamayo was reassigned as Episcopal Vicar in Western Vicariate of Laredo, Texas. Fr. Thomas Goodwin was appointed pastor in 1990 and served the parish until 1993.
St. Andrew’s parish built a 7,500 sq. ft. Family Life Center to serve as an indoor gathering place to celebrate Mass during inclement weather and as a meeting place for Religious Education classes and social gatherings. North Padre Island, once a quiet vacation destination and retirement community, now thrives with a population of many young families. To better serve those families; in 2006 under the administration of Fr. Tom McGettrick, St. Andrew’s parish built a 4,000 sq. ft. Religious Education Building with six classrooms and a large meeting area.
Traveling to Saint Andrew by the Sea Catholic Church in Corpus Christi, Texas:
Address: 14238 Encantada Ave, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Tel: +1 (361) 949-7193
Click here for the official website of Saint Andrew by the Sea Catholic Church in Corpus Christi, Texas