Visit
14238 Encantada AveCorpus Christi, TX 78418Mass: SATURDAY 5:00 PM (Confessions 4:15-4:45)
When to go
Mass times
- SATURDAY5:00 PM · Confessions 4:15-4:45
- SUNDAY8:30 AM · Rosary recited before Mass
- SUNDAY11:00 AM
- MONDAY8:00 AM
- TUESDAY8:00 AM
- WEDNESDAY8:00 AM
- THURSDAY8:00 AM
- FRIDAY8:00 AM
About
Summary
St. Andrew by the Sea is a unique open-air Catholic church located on North Padre Island, Corpus Christi, Texas. It is the only open-air Catholic church in the world where Mass is celebrated outdoors year-round (weather permitting). The church serves a vibrant local community and welcomes visitors from across the country. About Us
Details
St. Andrew by the Sea Catholic Church is a distinctive place of worship known for its open-air design and welcoming atmosphere. Founded in 1967 as a mission of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, it became an independent parish in 1987. The church is celebrated for its Contemporary Greek Classical architecture and its commitment to fostering a sense of community among both locals and visitors. The church offers a unique experience with its outdoor Masses, which are held year-round in good weather, and an indoor church is available for colder days. The parish community is described as accommodating to seasonal guests, and the sermons are noted for being fun, joyful, and powerful.
From Faith Near Me
St. Andrew by the Sea in Corpus Christi offers a distinctive worship experience with its open-air design, blending Contemporary Greek Classical architecture with the natural beauty of North Padre Island. First-time visitors will notice the welcoming atmosphere, year-round outdoor Masses (weather permitting), and a congregation described as accommodating to seasonal guests. The parish emphasizes community and spiritual reflection, with a mission to reflect God's image through joyful, powerful worship.
Pros
- The open-air church is the only one of its kind globally, offering Mass outdoors year-round in good weather.
- Services include a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers and seasonal visitors, with sermons described as fun, joyful, and powerful.
- Facilities include both an outdoor and indoor church, along with a Family Life Center and Religious Education Building.
- Worship times are clearly posted, with daily Mass and additional services like Confessions and the Rosary.
- The parish offers a range of ministries, including Religious Education, Music Ministry, and community-focused programs like St Martha's Ministry.
- The location on North Padre Island provides a serene, coastal setting for worship and reflection.
Cons
- The open-air design means air conditioning is not available, which may be a consideration for some visitors.
- Weather-dependent Masses could affect attendance during inclement conditions.
- The congregation is described as having an older demographic, which may influence the overall atmosphere for some attendees.
Reviews from around the web
Public comments we collected from listing sources. Not written on Faith Near Me.
- Renee KH3 years ago
I had always heard about this no-walls/open-air church on the beach, but had never seen it...So we visited this past a Sunday. ~ Next to the open-air Ukrainian Orthodox chapel my hubs & I were married in, I believe this is one of the coolest church structures ever (or @ least that I have ever seen). IMHO, there is no grander cathedral than God's green earth under blue (or even gray) skies....
- john Thomasa year ago
Beautiful Church, open setup. If you are looking for air conditioning it is not available. morning mass with sea breeze is so good. ceremon was good.
- Ann Boehm4 years ago
What a happy, holy experience during Lent 2022. St. Andrew by the Sea is the only open-air Catholic church in the world where mass is celebrated outdoors year-round (weather permitting). We are blessed to have a thriving local parish community, as well as a vast extended family of visitors who join us periodically throughout the year while staying on or near North Padre Island. Our 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. We invite you to join us in our efforts to build up the Kingdom of God in love and service to all people.
- Google User7 months ago
Unique beautiful church with an open set up. I’ve been a dozen times now and always made to feel so welcome! The morning services are just beautiful and a complete soul renewal on a nice morning! 🙏❤️ …
- Vincent Watson8 months ago
Magnificent church to visit. Father Pham's sermons are always outstanding.
- george strohmeyer6 months ago
Nice experience outdoor setting, in good weather. Older croud. Priest gives well thought out sermon always tellsl a joke. Beat service i have been to in Texas.
- Betty Soto3 years ago
Beautiful Mass and atmosphere!!!! Will drive 3 hrs to attend Mass here again!! ❤️❤️
- Christopher Clark6 years ago
Wonderful outdoor mass with a friendly congregation and nice homilist. One of the better masses I've been too. Music was great too
- Josie Evenson3 years ago
Do not recommend for a wedding. The priest was rude, unwelcoming, and frankly unpleasant to deal with throughout the process. As a result, we decided to have our ceremony at another church that was so much warmer and more welcoming so this man would not be a part of our special day. It was the best decision ever. To future couples - I strongly recommend that you find another church in the area if you are not already connected to one and are looking to start the required marriage preparation. This place is NOT worth the stress.
- Lori Lensch3 years ago
A beautiful outdoor church with an amazing Priest. Sermons are fun, joyful, and powerful. There is an indoor church also for cold weather days. The parish people are very accommodating to the seasonal guests. Loved it!
Services and facilities
Services
- Religious Education
- Music Ministry
- Altar Servers
- Lectors
- Extraordinary Ministers
- Centering Prayer
- Vocations
- St Martha'S Ministry
- Vacation Bible School
Facilities
- Outdoor Church
- Indoor Church
- Family Life Center
- Religious Education Building
Events and programs
Mass
Daily
Daily Mass times are listed on the website.
Connect
- Contact page
- Open contact page
Social