Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions here. You may also contact us at 813-221-2035 or direct inquiries to secretary@saintandrewstampa.org. Click or tap on the questions below to expand the answer panels.

Administrative

To Schedule a meeting, contact the Parish Secretary.

To update your mailing information, contact the Parish Administrator.

To inquire about your pledge, contact the Parish Administrator.

To post a notice in the Sunday Leaflet, contact the Parish Secretary.

To add a name to the Sunday prayer list, contact the Parish Secretary.

To arrange to give altar flowers, contact Sheridan Marr or the Parish Secretary.

To report errors or omissions, or suggest improvements on Saint Andrew’s website, contact the Parish Secretary.

Getting Connected at St. Andrew's

Inquirer’s confirmation classes are held once every two years, usually on Sunday mornings. If you cannot attend classes, speak with the Rector about alternative education or preparation. Confirmation services are scheduled when the Bishop visits the parish.

If you provide your name and address to the church office, we will send out a Family Information Form for you to return to us. It is important for you to fill out this form so that we have the required information for our records and so that we can remember you in the bulletin on birthdays and anniversaries. If you are of another faith, you have the option of being confirmed or received into the church (see above). If you would like to transfer from another Episcopal church, please contact the church office to arrange for a letter of transfer to be sent.

Lastly, please attend our programs and choose one or more parish ministries to take part in so you can be involved in the life of out parish, use your gifts, and build community with others.

Sacramental and Pastoral

The St. Andrew’s parish family joyfully welcomes new members into the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ through the first sacrament in the life of a Christian—Holy Baptism.

It is a shared sentiment at St. Andrew’s that shis celebration of new life should not be entered into lightly, but with reverence, sincerity, and a full understanding of its profundity.

If you are seeking to have a child baptized or are seeking baptism yourself, call the church office at 813-221-2035, and we will send you a booklet about baptism and a form to fill out. We will also work with you to find a date that is acceptable for everyone. Baptisms will normally be scheduled only on the fourth Sunday of the month, as well as the four occasions specified in the Book of Common Prayer: The Great Vigil of Easter, the Day of Pentecost, All Saints’ Day, and the First Sunday after the Epiphany.

If you are interested in being married at St. Andrew’s, please call Fr. John Reese at the office. We take seriously the need to prepare couples for the life-long commitment of marriage. We require that you meet with one of the clergy for four sessions. You may also meet with the Wedding Coordinator, the Flower Coordinator, and the Organist. If either of you has been married before to a person still living, it will be necessary for the Bishop to give his permission, so please allow extra time for that procedure. Also, at least one of you must be a baptized Christian.

There is a member and a non-member wedding fee; these fees cover the services of the Priest, Organist, Wedding Coordinator, Altar Guild and Sexton, the Marriage Preparation sessions, and church maintenance. A deposit of $100.00 is due when the wedding is scheduled.

Everything you need to know is contained in our Wedding Customary (PDF file).

From time to time, every family, every person, needs the support of caring friends. The pastoral care of our parishioners is of primary importance to the staff and people of St. Andrew’s. The clergy stand ready to provide emergency pastoral care at any time, night or day. Help is as close as your phone. A number to call for “after hours” emergencies is on our automated confidential voice mail system at 221-2035.

Prayer support can also be obtained through the prayer list in the Sunday bulletin and through the Daughters of the King prayer chain.

Funerals are arranged in consultation with the clergy. Please call the church office as soon as possible after a death occurs. You may find the Funeral Customary helpful in your planning. Our Helping Hands Ministry is available to assist you in providing a reception in our parish hall following a funeral, if you so desire.

The new columbarium, located north of the Children‘s Chapel, is now complete and arrangements can be made for eternal rest at St. Andrew‘s. Each niche can hold two urns, and the cost per niche is $2000. For more information contact the Rector.

Home Communions for the sick and home-bound can be scheduled at any time. Call the parish office to arrange for a member of the clergy or a Eucharistic minister to bring Holy Communion to the home.