Services & Rites
The rites and sacraments of the Church mark some of the most meaningful moments in our lives—times of celebration, commitment, remembrance, healing, and new beginnings. At St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea, we are honored to walk alongside individuals and families through these important milestones with care, compassion, and prayer.
Whether you are preparing for Baptism, planning a wedding, or navigating the loss of a loved one, our clergy and parish community are here to support and guide you every step of the way.
Baptism
Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the Church. It is a sacred and joyful moment in the life of both the individual and the parish community.
Whether you are interested in being baptized yourself or having your child baptized, we would be honored to be part of that journey. Except in extraordinary circumstances, Baptism takes place during a Sunday Eucharist service so that the congregation may welcome the newly baptized into the household of God.
Parents and sponsors (godparents) presenting children for Baptism make a commitment to nurture them in the Christian faith and life. A preparation session is required to explore both the meaning of Baptism and the responsibilities involved.
Please allow approximately one month to arrange a Baptism date.
Wedding
Marriage is a joyful and sacred covenant, and we are honored to celebrate this important occasion with couples and their families.
Weddings at St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea are typically celebrated for parish members and their families, though arrangements may also be made for members of other churches. Our priest will also do wedding ceremonies offsite. All weddings are conducted according to the liturgy and traditions of the Episcopal Church and include preparation sessions with the clergy prior to the ceremony.
In the Episcopal Church, Christian marriage is understood as a lifelong covenant made in the presence of God and the community. At least one person in the couple must be a baptized Christian, and all marriages must conform to both Church and State requirements.
Our clergy are happy to guide couples through every step of the process, including planning the ceremony, preparing for marriage, and coordinating music and worship details.
To begin the process or inquire about date availability, please contact the parish office.
Wedding Guidelines
Weddings at St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea are scheduled in consultation with the Priest and, if desired, the couple’s families. All weddings are officiated by the parish Priest unless other arrangements are approved in advance.
Wedding services are conducted according to the Book of Common Prayer, the canons of the Episcopal Church, and the Diocese of Rhode Island.
As part of the preparation process, couples meet with the Priest several times prior to the ceremony for premarital counseling and service planning. These meetings are required and scheduled at mutually convenient times.
If either person has been previously married, permission from the Bishop of Rhode Island is required before the wedding may take place. Additional meetings and paperwork may also be necessary.
The Priest will coordinate with the Altar Guild and Flower Guild to prepare the church for the ceremony.Music is an important part of the wedding ceremony and should reflect the sacred nature of Christian marriage.
Couples should schedule a consultation with the church musician soon after confirming their wedding date. All music selections must be approved by the Priest.
If the parish musician is unavailable, alternative arrangements may be made in consultation with the Priest.
Additional fees may apply for rehearsal attendance or accompaniment for soloists.Marriage licenses must be obtained before the wedding rehearsal.
If either person is a Rhode Island resident, the license should be obtained through their local town clerk’s office. If both individuals reside out of state, the license must be obtained through the Little Compton Town Hall.
The town requires a fee along with two forms of identification, such as a valid driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate. If either person is divorced or widowed, certified legal documentation will also be required.
Please note that the wedding ceremony cannot take place without a valid marriage license.Wedding rehearsals are typically scheduled for the day before the ceremony at a time coordinated with the clergy and participants.
Rehearsals generally last approximately 45 minutes and help ensure everyone feels comfortable and prepared for the service.
Please bring the marriage license to the rehearsal.Flower arrangements should be coordinated with the Altar Guild and Flower Guild.
Typically, one floral arrangement is placed in the sanctuary, though additional approved arrangements may also be used in designated areas around the church. Flowers may be placed near the altar, but not directly on the altar or piano.
Altar candles are provided by the church.
To help preserve the beauty of the property, rice, confetti, flower petals, birdseed, and similar materials may not be thrown inside or outside the church buildings.Photography is welcome before and after the ceremony.
During the service, photographers and videographers are asked to remain respectful and unobtrusive. Photography during the ceremony should be done from the balcony or rear of the church so as not to distract from worship or obstruct visibility for guests.
Video cameras may also be positioned in approved stationary locations.The groom and best man should arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony. Ushers should arrive approximately 45 minutes prior to the service.
The groom and attendants may wait in the Priest’s office near the sanctuary, and the Parish Hall is available for the bride and bridal party before the ceremony.The following suggested fees are typically due at the time of the rehearsal:
• Priest Honorarium: $500
• Parish Musician Fee: $300
There is no fee for use of the church or Parish Hall for active parish members. For non-members, or children and grandchildren of non-members, a contribution of $500 is requested for use of the facilities.
All fees may be adjusted or waived at the discretion of the Priest.Couples and families using the church or Parish Hall are responsible for any damages that may occur during use of the facilities, as well as cleanup and removal of food, decorations, and trash following receptions or gatherings.
If alcohol will be served at a reception, special permission and proof of insurance may be required in advance.
Funeral
St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea clergy and staff are always available to offer comfort, guidance, and pastoral care at the time of a loss.
Funeral and memorial services are sacred opportunities to give thanks for a loved one’s life, commend them to God’s care, and gather together in hope and remembrance. Our clergy work closely with families to help plan meaningful services rooted in prayer, scripture, and the traditions of the Episcopal Church.
Baptized Christians are properly buried from the Church, and services are typically scheduled at a time when the parish community may also gather in support and prayer.
If a death occurs, families are encouraged to contact the church as soon as possible so that pastoral care and arrangements may begin.
Funeral Guidelines
Funeral and memorial services at St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea are scheduled in consultation with the Priest and the family of the deceased. Services are conducted according to the traditions of the Episcopal Church, using the Book of Common Prayer and the customs of the Diocese of Rhode Island.
Our clergy are available to help guide families through every aspect of planning the service with care, compassion, and pastoral support. The Priest will also coordinate with the Altar Guild and Flower Guild to prepare the church for the service.
Unless special arrangements are approved in advance, all funerals at St. Andrew’s are officiated by the parish Priest.Music is an important and meaningful part of funeral and memorial services at St. Andrew’s. The Priest and family will work together to select hymns and service music that are appropriate for worship and reflective of the life being remembered.
The parish musician typically provides music for all services. Additional vocalists or instrumentalists may be included with approval from both the Priest and parish musician. All musical selections are subject to clergy approval.Flower arrangements are coordinated between the family’s florist, the Altar Guild, and the Priest. Flowers may be placed in several approved locations throughout the church, including the narthex and designated areas near the altar.
To preserve the integrity of the worship space, flowers and vases may not be placed directly on the altar or piano. Arrangements used during the service may also be offered to the church for use during the following Sunday’s worship service if desired.The Parish Hall may be available for a reception or gathering following the funeral or memorial service. Families wishing to use the space should discuss arrangements with the Priest during the planning process.
Families are responsible for cleanup following any reception, including removal of food, refreshments, and trash from the Parish Hall and church property.The following suggested fees are typically due prior to the service:
• Priest Honorarium: $500
• Parish Musician Fee: $300
Checks for clergy honorariums should be made payable directly to the Priest. Musician fees should be made payable to the musician.
There is no fee for use of the church or Parish Hall for parishioners. For non-members or relatives of non-members, the following fees may apply:
• Church Use Fee: $250
• Parish Hall Reception Fee: $100
All fees may be adjusted or waived at the discretion of the Priest.Families using the church and Parish Hall are responsible for any damages that may occur during use of the facilities.
If alcohol will be served at a reception, special permission and proof of insurance may be required in advance.
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Reach out to us first!
Whether you are planning a Baptism, wedding, funeral, or memorial service, we are here to help guide and support you with care and compassion.
Please call 401-635-2452 or complete the form below to get started. A member of our clergy or staff will be in touch with you soon.