St Philip & St James Roman Catholic Church — Local services in Town of Smithtown

At first, we loved this church and were excited to get married here than raise our children here but the day of our wedding that all changed.

My bridesmaids and I accidentally left without my veil. After pulling out of the parking lot of my venue where I got ready, I IMMEDIATELY realized we forgot it. I was two minutes away and we were able to turn around to get it. My ceremony was at 2:30 and I had arrived at the church at 2:35. I walked in at 2:40 but because the church declared I was late they ruined my ceremony.

They decided to pull a very important reading that my husband and I hand selected for religious beliefs and had a very special family member reading it for us. When I called to discuss how upset we were, the lady and deacon had no sympathy. They blamed me and said it’s my fault and it’s up to them to make any decision they want even though ITS NOT THEIR DAY AND WE ARE PAYING TO BE THERE! They claim to care and put their heart and soul into your day but they absolutely do not. They only care about themselves and the churches other obligations. We were done with a receiving line and pictures and were pulling away from the church at 3:50 which left them plenty of time for their confessions to start at 4:00. I explained to them if they really cared they could have asked my husband who was there at 2:00 or I if we can get rid of pictures after and the receiving Line which we would have said yes to rather than our special reading. I refused to pay the whole fee but I did do the right thing and paid what I thought they deserved.

I highly suggest if you care about all of your details, family members, and religious readings that you do not get married at this church!!!! They only care about themselves and other obligations besides the two of you and your day! We lost something so very special to us and we will never be able to get it back. I couldn’t even get an apology or sympathy from them. I’ve never met such cold hearted people and it breaks my heart to have to say that about them. It’s...

I’ve been apart of this church for many years. I even had my daughter Baptized here and more recently just was married. Unfortunately my experience wasn’t as smooth as I would’ve liked. Rita the wedding coordinator comes off very rude, condescending and short. A few weeks before my wedding, I emailed Rita and addressed her as “Miss” Rita and she quickly dismissed me for calling her “‘miss” when I was just trying to address her with respect since she is older than me. I understand her view however it came off rude via email.

In addition, on the wedding day. I was running late and didn’t have my veil or skirt on upon arriving. Rita seemed extremely upset because my dad, daughter and I were about 15 min late. For the bride I feel as if there should be a grace period, however I rushed in knowing she would be upset and got ready quickly so we can begin. Once the ceremony was over, our photographer asked if we can take photos in the church and Rita became frustrated and started shutting off the lights and then sat in the pew and abruptly dropped her bag for it to echo. Once we made it back down the aisle and outside, Rita was quick to close the door, knowing the photographer had to grab her things still inside. The photographer was quick and slid through the door while it was closing. Rita then stormed off without saying a word to us. This deeply saddens me as I’ve been apart of this parish since I was 10 and I am now 31 and would’ve loved to keep my daughter here. After last week I am no longer interested.

Father Joe and sister theresita are the best and no complaints from them. They are both kind, caring and empathetic to those they are around.

Rita, I’m not too sure if this is the fit to be in the church. It deters those who love SSPJ because of her attitude and treatment while in a sacred place such...

Church I was married in . All clergy and lay people very nice to me through the years . Plenty of free parking on all sides of the church and school . I only have one wish . I wish the Church sound system was more up to date , louder , and clearer . It is hard at times to hear different clergy at Mass and at other spiritual events in the church . (No, I'm am not hard of hearing ) Yes, the Choirs , Piano , and singers are also a blessing to hear...