Long Island, New York, is experiencing a unique spiritual phenomenon as Catholic parishes host beach Masses every Sunday, drawing thousands of attendees. Known as ‘Beach Catholic,’ this initiative involves three parishes—St. Ignatius Martyr, St. Mary of The Isle, and Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal—that have been offering Mass on the beach since 2014. Over 1,000 people attend each week, with predictions of more than 50,000 attendees in the past decade.
Director of operations, Jordan Bernhardi, emphasized the significance of these Masses as a powerful public witness of faith, attracting Catholics from across Long Island and even New York City. ‘There is something so powerful about hundreds of Catholics, kneeling before their King and receiving Him in the Eucharist, at the beach,’ said Bernhardi. He added that the initiative aligns with Pope Leo XIV’s call for a missionary church, aiming to bring Jesus to a culture in need.
Fr. Brian Barr, pastor of Beach Catholic, explained that faith should not be confined to church walls. He noted that many people feel uneasy expressing their faith in public, but these beach Masses challenge that fear. ‘Bringing the Eucharist, which is our most important prayer, to the streets (and the beach), challenges that fear in a great way,’ Barr said. ‘Like most things that scare us, the more you confront them, the quicker you conquer them.’
Attendees like Tim Murphy and Dee Santos have shared how these Masses have been life-changing. Murphy credited the beach Mass with helping him meet his wife and having a son, while Santos highlighted the unique experience of bringing people from the boardwalk into the faith. ‘What I love is, first of all, we have this beautiful gift from God of the beach, and we get to celebrate His gifts to us in His presence on the beach,’ Santos said.
While these beach Masses have not sparked any financial effects, they have created a sense of community and purpose for many. The trend reflects a growing emphasis on making religious practices more accessible and immersive, blending spirituality with daily life. As the initiative continues, it remains a symbol of faith and fellowship in a modern context.