Beach Catholic Movement Transforms Long Island Shores with Outdoor Worship

In a refreshing twist on traditional worship, the Beach Catholic movement of Long Island, New York, is taking faith to the sandy shores this summer. Every Sunday, three parishes—St. Ignatius Martyr, St. Mary of The Isle, and Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal—host Mass right by the sea, drawing over 1,000 attendees each week. Since its inception in 2014, this unique expression of faith is estimated to have touched more than 50,000 lives over the past decade.

Jordan Bernhardi, the director of operations for Beach Catholic, emphasized the powerful impact of this public display of devotion. "Hundreds of Catholics kneeling before their King and receiving the Eucharist on the beach—there’s something truly moving about it," he shared. He also echoed the call of the new holy father, Pope Leo XIV, to be a missionary church, bringing faith into the open where it’s needed most in today’s culture.

Fr. Brian Barr, the pastor leading this initiative, believes faith shouldn’t be confined within church walls. "Many of us grew up uneasy about expressing faith publicly," he admitted, reflecting on his own childhood. He sees these beach Masses as a way to confront and overcome that fear, especially by bringing the Eucharist—the heart of Catholic prayer—into such an unexpected setting.

The experience has been transformative for many. Tim Murphy, a regular attendee since the movement began, credits the beach Mass with changing his life. "My wife and I met here, and without this, my son wouldn’t exist," he said with a smile, underscoring the personal connections forged through this communal celebration. He described the gatherings as a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate faith outdoors with so many others.

Dee Santos, another faithful participant, marveled at the beauty of worshiping amidst God’s creation. Last week alone, she saw 1,200 people come together for communion. What moves her most is how the open setting draws in curious passersby from the boardwalk. "We’ve had people stop to ask what’s happening, and some even stay to join us," she recounted, thrilled by the chance to share her faith with unexpected newcomers.

There’s a special kind of magic in blending spirituality with the natural beauty of Long Island’s beaches. These Masses aren’t just services; they’re a bold statement that faith can thrive anywhere—even with sand between your toes. If you’re in the area, consider joining this vibrant community for a Sunday by the sea. It’s an experience that might just redefine how you see worship.