Long Island’s Beach Catholic Brings Sunday Mass to the Shore for Faithful and Surfers

In a refreshing twist of faith and fun, the beaches of Long Island, New York, are transforming into open-air cathedrals every Sunday. Beach Catholic, a unique initiative by three local parishes—St. Ignatius Martyr, St. Mary of The Isle, and Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal—has been drawing over 1,000 attendees weekly since its inception in 2014. That’s a lot of sand between the toes and sermons in the soul!

Jordan Bernhardi, the director of operations for Beach Catholic, estimates that over the past decade, more than 50,000 people have joined these seaside Masses. He describes the scene as a powerful public witness of faith, uniting Catholics from across Long Island and even New York City. There’s something undeniably moving about hundreds kneeling in the sand, receiving the Eucharist with the sound of crashing waves as their backdrop.

The initiative isn’t just about changing the venue; it’s a bold statement on the role of faith in public spaces. Fr. Brian Barr, pastor of Beach Catholic, emphasizes that faith shouldn’t be confined within church walls. He challenges the hesitation many feel about expressing their beliefs openly, suggesting that bringing the Eucharist to the beach helps conquer that fear. It’s a reminder that spirituality can—and should—meet us where we are, even amidst sunscreen and surfboards.

For attendees, the beach Mass is more than a novelty; it’s a transformative experience. Tim Murphy, a regular since the program began, credits the service with a deeply personal milestone—meeting his wife there. He calls it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate faith in such a unique setting, encouraging passersby on the boardwalk to stop and listen to the Word of God. Meanwhile, Dee Santos marvels at the way the Masses draw in curious onlookers, some of whom end up staying to worship. Last week alone, she saw 1,200 people come together for communion, a testament to the event’s magnetic pull.

At its core, Beach Catholic reflects a broader call to action—to bring faith into the everyday, to meet people where they are, whether that’s on a boardwalk or a beach towel. As the new holy father has urged, it’s about being a missionary church in a world hungry for connection. So, if you’re on Long Island this summer, why not trade your flip-flops for a front-row seat to something truly divine?