Beach Masses in Long Island Attracting Thousands

This summer, worshipers are carrying their faith out of the church and onto the beaches of Long Island, New York. A unique initiative known as Beach Catholicism has been bringing together three local parishes to hold Sunday masses right by the ocean.

Since its inception in 2014, this initiative has consistently drawn over 1,000 participants each week. The Beach Catholic Operations Director, Jordan Bernhaldi, estimates that, over the past decade, more than 50,000 individuals have participated in these outdoor services.

Bernhaldi describes the experience as a testament to the strong faith among Catholics on Long Island, some even traveling from New York City. “There’s something incredibly moving about hundreds of Catholics kneeling together, receiving the Eucharist,” he shared.

He also referenced the call from Pope Leo XIV to be missionary churches, emphasizing the importance of taking faith to people, especially in a world that desperately needs it. “Perhaps now more than ever, Jesus needs to be brought out into the open,” he remarked.

The masses take place across three beaches, under the parishes of Saint Ignatius Martyr, Saint Mary of the Island, and the Virgin of the Miraculous Medal. Brianver, one of the pastors involved, expressed the view that their mission is to extend beyond traditional church walls.

He reflected on the anxiety many feel about openly expressing faith, reminiscing about childhood moments of hesitation. But he believes that confronting these fears can be liberating. “Bringing the Eucharist to a public space transforms fear into something beautiful,” he noted.

During a recent beach mass, participants shared what the experience meant to them. Tim Murphy, an attendee, expressed how meaningful these services have been for him and his family. “My wife and I actually met during one of these masses, and now our son is here looking over the same beach,” he said.

For him, attending the mass isn’t just an event. “It’s a unique experience to gather so many people in such a beautiful setting,” he added. He described it as an opportunity that everyone should try to experience at least once.

Dee Santos, another regular at the mass, highlighted the sense of community it fosters. Recently, around 1,200 people received communion during the service, showcasing the enthusiasm within the community.

“We’ve got this incredible gift—the beach—and it allows us to celebrate our faith in a unique way,” she mentioned. Santos also emphasized the importance of reaching out to those who may not typically engage with religious services. She recounted an experience when a passerby, curious about the gathering, decided to stay and participate in the mass.

In a world that can often feel disconnected, these beach masses have built a welcoming bridge, inviting people to share in the Catholic faith in a vibrant and meaningful way.