This summer, the vibrant shores of Long Island, New York, have become more than just a place for sun and surf; they’ve transformed into a sanctuary where faith and community come together in a unique celebration of the Good Word. Beach Catholic, an inspiring initiative comprising three parishes, has been hosting Sunday Mass by the sea, drawing the faithful from near and far to partake in this extraordinary experience.

Since its inception in 2014, this remarkable gathering has attracted over 1,000 attendees each week, with estimates suggesting that more than 50,000 people have participated over the past decade. Jordan Bernhardi, director of operations for Beach Catholic, shared the profound impact of this public witness of faith.

“There is something so powerful about hundreds of Catholics, kneeling before their King and receiving Him in the Eucharist, at the beach,” Bernhardi remarked.

In a world that seems to drift further from its spiritual moorings, initiatives like Beach Catholic serve as a beacon of hope and a reminder of our sacred duty to spread the message of Christ beyond the confines of traditional church walls. As Bernhardi aptly noted, “We believe that the answer is to bring Him out.”

The Masses, celebrated across three picturesque beaches and parishes—St. Ignatius Martyr, St. Mary of The Isle, and Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal—embody the essence of a missionary church. Fr. Brian Barr, pastor of Beach Catholic, emphasized the importance of living one’s faith openly and without fear.

“When you were a kid, do you remember being uneasy or embarrassed about expressing your faith in front of others? I do. I think most people do,” Fr. Barr reflected.

“But for whatever reason, many of us are. Bringing the Eucharist, which is our most important prayer, to the streets (and the beach), challenges that fear in a great way.”

This bold expression of faith has not only touched the lives of regular attendees but also those who happen upon the service by chance. Tim Murphy, a dedicated participant since the beginning, shared how the beach Mass has been transformative for him and his family.

“Every week we still make the trip to come down and it’s worth the trip if you have never been,” Murphy said.

“My wife and I actually met here because of the beach Mass, and so my son would not be born without the beach Mass.”

For many, like Dee Santos, the experience is a weekly highlight, bringing together a diverse congregation in a setting that showcases God’s natural beauty.

“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 expressed.

“The other piece of it that’s so wonderful is it brings people in who maybe wouldn’t even see us worshipping.”

In a society often divided by ideology and belief, the beach Mass stands as a testament to the unifying power of faith, family, and freedom. It invites all to pause, reflect, and join in a celebration that transcends the ordinary, reminding us of the enduring strength found in community and shared values. As the waves gently lap the shore, so too does the spirit of unity and devotion wash over all who gather, reaffirming the timeless truths of our Christian faith.

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In a heart-wrenching display of bravery and selflessness, Chase Childers, a devoted family man and former professional baseball player, tragically lost his life while saving others. This heroic act took place on Pawleys Island, South Carolina, where Childers, a former police officer with the Cobb County Police Department in Georgia, courageously entered treacherous waters to rescue five individuals in distress.

The Childers family, deeply rooted in faith, is now asking for prayers as they face the unimaginable loss of a husband and father. Jordan Hester Wicker, speaking on behalf of the family, shared their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support:

“Words are hard to find at this moment. We deeply appreciate all the prayers, love, and support as our family, particularly his wife and three children, attempt to navigate life without Chase.”

Chase Childers, who once graced the fields of North Cobb Christian High School and Georgia State University, was known not only for his athletic prowess but also for his unwavering dedication to his community. His journey took him to the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league system, where he continued to exemplify excellence and commitment.

The Orioles organization expressed their condolences, stating:

“We are saddened to learn of Chase’s passing and send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

This tragic incident occurred when the Pawleys Island Police Department received a distress call about multiple swimmers near Shell Road Ocean. Despite the perilous conditions, Childers and another individual bravely entered the water to assist. Unfortunately, Childers was caught in the powerful rip current, sacrificing his life for others.

Wicker poignantly described the family’s devastation, emphasizing Childers’ multifaceted talents and his dedication to his loved ones:

“It feels surreal, incredibly hard to grasp, and profoundly unfair. Chase Childers was a remarkably talented man of many things.”

Wicker further highlighted the essence of Childers’ character, noting his roles as a loving son, brother, friend, and most importantly, a devoted husband and father:

“Most importantly, he was a loving son, a dedicated brother, a treasured friend, an exceptional father to his three wonderful children, and the husband of his beautiful wife, Nataley Childers, who had been his soulmate and best friend since they were teenagers.”

Childers’ heroic actions have left an indelible mark on those who knew him. His ultimate sacrifice has been recognized in a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised over $121,000 to support his family during this difficult time.

The mayor of Pawleys Island, Brian Henry, also extended his prayers and condolences to the family, while urging caution for beachgoers:

“The Town is saddened by the report of the drowning over the weekend. We pray for the family members and offer our condolences.”

In the face of such tragedy, Childers’ story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, family, and the willingness to put others before oneself. His legacy of courage and love will continue to inspire and resonate within the hearts of those who cherish traditional values and the strength of community.

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In a world where fame and fortune often overshadow deeper values, New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge stands as a beacon of faith and humility. Despite his remarkable achievements on the baseball field, Judge emphasizes that his relationship with God is the true source of fulfillment in his life.

At 33, Judge has achieved what many athletes can only dream of—fame, fortune, and a platform that reaches millions. Yet, when asked about the notion that fame and fortune could solve all of life’s problems, Judge’s response was clear and profound.

“Our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. He’s given me this platform, this ability. The fame, getting the chance to do this is great and all, but it’s not fulfilling as much as the relationship I have with Him,” Judge shared during a recent media availability.

This declaration is a powerful reminder that true contentment and purpose are found not in worldly success but in a relationship with the Creator. Judge’s advice to “build a relationship with Him, and that’ll solve all your problems” resonates deeply with those who value faith as the cornerstone of life.

Throughout his career, Judge has been open about his faith, using his platform to showcase the importance of living by biblical principles. This was evident as he prepared for the MLB All-Star Game, where his bat featured a reference to 2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we live by faith, not by sight.”

Judge’s commitment to his faith is mirrored in his performance on the field. As the Yankees’ captain, he leads the major leagues with a .355 batting average and has already hit 35 home runs this season. His dedication to excellence is a testament to the values of hard work and perseverance, virtues deeply rooted in Christian teachings.

As Judge continues to excel, he is a shining example of how faith and sportsmanship can coexist, inspiring countless fans to prioritize their spiritual journey over material gains. His story is a compelling narrative of how traditional values and a strong moral compass can guide individuals toward true success and fulfillment.

In a time when society often glorifies temporary achievements, Aaron Judge’s message is a refreshing call to return to the foundational principles of faith, family, and freedom. His life and career serve as a testament to the power of living by faith, offering hope and encouragement to those who seek a purpose-driven life.

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