St Mary's by the Sea Catholic Church

Beautiful little parish with friendly people. The priest was great: he had an accent that talks some getting used to. It's right next to the beach.

It feels... odd to review a church ("Bless me, Father, for I have sinned; it's been three weeks since my last review") but St Mary's by the Sea hosts the Rockaway Beach Meals for Seniors programs. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Meals for Seniors offers lunches on a donation basis ($5 is customary, but no one is turned away for lack of funds). It's a get-together that Rockaway seniors rely on for social contact, conversation, visits with friends, and more, all with a nice lunch at a very reasonable price.

For seniors (or anyone) who can't travel, Meals for Seniors also offers a delivery service within town. They also have regular French toast breakfasts as fund-raisers, including sausage, scrambled eggs, usually a fresh-fruit compote, plus coffee and juice. Those are also donation-based, but I typically drop a $20 in the bowl to support what they do for my neighbors.

I have always been made to feel totally welcome at St Mary's, and have been to their church jumble sales more than once. (And if you think this makes me feel like I'm in a Father Brown mystery, you'd be exactly right.) There is also a contemplation bench facing the ocean at the west edge of the parking lot, which is a wonderful, peaceful spot to be at peace with oneself and the world.

I went to St Mary’s by the Sea when at the beach on vacation. It’s such a welcoming community! The church itself is beautifully designed with a maritime theme conducive to celebrating Mass, prayer and meditation. I’d recommend it to anyone living in or visiting the area. Thank you to the entire parish and to Fr Akuti for a wonderful Sunday Mass!

Beautiful little chapel by the Sea 🙏❤

This place has a multitude of great things going for it. First the seaside parking is extremely convenient. As long as you're not poking around during their services they won't mind. They have a nice spot picked away to sit and view the ocean. The chapel is beautiful and appropriately designed to complement its surroundings. Inside is even more so. I'd recommend attending a service just to admire the interior.

The town it's located in must be explored. Plenty of hidden gems. The community it a bit elder and very friendly.

We just like to park here and watch the waves. There is access to the beach for you and your furry friends. Be courteous to the people that go to Church. The parking is for them first... we are just welcome to use it if they aren't. Thanks

They let you park in their lot to walk to the beach it's great of them!

Beautiful French Toast Breakfast! We brought a friend with us and had a great time.
After Breakfast we walked on the beach for a while.
Thank you!

This is the only Catholic Church where it’s literally on the Pacific - there is beachfront access from the parking lot. But it’s also an authentic Catholic Church with a beautiful seaside quality that is hard to describe. We always attend Mass here whenever we can.

A charming little church in the heart of Rockaway with an enthusiastic choir, a view of the Pacific in the parking area and an ideal place to give thanks to our Creator. Amen.

Friendly congregation, welcoming pastor, and three Masses on Weekends (5:30 Saturday vigil, 8:30 & 10:30 Sunday morning, as of January 2015). A tastefully decorated interior that carries the nautical/beach theme with anchors and crosses.

Father Larry is a wonderful man who has the gift of compassion. Even though im not a catholic i was received with open arms. His guidence helped me through a very troublesome time. I admire and appreciate all he and the church did for me and the congregation was welcoming as well.

Every time we go camping at the coast, I really enjoy coming to Saturday's vigil mass at 5:30 pm. Very welcoming place to worship the Lord.

I have attended Mass there in the past and the service was intimate and pleasant. The priest was very nice.

I've only been to events here but people are always friendly and I definitely recommend the French toast Breakfast and fish fry events

Such a peaceful place. Very welcoming people. Beautiful old church. Great view.

Great designed church

Very nice pastor, lovely view, welcoming congregation, also the Easter vigil is at 8:30pm

Great beach access. Super friendly people. Very helpful and kind.

Celebrate Recovery 5:30 wensday nights. Meeting & Dinner