Vacationing Religiously

Today's On Faith column in the Washington Post shares examples of how vacationers are incorporating religious experiences in their travels, and how churches in vacation communities are reaching out to tourists. This tidbit, and the amazing sand art pictured above, make me want to plan a trip to Ocean City, MD:

At the northern tip of Ocean City, a Catholic parish has converted a meeting hall into a summertime church to accommodate tourists. The 500 mauve stacking chairs that fill St. Andrew's Catholic Center give its services a decidedly informal air. So does the usher wearing jean shorts and a blue "Mighty Ducks 3" T-shirt.

Jim Sunderhauf, 51, a marketing manager from Sewell, N.J., showed up at a Saturday evening Mass in a bathing suit, green T-shirt and flip-flops.

"I've never gone to church in flip-flops before, but I didn't bring any nice clothes on vacation," said Sunderhauf, who attends church regularly back home. "It's nice that they make it relaxed enough that I can come like this."

The Rev. Edward J. Fahey Jr., an associate pastor at the parish, said it is continually trying to reach more tourists. The parish advertises the schedule for weekend Mass in hotels and businesses throughout the area and on giant signs that dot the Coastal Highway.

Way cool!