In a unique and spiritually vibrant display of faith, the Catholic community in Atlantic City has found a creative way to bring Mass to the masses – at a casino. Every Sunday morning, amidst the dinging of slot machines and the clinking of cocktail glasses, faithful congregants gather in a ballroom at the luxurious Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa to celebrate the Eucharist.
This unconventional setting for worship is the brainchild of Bishop Salvatore Matano, a visionary leader who believes in meeting people where they are. “The mission of the Church is to bring Christ to the world,” Bishop Matano explains, “and what better place to do that than in a casino, where people of all walks of life come together.”
The casino Mass has become a beloved tradition in Atlantic City, drawing a diverse crowd of locals and tourists alike. The atmosphere is joyful and reverent, with the sounds of prayers and hymns rising above the din of the casino floor. “It’s a truly unique experience,” says Maria DiNardo, a regular attendee. “I feel closer to God here than I do in a traditional church.”
But the casino Mass is just one example of the vibrant and unconventional Catholicism that thrives in Atlantic City. Another hallmark of the local faith community is the annual “Blessing of the Boats” ceremony, in which Bishop Matano boards a fishing boat and sails out into the Atlantic Ocean to bestow blessings upon the city’s fleet of fishing vessels.
The sight of the bishop in his flowing robes, standing on the deck of a small boat as it bobs in the waves, is a powerful symbol of the Church’s presence in the everyday lives of the people of Atlantic City. “It’s a reminder that God is with us everywhere, even out on the water,” says fisherman Carlo Rizzo.
And then there are the armies of Italian grandmothers, who play a central role in the fabric of Atlantic City Catholicism. These formidable women, known for their unwavering faith and their delicious homemade pasta, are the backbone of the local parishes. They organize pasta dinners, lead rosary groups, and care for the sick and elderly with tireless devotion.
“The grandmothers are the heart and soul of our community,” says Father Giuseppe Martini, the pastor of St. Joseph’s Parish. “Their love and faith sustain us all.”
In Atlantic City, Catholicism is not just a religion – it is a living, breathing expression of the faith that resonates with the unique spirit of this vibrant seaside town. And in a world that is increasingly secular and divided, the Church in Atlantic City serves as a beacon of hope and unity, welcoming all who seek solace, community, and connection in the arms of a loving God.