6 Roman Catholic Churches in St. Maarten/St. Martin

Sint Maarten is an island in the Caribbean where a wide range of religions are practiced. Each religion practiced on the island uniquely influences the values and principles that its followers live by. Catholicism is the most prevalent religion on the French side of St. Martin. Many people in Saint Martin gather each week to worship at the Catholic church by singing and listening to sermons given by the priest. Roman Catholic churches are an important part of the culture and history of Saint Martin.

The Roman Catholic churches in St. Maarten have a strong European influence which can be clearly seen in their architectural design. These churches are located all over the island and are easily accessible to all. These churches are also located close to impressive restaurants and hotels on the island of St. Maarten.  The 6 best churches in Sint Maarten for Catholics are listed below.

1. Mary, Star of the Sea Church (Grand Case)
2. St. Martin de Tours Church (Marigot)
3. St. Martin of Tours Church (Philipsburg)
4. St. Joseph Church (Quartier d’Orleans)
5. Mary, Star of the Sea Church (Simpson Bay)
6. The Risen Christ Church (South Reward)

1. Mary, Star of the Sea Church (Grand Case)

The Mary, Star of the Sea Church is a religious building of the Catholic Church located in the French part of Saint Martin, in the town of Grand Case. The Mary, Star of the Sea Church is located 7.2 miles (11.6 km) from Princess Juliana International Airport. The church follows the Roman or Latin liturgy and is under the jurisdiction of the Catholic Diocese of Willemstad based on the island of Curacao.

The Mary, Star of the Sea Church started as a small chapel in 1897, but this was later replaced by a larger structure. This church was dedicated to St. Mary Star of the Sea in 1965. All masses or church services are offered in the English language. Their religious services are available twice a week on Sunday at 9:00 AM, and Wednesday at 8:30 AM. In order to contact Mary, Star on the Sea Church, their telephone number is +590 590 52 43 64.

2. St. Martin of Tours Church (Marigot)

The St. Martin of Tours Church was established in 1841 and is a religious establishment of the Catholic Church. The St. Martin of Tours Church in Marigot is located 3.6 miles (5.7 km) from Princess Juliana International Airport. The St. Martin of Tours Church in Marigot was built along with other churches of the same parish. The other locations of the St. Martin of Tours Church are located in Philipsburg. There was a St. Martin of Tours Church located in Cole Bay that was built in 1847 but it was destroyed by a fire in 1872 and has not been rebuilt since. In 1897 a small St. Martin of Tours chapel was constructed in Simpson Bay and was replaced in 1965 by the present small church of Mary, Star of the Sea church.

The religious service of St. Martin of Tours Church is scheduled on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 6:15 PM, Fridays at 5:30 PM, and Sundays at 7:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 6:30 PM. The St. Martin of Tours Church’s website is catholicchurchsxm.org. Tourists who wish to worship while visiting Saint Martin can contact the church at their telephone number: +1 (721) 542-2303.

3. St. Martin of Tours Church (Philipsburg)

The St. Martin of Tours Church was established in 1841 and is a religious establishment of the Catholic Church. The St. Martin of Tours church in Philipsburg is located 6.2 miles (10.2 km) from Princess Juliana International Airport. There has been a long line of priests and religious leaders in the history of the St. Martin of Tours church throughout the years.

The religious services of the St. Martin of Tours Church in Philipsburg occur every Monday and Thursday at 6:30 AM, Tuesday and Friday at 12:00 PM, Wednesday at 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and Sundays at 8:30 AM, 6:00 PM, and 7.00 PM. Their services are available in both English and Spanish languages. The website for the St. Martin of Tours Church in Philipsburg is catholicchurchsxm.org and their telephone number is +1 721-542-2303.

4. St. Joseph Church (Quartier d’Orleans)

The St. Joseph Church is located in Quartier d’Orleans, St. Martin, 9.2 miles
(14.9 km) from Princess Juliana International Airport. The St. Joseph Church is a religious building of the Catholic Church. The Parish began as a mission church of St. Martin’s Mission, New Derry in 1883.

St. Joseph’s was consecrated as its own parish in 1907. The present-day St. Joseph’s church was opened in 1959 and was originally a temporary facility until the formal church could be built. The Parish Center at St. Joseph’s church includes a kitchen, a well-equipped library, and restrooms. The parish rectory is adjacent to the church building. The religious services of St. Joseph’s church take place on Thursdays at 8:00 AM, Saturdays at 5:00 PM, and Sundays at 10:30 AM. In order to contact the St. Joseph Church, their telephone number is 724‑694‑5359 and their website is www.stmartinstjoseph.org.

5. Mary, Star of the Sea Church (Simpson Bay)

The Mary, Star of the Sea Church is a religious building of the Catholic Church located in the Dutch part of St. Maarten, in the town of Simpson Bay. Mary, Star of the Sea Church is located 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from Princess Juliana International Airport. The teachings of the church come from the Roman or Latin rite and depend on the Catholic Diocese of Willemstad based on the island of Curacao.

St. Mary Star of the Sea Church started as a small chapel in 1897, but this was later replaced by a larger structure, and this church was dedicated to St. Mary Star of the Sea in 1965.  Their religious services occur twice a week on Wednesday at 7:00 PM, and Sunday at 5:00 PM. Services are offered in the English language. In order to contact Mary, Star on the Sea Church, their telephone number is +1 910 545 8521.

6. The Risen Christ Church (South Reward)

The Risen Christ Church is a religious building of the Catholic Church located on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, in the town of South Reward. The Risen Christ Church is located 6.1 miles (9.9 km) from Princess Juliana International Airport. The building of the Risen Christ Church was completed in 1977.

The Risen Christ Church follows the Roman or Latin liturgy and is under the jurisdiction of the Catholic Diocese of Willemstad based on the island of Curacao. Their religious services are held on Sunday at 11:00 AM. In order to contact The Risen Christ Church, their telephone number is +1 721-542-2303, their website is catholicchurchsxm.org.

What are the things to know about the churches in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin?

An interesting thing to know about churches in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin is that there are many different types of religions and places to worship available on the island. There are at least 34 places on the island of Sint Maarten that are dedicated to worship and other religious activities.

What is the main religion in St. Maarten?

The main religion in St. Maarten is Roman Catholic (33.10%), on the French side, but on the other hand, the Dutch side of St. Maarten favors Protestant denominations such as Methodism (10.00%). Some of the other religions that can be found in Sint Maarten are Baptist (4.70%), Anglican (3.10%), Jehovah’s Witness (1.70%), and more.

The culture of Saint Martin is very rich, and the religions of St. Maarten add to the depth of this culture. Many of the religious beliefs held by people on the island contribute to the overall welcoming disposition that many tourists experience on the island.

What is the difference between the churches in the different regions of St. Maarten?

There is no difference between the churches in the different regions of St. Maarten. Although St. Maarten is divided into two jurisdictions, Sint Maarten (Dutch) and St. Martin (French) this is not a major factor, but the architecture may vary depending on the religion that congregates such as Catholics, Buddhists, or Jehovah’s Witnesses. In Saint Martin, both the French and Dutch sides of the island are united and share a similar culture as well as the same friendly and welcoming nature.

What inspired the design of the churches in St. Martin?

The design of the churches in St. Martin has been inspired by European architecture. This is because the architect who designed many of the churches in St. Maarten, James Gibbs, was from Europe. The commissioners of many of the churches in St. Martin selected James Gibbs to design the local churches. James Gibbs was working in London at the time and was one of the most exciting and original architects by that time.

What hotels are near the churches in Saint Martin?

There are many hotels near some of the most popular churches on the island of Saint Martin. Some of the best hotels in Sint Maarten near churches on the island are listed below.

1. Grand Case Beach Club is located 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Mary, Star of the Sea church, less than 1 mile (2 km) from L’Espérance Airport, and 8 miles (13 km) from Princess Juliana International Airport. The prices at Grand Case Beach Club are between $235 to $365 (€208 to €323) per night. Guests say that they feel in a safe and private environment and the customer service is impeccable.
2. Orient Beach Hotel is located on the north-eastern shore of French St. Martin just 3.1 miles (5.0 km) from Mary, Star of the Sea church in Grand Case, 6.3 miles (10.2 km) from St. Martin de Tours church, and 9.8 miles (15.7 km) from Princess Juliana International Airport. The prices at Orient Beach Hotel are between $222 to $251 (€203 to €230) per night. Tourists say that Orient Beach Hotel is a beautiful spot to go on vacations, and their staff is friendly and helpful.
3. Divi Little Bay Beach Resort is just 4.1 miles (6.6 km) from Mary, Star of the Sea church in Simpson Bay, 5.4 miles (8.8 km) from St. Martin de Tours church, 3.6 miles (5.9 km) from The Risen Christ Church, and 5.4 miles (8.8 km) from Princess Juliana International Airport. Tourists say that Divi Little Bay Beach Resort has a friendly and efficient staff, their food is delicious, and the facilities are very good. The prices at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort are between $172 to $277 (€157 to €254) per night.

What restaurants are near churches in Saint Martin?

Saint Martin has some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean, not just for the exquisite food but also because of the excellent service that is provided by the restaurant staff. Some of the best restaurants in St. Maarten that are located near a church are listed below.

1. Big Fish is located in Oyster Pond on the eastern side of St. Maarten near the French and Dutch border. Big Fish is located 4.1 miles (6.7 km) from St. Joseph’s Church, 4.1 miles (6.6 km) from St. Martin de Tours Church in Phillipsburg, and 9.5 miles (15.2 km) from Princess Juliana International Airport. Big fish is a modern and upscale dining experience that reflects the atmosphere of Miami beach with live music and entertainment available on most nights and an open bar. Each entree varies from $10 to $25 (€9 to €23). Tourists say that the staff is known for being very attentive and helpful.
2. La Cigale is located in Baie Nettle in the northwestern French part of Saint Martin, 9 miles (14.4 km) from St. Joseph Church, and 2.1 miles (3.4 km) from St. Martin de Tours Church in Marigot, and 5.1 miles (8.1 km) from Princess Juliana International Airport. La Cigale specializes in classic French cuisine and is a family-owned restaurant that is open for dinner only. La Cigale has been in business for over 15 years. The prices of each entree range from $33 to $56 (€34 to €49). Tourists also love La Cigale because of its stunning views, beautiful swaying palm trees, and terrace overlooking the Nettle Bay Lagoon.

Mario’s Bistro is located near Cupecoy beach on the western shore of Dutch Sint Maarten, 8.1 miles (13.0 km) from The Risen Christ Catholic Church, 5.7 miles (9.1 km) from St. Martin de Tours Church in Marigot, and 1.5 miles (2.5 km) from Princess Juliana International Airport. Mario’s Bistro features delicious upscale European fusion cuisine since 1995. The staff at Mario’s Bistro is known for being very friendly and helpful, Chef Mario is even known to come to the table at times. The meals usually cost from $15 to $38 (€12 to €32).