Churches and Religion - Costa Rica

There are Catholic churches in nearly every town, big or small, throughout Costa Rica.  Most face west, a handy thing to know, and most have a football (soccer) field in front.  They represent a strong cultural a social connection to the community.

About 69% of Ticos are Catholic with 20% various evangelicals and the rest are heathens.  <- The last part is a JOKE so don't go PC on me!

The Mormon Temple for Central America is located in Belen.  The Jehovah's Witnesses and others have a strong presence in CR.

If you attend Catholic services almost anywhere in the country, mass will be said in Spanish with a couple of exceptions.

Because there are so many English speaking visitors and residents, The Anglophone community here has its own English-language churches, in addition to some in Limon which basically serve the descendants of the Jamaican immigrants of a century ago.

There is an English-language Roman Catholic mass Sunday afternoons at 4, at the Cariari chapel located in front of the Herradura Hotel and Convention Center in Belen. Call Stan (+506-293-1089) for details.

In Guanacaste Province, serving Tamarindo and Flamingo is the Beach Community Church.

Perhaps one of the larger English services is at the International Church in Escazu (Guachipelin) at 10 am on Sundays.  Baptist in origin, it caters to all groups and tries to make everyone feel welcome. Over 20 nationalities attend, the largest groups being North Americans. Child care, free secure parking, refreshments following the service, wheelchair accessible. More details from Pastor Paul Dreessen at 215 2117 or 821 3594, Escazu