Community Formation
THE NECESSITY FOR A CONTINUED PROGRAM OF FORMATION THROUGHOUT THE PARISH COMMUNITY IS PROVIDED THROUGH THE FOLLOWING:
History: Under the direction of the beloved pastor, Monsignor Gallagher, the Pastoral Planning Committee was organized in 1984. Since that date, the head or chairperson of each organization in the parish has attended a compulsory meeting on the first Monday afternoon of each month, with the exception of national holidays. If the person in charge of the organization is not able to be present, he or she must delegate this attendance to an active representative of the group.
The principals of the two schools are obliged to attend as are the officers of their parent support groups.
The value of this meeting lies in the information provided to all the parish representatives by reports presented by each organization head. The interaction of the various groups provides input to the pastor insuring that there will be communication, coordination, vision and accountability in every aspect of parish activity and planning.
Due to the increase in the number of parish organizations, the monthly meeting is held in the Parish Center Conference Room, rather than the small meeting room in the rectory. The meetings are conducted by the pastor who uses this forum to present new projects and plans for renovation or change. The group representative then takes the information back to his or her individual meeting.
History: The Youth Ministry was founded in 1978 with the first "Youth Ministers" being comprised of one of the associate pastors and three lay persons. The ministers made plans to chaperone young parishioners on retreats, to organize social functions and to counsel them with any personal problems. The group initially met in the Parish Center, the auditorium and occasionally at private homes. 'K' 1986, the Youth Ministry group was given a separate meeting room in the elementary school for conducting meetings and holding some social functions. The group met during the week and assisted at the Sunday 5:15 Mass as lectors, ushers and choir members.
The Youth Ministry and Confirmation programs are in a period of change and growth. The team has introduced a catechumenal RCIA) approach to Confirmation. The candidates are participating in a two year process consisting of four periods of preparation: 1) 'Invitation, 2) Formation, 3) Reflection and 4) Mission. Included in this approach are various elements including liturgical rites and participation in liturgy, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, prayer, retreats, community building and Christian service. Confirmation preparation is grounded in a vision of total youth ministry. "One of the most far-reaching and significant implications of the RCIA is its vision of the faith life of the entire community as the foundation and focus of the sacraments of initiation. That same vision is at the very heart of our contemporary understanding of Youth Ministry". Confirmed in a Faithful Commitment by Thomas Zanzig.
History: This national program became an organization at Mary Star of the Sea in 1993. The director of the parish group is a member of the Pastoral Planning Committee and brings monthly updates to the monthly meetings.
The members strive to develop among parishioners and among society
at large a mind set or a 'life issue' consciousness. The efforts of the
group are concentrated on the creation of a 'Human Life
Amendment" to the United States Constitution.
Project Rachel Phone: 1(800) Rachel-6
History: The Catholic Maritime Club was organized in 1947 when the title of Port Chaplain was bestowed on the then present pastor, Monsignor George Scott. Initially, the Club was located in Wilmington and was a social group which provided an opportunity for merchant seamen to have an area where they would be able to relax while their ships were in port. The seamen were given a place to attend Mass, were given religious materials, write letters or make phone calls to their loved ones.
The Catholic Maritime Club (now renamed Catholic Maritime Ministry) is located at Berth 93A, the World Cruise Center, Level One property leased from the Los Angeles Harbor Department At present, there is a chapel for Mass and private devotions, a library, recreation room, lounge and phones for seafarer cards. A full time chaplain provides time for the celebration of Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and for private consultations. New and expanded facilities were dedicated on November 1, 1994.