Mary Star of the Sea Parish

To stay updated on our latest parish news and events, read Fr. Harrigan's weekly messages.

We are a warm and vibrant Catholic community whose mission is to bring the love of Jesus Christ to all we meet.

Here at Mary Star of the Sea you will find perhaps the most ethnically diverse parish in the entire Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Not only is Mass celebrated here in four languages (English, Spanish, Croatian and Italian) on Sunday, but the traditional ethnic celebrations and devotions of each group as well. Our beautiful church also contains a Perpetual Adoration Chapel (open 24 hours a day, seven days a week).

We are especially proud of our parish high school (9th through 12th grades), which recently expanded into sparkling, brand-new facilities, and of our elementary school (K through 8th grades), both of which are well-known and highly regarded throughout the area. Our Pre-School provides a fun, safe, Catholic environment for children 3-5 years old. Thousands more children have received an excellent formation in the Catholic faith from our Religious Education program or been nurtured in their faith by our Youth Ministry program.

Our outreach to the local area includes a Christian Care ministry, dedicated to serving the needs of the disadvantaged, and the Apostleship of the Sea, which ministers to sailors and those working at the nearby ports. We are also very proud of our newly revitalized Knights of Columbus council, as well as many other parish groups and societies.

If you would like to become better acquainted with us, or if you are interested in getting involved in one of our many ways of serving the community, please explore our website. Contact information for our parish staff, our schools, and all our outreach programs can be found on our site. We would be happy to help you in any way we can and we look forward to your involvement in our community.

https://giving.ncsservices.org/dl/?uid=ncs-3299

Saint John Joseph of the Cross

The Italian Catholic Federation (I.C.F.) Branch #115 will celebrate its 64th Anniversary and the 364th Anniversary of the birth of Saint John Joseph of the Cross.  The three-day festivities “Triduum” will start on Thursday and Friday August 16 and 17, 2018 at 5:15 p.m. Mass and recital of the “Coroncina”.
On Saturday, August 18th at 9:00 a.m., Solemn High Mass will be celebrated, and a procession with the statue of Saint John Joseph of the Cross will take place.  After Mass, the procession will exit the church and march on the church grounds, stopping at the Blessed Mother’s Grotto, then proceed to the auditorium for refreshments.  All societies to bring their banner and follow the procession.
Later that evening join us celebrating the 64th Anniversary of the I.C.F. Branch #115 with a Dinner-Dance in the auditorium.  Cocktails at 6:00 p.m. and Dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Price $35.00.  Menu includes:  antipasto, salad, pasta, prime rib with vegetables and potatoes, rolls and butter, spumoni ice cream, coffee and wine.  Music by “Tony Ciaramitaro Band”.  For reservations call Neal Di Leva at (310)433-1044.
Deadline is Sunday, August 12, 2018.
 

Confirmation

Confirmation sessions will be offered at the MSHS campus in 2018-2019.  This program is for those students entering the 10th grade and above.  The deadline to register is September 7, 2018. The parent session is August 27, 2018.  The first student session is September 17, 2018.

Sessions are from 7pm - 8:30pm in the school gymnasium.  Forms can be found on this web site under the "Liturgy & Sacraments" menu, or by clicking on this link.  Sessions will be held at Mary Star High School, located at 2500 North Taper Avenue, San Pedro, 90731.  Please contact Michelle Downes in the church Rectory at (310) 833-3541 ext. 200 if you have any questions, to turn in forms, or to submit payment.
 

Please welcome Fr. Diego Menniti

Please extend a warm San Pedro welcome to Fr. Diego Menniti, a priest of the Archdiocese of Catanzaro- Squillace in Calabria, Italy.  Since his ordination on June 27, 2015, Fr. Menniti has served as a parochial vicar in the parish of St. Barbara in the city of Catanzaro, as Vice-Rector in the Diocesan High School Seminary and Chaplain at the "Villa del Sole" Cardiological and Orthopedic clinic.  In 2016 he obtained his licentiate in Moral-Social Theology.  For the academic year 2017-2018, Fr. Menniti appointed in charge of the Preparatory year at the Pontifical Regional Seminary "St Pius X" of Catanzaro.  He started his postgraduate studies (M.A. in Bioethics) at Loyola Marymount University at the beginning of 2018.  Fr. Diego will be a student-priest in residence here at Mary Star of the Sea Church, and also helping with ministerial needs of the parish to experience pastoral work in the Archdiocese.  Benvenuto!
 

Perpetual Adoration

I continue to have openings for Perpetual Adoration.  All incur some sacrifice, in the middle of the day and the middle of the night.  Our Chapel is full of peace and personal enrichment.
The available hours are:
Monday  Noon - 1 p.m.
Tuesday  1 - 2 a.m., 2 - 3 a.m.
Friday  Noon - 1 p.m., 1 - 2 p.m., 2 - 3 a.m.
Saturday  1 - 2 p.m.

"How much greater benefits will flow on persons who speak with God."  St. John Chrysostom

If interested, I can be reached at (310) 548-1693.  Barbara West


 

PreSchool News

Registration is now open for the 2018-2019 school year for 3-5 year olds who are fully pottie trained.  Our preschool program is year round, part– and full– time.  Come over and take a tour!  No appointments necessary!

We have a safe environment with qualified, caring teachers who instruct faith development and age appropriate hands-on activities in Creative Art, Kindergarten Readiness, Math Concepts, Science Exploration, Multicultural Exposure, Music/Movement Activities, Dramatic Play, Outdoor Activities and Character Development.

For more information about our preschool program, please call (310) 833-3541 Ext. 228 and ask for Beth Castagnola (Director), email at MaryStarPreschool@gmail.com or visit:  www.MaryStarElementary.com.
 

Fiesta News — 2018

Our 71st Annual Fiesta Queen and her Court.

Top row:  Fr. M. Harrigan.
Bottom row, from left to right:  Karla Rocha, 2018 Fiesta Queen Sofia Amalfitano, our 2017 Former Fiesta Queen Gina Duhovic, and Lauren Mitchell.
 For more Fiesta info please click on this link.

Main Raffle Prize Winners

Grand Prize:  $20,000 CASH - Vince Mattera
2nd Prize:  Princess Baja Cruise for 2 - Sharon Gregorio
3rd Prize:  Las Vegas Trip for 2 - Ana Pobleto
4th Prize:  J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Getaway for 2 - Sylvia Huerta
 

Pictures

Did you attend the 2017 Fiesta?  Chances are Nick Vilicich took a picture of you having a great time!  You can call the Rectory at (310) 833-3541 ext. 203 to get Fiesta Photo information.

 

Fiesta Queen Candidates

Karla Rocha, Lauren Mitchell and Sofia Amalfitano

Karla Rocha
 

Parents:  Jose & Karla Rocha

Grandparents:  Miguel & Maria Rocha

High School:  Mary Star of the Sea
Plays basketball for MSS



 

Lauren Mitchell
 

Parents:  John & Kristine

Goals:  Lawyer & Politician; Marriage & family

High School:  Mary Star of the Sea




 

Sofia Amalfitano
 

Parents:  Mario & Monica Amalfitano

Grandparents:  Antonio & Carmen Huerta and Isidoro & Rosaria Amalfitano

Future:  Go to California State University to be a Pediatric Nurse.




 

Pray the Rosary with us

Please join us at 5:00 p.m. in the church for a 10 minute Rosary on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.  Come and Pray With Us.  Thank You and Blessings from the 5:00 p.m. "Weekday" Evening Prayer Team.
 

Attention Eucharistic Ministers

Volunteers are needed to distribute Holy Communion to Catholic patients at San Pedro Little Company of Mary Hospital. If you can participate in this ministry, please contact Maria Andrews, Spiritual Care Office (310) 241- 4365 or maria.andrews@providence.org.
 

Mantle Young Adults (18-35)

Meets every Sunday at 1:15pm in the Knights of Columbus room
Questions?  contact Angela Sunjara
email:  AngelaSunjara@yahoo.com
phone:  (424) 368-1596

Pope Francis’ message to young people: “The Church needs you, your enthusiasm, your creativity and the joy that is so characteristic of you… Blessed José de Anchieta, set off on the mission when he was only nineteen years old. Do you know what the best tool is for evangelizing the young? Another young person.”
 

Mary Star High School Now Accepting Applications

The High School is now accepting applications for the 2018-2019 School Year.  Please visit www.marystarhigh.com or call (310)547-1138 for information and applications.  Shadow Days are available by calling Mrs. Kelly Phillips at (310) 547-1138.
 

Mary Star Elementary School Now Accepting Applications

The Elementary School is now accepting registrations for the 2018-2019 school year.  Please visit www.marystarelementary.com or call (310)831-0875 for an appointment with the principal and a personal tour.
 

Chant the Mass

Are you part of a family looking to chant the Mass together?
Would you like to expose children to what "singing the Mass" is?
The Mary Star Elementary and the adult scholars are joining on the first Sunday of the month to chant the Mass both in English and Latin.
Where?
  Mary Star of the Sea - 877 W 7th St San Pedro, CA
When?
To join and sing along (all ages and skills welcome!): meet us at 4:15PM in the Chapel of the convent, walk on parking lot to the East of the Church entrance. Mass starts at 5:15PM.
More info: www.longbeachchant.com
 

Mary Star High School Recognized Nationally

Mary Star of the Sea High School was recognized as a Catholic Education Honor Roll School.  The national Honor Roll program is directed by the Cardinal Newman Society and has recognized only 6 highperforming Catholic high schools nationwide in 2017.  Mary Star engaged in a thorough internal and external review of its comprehensive program offerings before being awarded this status.  It has received specific recognition for its strong integration of Catholic identity throughout its efforts, including the integrity of its mission, and the strength of its community and rich spiritual life.  The Honor Roll also recognized the school’s efforts at integral formation of the minds, bodies, and spirits of its students as well as its comprehensive academic program which seeks to instill a Christian vision of the world and human wisdom and culture.  “The Honor Roll is a helpful tool for families and benefactors in recognizing the quality of a Catholic high school,” said Patrick J. Reilly, president of The Cardinal Newman Society.  “It is external validation that a school is both focused and successful in meeting the high calling of Catholic schools to serve the well-being and salvation of students and to serve the common good.”  Dr. Denise Donohue, coordinator of the Honor Roll, stated, “We are very pleased to have Mary Star High School join in the nationally recognized ranks of excellence; this is a select group.  The school has well demonstrated they are successful in meeting the key principles that guide Catholic education.”  Mary Star’s Principal Ms. Rita Dever remarked, “It is great affirmation for Mary Star High School to be recognized by the Catholic Education Honor Roll.  This distinction confirms our commitment to the mission of Catholic education.  I applaud the leadership, administration, students, parents, teachers, and staff for their hard work in assuring a strong Catholic identity permeates all that we do in preparing our students to be future leaders in both society and the Church.”  More information on Mary Star High School is available at www.marystarhigh.com.  More information on the Catholic Education Honor Roll is available at cardinalnewmansociety.org.
 

Weekly Holy Hour

MARY STAR OF THE SEA CHURCH

WHEN: Every Wednesday
WHERE: In the Church
TIME: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
ROSARY WITH MEDITATION ON EACH MYSTERY
10 MIN. OF SILENT REFLECTION
CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY
5 MIN. OF SILENT REFLECTION
BENEDICTION

"In order to convert America and save the World, what we need is for every parish to come before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in Holy Hours of prayer." - Saint Mother Teresa
  At 6:00 PM every Wednesday there is a Holy Hour in the church.  It begins with exposition of The Blessed Sacrament.  Within the hour, there is a rosary with beautiful meditations, time for silent reflection, and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.  The Holy Hour concludes with Benediction.  Please come and spend one hour with Jesus.  This is a special time of abundant blessings for all!
 

  Adult Faith Formation session will take place on Tuesday, November 14th at 7:00pm in church.  The topic is Death and Dying:  facing the end.  The topic is appropriate especially during this month of November when we are invited to pray for all our loved ones who have gone before us.  This session is for the parents of children who are preparing for First Holy Communion.  All are welcome to attend.
 
If you need further information on the above program, please call Sister Mary or Lorena at (310) 833- 3541, ext 221, 222.
 

Special Needs Faith Formation

St. Margaret Mary Parish in Lomita offers Catholic faith formation for children and others with special needs (e.g., those who are moderately or severely disabled physically, intellectually, or in other ways, such as those with Down Syndrome, ADHD, autism, and vision and hearing problems).  The faith formation is tailored to their needs and prepares them to receive the sacraments, including First Holy Communion.
The sessions are held on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m.  Volunteers also are needed to help with this faith formation (training will be provided).  For more information or to volunteer, please call St. Margaret Mary Parish at (310) 326-3364.
 

CREIGHTON MODEL FertilityCare SYSTEM

The CREIGHTON MODEL FertilityCare System (CrMS) is available to women who want to understand their menstrual and fertility cycles.  With a few minutes of daily observations and the NaProTRACKING of certain “biomarkers”, the CrMS provides a woman a greater insight into the function of her body.  Married couples can use this system to naturally plan their families and strengthen their relationships.  Using fertile days to achieve pregnancy and infertile days to avoid pregnancy, the CrMS is a safe and healthy alternative to artificial contraception, sterilization, and IVF/IUI that honors the dignity of life and love.  Working with our excellent network of CrMS medical consultants, we also provide comprehensive service to women who are dealing with a variety of reproductive health issues, including infertility.  Based on 30 years of scientific research and faithful to Pope Paul VI’s encyclical Humanae Vitae, the CrMS is not only highly reliable but also morally acceptable.  Free monthly CrMS Introductory Sessions are held every 3rd Tuesday at 7:30pm in the Parish Center.  To pre-register, please contact Marianne Dyogi, CFCP at (714) 803-4775 or msdyogi@gmail.com.  More information can be found at stellamarisfertilitycare.com.  Spread the good news that every woman deserves to know!

Faith Formation

Religious Education Program - Pre K, K - 8th Grade:

The Religious Education Program offers ongoing faith formation for all grades.  Children are prepared to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.  Our RCIA program adapted for children who have not been baptized prepares children who are older than seven for the Sacraments of initiation - Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.  Registration forms are now available on the parish web site, in church, in the Parish Office and in the Religious Education Office.  Classes will begin on Wednesday, September 20th and Saturday, September 23, 2017.  It is important to register now.

Pre-K, K-6th Grade:  Wednesdays:  4:15-5:30 pm
Saturdays:  9:45-11:00 am

Grades 7 and 8:  Wednesdays:  5:15 - 6:15 pm

Spanish:  Saturday - Preparation for Sacraments

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults:  If you are un-baptized, or baptized in another faith, or have lapsed from your Catholic faith, RCIA is for you.  Sessions are held on Thursday evenings 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

Adult Confirmation:  Classes for Adults who have not celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation will begin in January 2018.  Now is the time to register.

If you need further information on any of the above programs please call Sister Mary or Lorena at (310) 833- 3541, ext 221, 222.
 

Fiesta News — 2017

Our 70th Annual Fiesta Queen and her Court.

From top left:  Tatiana Lopez, Annabel Madrigal, Julissa Perdomo, Lorenza D'Orio, Fr. Harrigan, our 2016 Former Fiesta Queen: Rose Amalfitano, and our new 2017 Fiesta Queen Gina Duhovic.
 For more Fiesta info please click on this link.

Main Raffle Prize Winners

Grand Prize:  $20,000 CASH - Michael Saluzzi
2nd Prize:  Princess Baja Cruise for 2 - Carla Duhovic
3rd Prize:  Las Vegas Trip for 2 - Julia Navarrette
4th Prize:  J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Getaway for 2 - Stephanie Licon
 

Pictures

Did you attend the 2017 Fiesta?  Chances are Nick Vilicich took a picture of you having a great time!  You can search and order pictures by clicking on the following link: nicholasvilicich.exposuremanager.com

* Remember to add us on Instagram for latest news, events and most importantly pictures of our Parish and Community!  #MaryStarFiesta in all your pictures from this past weekend & add us @MaryStarSanPedro.
 

Evening Prayer Group

The Liturgy of the Hours is available at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, in the Church right before the 5:15 p.m. Mass.  Prayer is a Gift.  Let’s Open it up Together!  Please Join Us.  Your Current Evening Prayer Leaders are as follows: Monday - Rene Mardesich; Tuesday - Shelly Chin; Wednesday - Elfida Soto; Friday– Louise Garcia.

 
 

Tuesday Evening Prayer Group

You are invited to join us on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm. in the Parish Center Chapel.  We begin with praise and worship and continue with shared scripture and prayer for all those who are in need.  It is a wonderful time to come together to praise Jesus, for all he is doing in our lives!  "Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am in their midst" - Matt. 18 -  For information call the rectory (310)833-3541 or Louise Garcia at (310)831-9839.
 

By Your Side LA

As we conclude this season of Lent, we want to highlight By Your Side LA, a new ministry to offer healing to women and men affected by abortion.  By Your Side is a comprehensive, bilingual ministry that includes a beautiful website, professional call center, trained lay Merciful Companions, and referrals to healing resources including sacraments, retreats, support groups, bible studies, mental health professionals, and more.  We want to be by the side of each person journeying from pain following abortion to a new place of forgiveness and peace.  We hope you will come to know that you are created out of love and for love.  The abortion does not define you.  That you can build a life deserving of the amazing person you are.  We are here to listen.  And we will be by your side.  Visit ByYourSideLA.org for more information.



Al entrar en esta temporada de Cuaresma, queremos resaltar a un ministerio nuevo, Contigo LA brinda apoyo a mujeres y hombres afectados por el aborto para lograr una sanación interior.  Contigo LA es un Ministerio integral y bilingüe que incluye una hermosa página web, un centro de llamadas professional, Acompanates Misericordiosos (laicos capacitados).  Además brinda informes a medios de sanación:  sacramentos, retiros, grupos de apoyo, estudios bíblicos, acceso a profesionales de salud mental y mucho más.  Queremos acompañar a cada persona en su jornada, del sufrimiento a un lugar de perdón y paz después de un aborto.  Esperamos que llegues a saber que fuiste creado del amor para amar.  El aborto no te define.  Tu eres una persona extraordinaria y puedes crear una vida digna de ti.  Estamos aquí para escucharte, estamos contigo.  Para mayores informes visita ContigoLA.org.
 

Natural Family Planning

Have you ever thought about what unnatural birth control methods really do to your body?  To your marriage?  The Couple to Couple League has the answers and more.  Attend a short course and learn a natural method of family planning that is safe, effective, and morally acceptable.  Great for achieving as well as postponing pregnancy.  A new course starts February 25th.  For more information and registration contact Beth and Greg Gath at (562) 377-5877 or bethgath@gmail.com, or visit the Couple to Couple League's website www.ccli.org.  

Daughters of Isabella Newsletter

The Daughters of Isabella August/September 2016 Newsletter has arrived.

Please click on this link to view the August/September Newsletter.





 

Families of Nazareth Faith Sharing Group

We will be starting again this Fall on Saturday, September 10th!

• Are you searching for a deeper relationship with God?
• Are you interested in developing your “interior” life?
• Do you want to better understand the Blessed Mother’s role in your faith journey?

Where:  Monsignor Gallagher Parish Center Chapel
When:  Saturday mornings from 9:00-10:00am
(Open to adults only, all are welcome)

“Everything that you experience is linked to the love of God who loves you, and to His desire for your good.”
Fr Tadeusz Dajczer, “The Gift of Faith”

For more information contact:  Holly Oldenburg at (310)729-3736
or
visit our website at:
www.familiesofnazareth.us
 

Fiesta News — 2016

Our 69th Annual Fiesta Queen and her Court.

From top left:  Virginia Martinez, Fr. Harrigan, Athena Mathos,
our 2015 Former Fiesta Queen Allison Castagnola, and our new
2016 Fiesta Queen Rose Amalfitano.

 For more Fiesta info please click on this link.

Mary Star Bookstore Needs Volunteers

Stella Maris Bookstore is looking for volunteers to sell on Sundays and Wednesdays.  Hours scheduled are 2 1/2 on Sunday or 2 3/4 on Wednesday once or twice a month.  Proceeds benefit Mary Star Elementary and High Schools.  If you are interested, please email the bookstore at stellamaris@marystar.org or call the bookstore at 310-519-8661; leave a message and we will call you.  Thank you, in advance, for your service.
 

Mary Star High School Principal Honored

On Thursday, March 31st Ms. Rita Dever, Principal of Mary Star of the Sea High School, was honored at the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s History Month Reception.  As one of five women celebrated that evening, she received several certificates of recognition including a Certificate of Congressional Recognition, California Legislative Assembly Certificate of Recognition, and State of California Senate Certificate of Recognition.





 

Mary Star High School Honored by the NFL

Mary Star of the Sea High School has been selected to the National Football League’s Super Bowl High School Honor Roll.  As part of the celebration for the 50th anniversary of the Super Bowl, the NFL is awarding high schools a commemorative Golden Football for every player or coach who was on an active Super Bowl roster.  Tim Wrightman, Class of 1978, presented the commemorative Golden Football to Mary Star of the Sea High School on Tuesday, January 19th.  Tim went on from MSHS to star at UCLA, where he played tight end.  He then played for the Chicago Bears when they won the Super Bowl in 1985.
 

Tim Wrightman presents a golden football to Principal Dever, Fr. Nicholas, and Fr. Harrigan.

Need Gift Cards?

Gift cards for a wide variety of merchants are available for purchase (fee-free!) outside the church on Sundays from 8:00am to 11:45am.

Please click on this link to view the MSHS Gift Card Merchant List.
 

Volunteers Needed!

Our Christian Care is in need of volunteers to hand out lunches on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 11 am — 12:15 pm.  For more information or if you are interested in lending a helping hand, please contact either Rick or Pat at (310) 832-7913.



 

New Website Manager

Please note, we have a NEW website manager.  If you are a Parish community or group member who requires future changes/additions to your particular web page on our Parish website, please feel free to contact Michael Munn at MMunn@marystar.org.

(310) 519-8661
stellamaris@marystar.org

The Bookstore is located adjacent to the Parish Auditorium.

  
We honor Mary Star of the Sea Elementary & High School scrip! We also have a variety of great Catholic items, for more information,please click here.

Bookstore Announcements: 

• Lent related booklets and Stations of the Cross pamphlets are now available!

• ​You can volunteer in the parish for as little as 4 hours per month in the Stella Maris Bookstore. No experiece necessary; we will train you. It's a great opportunity to interact with fellow parishioners. Please see Mary Reynolds or Perry Di Massa or call the boostore at (310) 519-8661 for more information. Thank you for prayerfully considering this minsitry to our parish and schools.