Parish Organizations 

ORGANIZATIONS WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO THE SUPPORT OF PARISH MINISTRIES AND PROJECTS ARE THE FOLLOWING:
FINANCE COMMITTEE, BUILDING MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE, MARY STAR OF THE SEA PARISH FIESTA, BINGO COMMITTEE, "PEOPLE IN MINISTRY" APPRECIATION COMMITTEE, AND THE SISTER PARISH PROGRAM - TRANSFIGURATION PARISH IN LOS ANGELES.

History: The Finance Committee was organized in 1991. Membership of the committee is comprised of the pastor, the administrator, the principal of the high school and the elementary school, the high school development director, and lay persons selected from among the various professions in the parish.

The committee meets once each month to discuss the current financial issues, budgets and any projected use of parish and/or school funds.

History: Since the dedication or the existing parish church, there has been a well-planned schedule for continual renovation of the entire parish plant This planned maintenance encompasses two phases in making certain that the buildings are in continued excellent and safe conditions and that existing structures are renovated to insure the most efficient utilization of all buildings on the property. Previous improvements included the upgrading of the church lighting and sound system as well as new air conditioning/heating units, a new roof and partial exterior painting. The chime console was replaced with new components and the tower statue of Our Blessed Mother was refinished. For the safety and protection of the parishioners and church furnishings, an alarm system and closed circuit television units were installed.

Modem state-of-the-art windows were installed in the elementary school and the auditorium; stage and window drapes were replaced and necessary exterior painting concluded this renovation. Major maintenance in the Parish Center (former convent) included new electrical wiring, painting, conversion of the convent chapel into a conference room, adapting the street side of the building for Christian Care offices and lunch distribution area.

A Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel was created in 1995 next to the church vestibule.

History: The Annual Parish Fiesta is the major fund raiser for the parish and is one of the largest 'social events' in the community. The first Mary Star of the Sea Fiesta was held in July of 1947 and has been successfully produced each summer since that date. Strong leadership and the combined efforts of over six hundred volunteers from the various parish organizations are instrumental in the certain success of the three day event

All organizations in the parish plan and staff a 'booth' of some type of food and drink, games of skill and handcrafts. A Queen is selected from among the five or more young ladies who compete by selling car raffle tickets and organizing other types of fund raising to contribute to the overall proceeds.

Go to Fiesta Photo Gallery

History: Following a series of meetings and discussions, Mary Star of the Sea Bingo Committee was formed in 1976 for the purpose of raising funds to supplement the Elementary and High Schools of the parish. A change was initiated in 1995 when the high school assumed responsibility for operating the Bingo program; all proceeds now go directly to the high school to assist in the operating expenses.

Bingo takes place at Mary Star of the Sea Auditorium each Monday evening (except major holidays). In addition, Bingo is held during the three days of the Annual Parish Fiesta; funds which are realized are added to the Fiesta proceeds.

History: The first annual Appreciation Dinner was held in February, 1987 at the Long Beach Naval Station Officers Club. Subsequent years have established a traditional date placing the event on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday. The dinner marks the only social in which all members of both faculties, the religious education teachers and all those parishioners who have volunteered time and talent come together to celebrate and to receive the gratitude of the pastor, Monsignor Gallagher.

In 1990, the dinner was moved to our parish auditorium and in 1992, our ethnic groups began to act as hosts and hostesses, preparing the specialties of their ethnic culture. Since this tradition was put in place, the staff, faculties and volunteers have been treated to the superb cuisine of the Croatian Family Guild, the Hispanic Group, the Italian Catholic Federation, a small Irish group, and the Filipino Community.

On February 8, 1997, the American Italian Group prepared and served dinners for 440 of our "People In Ministry".

History: In 1986, the Sister Parish program was initiated with Transfiguration Parish in Los Angeles. The purpose of the association is based on the sharing of knowledge, personal talents, hospitality, strengths and weaknesses which fosters growth for both parishes. The pastors of both parishes changed places on one or two Sundays, celebrating the liturgy, giving homilies and enjoying inspiration from one another's parish experiences. While the Sister Parish program is not founded on financial need or assistance, Mary Star of the Sea parish did provide support at the time of the Los Angeles riot. At the same time, food and clothing were donated to the parish for its needy families. Eligible eighth grade students who wish to attend Mary Star of the Sea High School have been awarded financial scholarships in order to provide a Catholic secondary education.

Twenty representatives from Transfiguration Parish were guests of the Fiesta Committee and enjoyed one of the grand dinners which occur each year.