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THE OUTREACH PROGRAM AT MARY STAR OF THE SEA EXTENDS INTO EIGHT DIFFERENT
AREAS IN THE PARISH COMMUNITY:
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS TO SHUT-INS, TO SAN PEDRO
HOSPITAL, HARBOR VIEW AND HARBOR TERRACE HOMES,
CHRISTIAN CARE, WELLNESS
MINISTRY, ST. ANN ALTAR SOCIETY, MARY STAR OF THE SEA ALTAR SOCIETY AND VELIKE
GOSPE SOCIETY. OUR OUTREACH PROGRAM EXTENDS TO COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS IN
SAN PEDRO.
Director: Annette Shannon-Batinovich Phone: (310) 833-1459
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS TO THE SHUT-INS
History: Initiated in 1984 to extend the parish act of worship to the infirm who are house bound. A team or specially trained Eucharistic Ministers embrace the ministry of communion by the laity to ensure the reception of the sacrament by all parishioners who are not able to leave their homes.
All Special Ministers of the Eucharist are aware of this particular manner of exercising their baptismal priesthood. The ministers are reminded that they create a bond with the sacramental Jesus and the ill whom they serve.
History: Reorganized in 1984 in order to bring the Eucharist to the Catholic patients at San Pedro Peninsula Hospital.
A team of twelve Special Ministers of the Eucharist, under the direction of a member of the group, bring the consolation of the sacrament to those patients who have indicated a desire to receive communion. In addition, a priest from Mary Star of the Sea brings the Eucharist to patients in the hospital.
History: Organized in 1984, a team of specially trained Eucharistic Ministers conduct a weekly communion service for the mentally ill residents of Harbor View House in San Pedro.
A newer ministry services the retired members of Harbor Terrace Retirement Home. A weekly communion service is provided by this team.
The ministers make every effort to be sensitive and caring as they make God present for the people in these two facilities. Ministers are trained to listen to the concerns of these residents and to pray with them in a compassionate manner.
History: Christian Care was formed in 1987 for the sole purpose of assisting the poor, the needy and homeless of the community regardless of race or religion. Members of the parish readily responded to this need and have supported the program with financial contributions, food, clothing and volunteer service.
Parish volunteers devote many hours working with the food pantry, collecting and distributing clothing, as well as being available for counseling and for providing referral resources. Lunches are served to street people each week-day and during this past year, 50,000 lunches were served. Prior to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, food baskets are distributed to those who have requested this need. These baskets number approximately 200 for each of the three holidays.
History: The Wellness Ministry Committee was established in 1996 under the direction of Mary Star of the Sea Christian Care and its board. The committee is dedicated to the health and healing of the whole person, integrating health of body, mind and spirit
Under the direction of a registered nurse, the committee makes information available on health and healing, provides notices of local related events, and coordinates its services with the Department of Public Health Services and plans these services to take place in the parish, whenever possible.
History: This group of Italian ladies were organized into a society in 1929. The ladies chose St. Ann as their guide and dedicated themselves to this ministry under the protection of the patroness of all mothers.
In addition to being part of the maintenance of the altar linens, sacred vessels and vestments, the society assists the parish in certain fund raising projects. The ladies are active throughout the year, in every major parish function.
History: This society is the oldest organization in the parish, having been founded in 1889. The original function of the group centered on special care for the linen, vestments and continued cleanliness or the sanctuary and church.
The Altar Society is active in all parish functions and maintains a steady membership of dedicated ladies. The group gives time and talent to the annual Parish Fiesta and will perform the role of hostesses whenever there is a parish sponsored reception in honor of a member of the clergy or one of the parishioners.
History: The Velike Gospe Society was organized in 1932 by a group of women who wanted to meet socially, give assistance to the church through religious and charitable activities. The name of the Society refers to Our Blessed Mother's Assumption into Heaven which is celebrated on August 15. On this day, the Society celebrates the feast day with a special Mass, followed by luncheon.
The members of the society participate in many church related projects, mainly assisting in the care of the altar linens, flowers and altar maintenance. Many dinners and other fund raisers contribute to the support of the parish and related charities. During the annual Fiesta, the members staff a raffle booth and prepare and serve the traditional Sunday dinner.
History: Mary Star of the Sea has always maintained a policy of extending a welcome hospitality to organizations in the community which are dedicated to the formation and well-being of adults, young persons and children. Groups and their leaders have found that the doors and the meeting facilities of the parish are open to them for the support and advancement of their worthy dedication.
Alcoholics Anonymous - Meetings for this worthy organization are scheduled to be held in the Youth Ministry Room.
Scout Troops - Both Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops in the San Pedro area schedule their meetings to be held in one of the elementary school classrooms.
Boys/Girls Club of San Pedro - Meetings are not held at Mary Star of the Sea Parish, but the group and their excellent programs for young persons are supported by parishioners, through donations and attendance at yearly fund raisers.