Altar Guild (back to top)

The Altar Guild dusts altars and pews, changes altar cloths, and cleans candle holders in the Church on a weekly basis.

Meeting Time: Tuesday evenings in the Church.
Contact: Sandra Silva

Altar Servers (back to top)

Boys and girls in the parish, 4^th grade and over, are invited to participate in the liturgical services as Altar Servers.

Meeting Time:  Training to be an Altar Server is done twice a year.
Contact: Rev. David Barnes 

Baptism Ministry (back to top)

This is a Catechesis of the Sacrament of Baptism, which includes interaction with discussion, questions and comments.  The objective is to help parents and godparents understand the importance of Baptism in their own lives and in the lives of their children.

Meeting Time: Third Sunday of every month after the 11:00 Mass in the lower church.

Contact:   Sister Julie Theresa Kane (978-922-8680)

• Baptismal Enrollment

Every other month on the 3rd Sunday, there is a special enrollment liturgy at the 9:00 Mass with a reception following, hosted by parish couples in the lower church.  

Contact: Please call the Rectory (978-922-0113)

Beverly Interfaith Council (back to top)

The Beverly Interfaith Council is an organization composed of representatives from all the religions within the Beverly faith community who wish to belong. The goal is to foster understanding and cooperation among the various faith groups.  This is done by working with the various groups, aiding them in a positive way without interfering with their individual agenda.  Interfaith worship services are also sponsored.

Meeting Times: Monthly, with the steering committee, less often with the delegates.
Contact: Dr. Charles MacDowell, Chairperson
Loyce Thomson, Assistant Chairperson
Sr. Marguerite Ledwell, SND

Bible Discussion Group (back to top)

This group uses the monthly meditation booklet, The “Word Among Us,to start their sharing of thoughts on the readings of the Mass. No one is required to speak, but the members feel comfortable enough to consider together various situations of daily Christian living.

Meeting Time: Sunday at 7:45 AM in the Rectory meeting room.
Contact: Sr. Marguerite Ledwell, SND

Department of Music (back to top)

The Music Department of St. Mary Star of the Sea Church is dedicated to giving glory to God through the use of the finest liturgical music available. To reach this goal, we strive to follow with faithfulness the actual prescriptions of the Vatican II and Postconciliar Liturgical Documents of the Church. An important goal is the development of a worthy Catholic Musical Heritage in this church. Further, we hope to present the finest concerts possible, as evidenced in the past concert presentation of Messiah, by Johannes Brahms, as well as the annual First Night Festival Brass, Organ and Timpani, the German Requiem, by Johannes Brahms, as well as the annual para-liturgical Festival of Lessons and Carols.  The Music Department of St. Mary Star of the Sea Church is committed to the highest standard possible, motivated by the belief that the gifts brought to God should be the very best possible gifts entrusted to us that we lovingly return to Him.

Music Department Professional Staff

Frederick A. MacArthur, Mus. B., Boston University, Organist

Mr. MacArthur has been the Organist and Director of the Professional Choir of Temple Israel, Boston since 1988.  He was Organist and Choirmaster of Old South Church in Boston from 1987 to 1996.  From 1967 to 1983 he held a similar position at Central Congregational Church, and from 1967 to 1983 at Temple Emanu-El, both in Providence. He served as University Organist at Brown University from 1981 to 1988, during which time he gave over 150 midnight concerts.  Mr. MacArthur has taught classroom music in such places as Brown University and Rhode Island College. Mr. MacArthur has performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe (including representing the United States four times in the International Organ Festival in Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico). He has recently performed with the Melrose Symphony Orchestra, the Newton Choral Society and the Wellesley Choral Society. Mr. MacArthur is a native of Beverly, where he was Organist and Choirmaster at First Baptist Church prior to entering the Army in 1962. Mr. MacArthur has recorded on the Pro Organo Label with the Old South Brass, Organ Timpani with Roger Voisin conducting.

The Choirs and Cantors of St. Mary Star of the Sea Church

• The Adult Choir

The Adult Choir of St. Mary Star of the Sea Church is the primary liturgical choir of the parish, and is open to all members of the parish who are age 18+.  This choir sings at all major parish liturgies.  On a weekly basis, the Adult Choir sings at the Sunday 11 AM Mass (with a 10:15 rehearsal).  Weekly rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings from 7:30-8:30 in the Upper Church.  This is no prerequisite for membership in the Adult Choir, other than a desire to praise God with full voice, and to make a reasonable commitment.  Current choir members have a wide range of previous musical knowledge, ranging from no previous experience to degrees in music.  The growth and development of a fine adult choir is the highest priority for this department.  Please contact the Director of Music for more information.

• The Cantors

The Director of Music selects the Cantors from the Adult and Youth Choirs.  Membership in these ensembles is a prerequisite for cantoring.  The cantors meet weekly by appointment with the Director of Music and/or Organist to rehearse the music for each Sunday Mass, as well as for other special Liturgies.

• Outreach

The Department of Music engages in musical outreach through St. Mary Star of the Sea School, in the form of preparation for, and execution of the monthly First Friday and all school Masses.  In addition to this, the department also coordinates with, prepares for and executes the liturgical celebrations of Confirmation, First Eucharist and First Reconciliation.  Further development of this facet of the department is currently underway, and includes closer coordination with Religious Education Program to foster catechesis through hymnody, and possibly the development of adult outreach to teach singing, hymnody and chant.   

Development Committee  (back to top)

This committee was formed to develop a long-range plan for continued growth of the Parish. We are developing a plan of action around the themes of Worship, Education, Fellowship and Outreach. Parishioners have been involved in identifying parish needs and priorities.  Parishioners initiated groups that will be formed around the final action plan. We expect that this committee will disband when the plan is formulated. 
The committee may be reformed at the discretion of the Pastor.

Contact: Cheryl Cahill 

Finance Committee  (back to top)

The Finance Committee of St. Mary's Parish is a group of experienced financial professionals that the Pastor can call on, on an as-needed basis, for advice and counsel.

Contact: Rev. Fr. David Barnes

Knights of Columbus  (back to top)

The world’s largest Catholic fraternal benefits society.  Founded March 29, 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney at St. Mary’s Parish, New Haven, CT.  Currently over 1.6 million members in 9 countries.  There are over 9,700 members in the North Shore.  All Catholic men over 18 years of age are eligible for membership.  The entire family is eligible for Family Fraternal benefits, including student loans, scholarships, annuities, long term care, life insurance and more.

Meeting Time: Local council #175 meets 4th Thursday every month. There are 36 councils in the area so there is usually a meeting locally every night/day.
Contact: Bryan P.T. Riley, Grandknight Council #175 – 978-977-6365
                Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight 1-800-524-3611 New Haven CT

Lay Ministers of the Eucharist  (back to top)

Lay Ministers of the Eucharist assist with the distribution of the Eucharist at Mass.  Bring the Eucharist to Catholic patients at Beverly Hospital, local nursing homes and shut-ins at home.

Contact: Fr. Edward Geary

Lectors (back to top)

Lectors proclaim the Scriptures in church, especially at the Sunday
Liturgies.

Contact: Fr. Edward Geary

Maintenance Staff (back to top)

Maintains the buildings and grounds for the Church, the Rectory, the Convent, and the School.  Staff is on hand every day.

Contact: James Weston 

Mass Citizens for Life (back to top)

In recognition of the fact that each human life is a continuum from conception to natural death, the mission of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, Inc. is to promote respect for human life and to defend the right to life of all human beings, born or pre-born.  We will influence public policy at the local, state and national levels through comprehensive educational, legislative, political, and charitable activities.

MCFL Vision – will be recognized by the public and its political leaders as the most powerful voice for the right to life in Massachusetts.  Because of its integrity and credibility, the organization will be the driving force for social and political change, to ensure that respect for life is the fundamental value of our society.

MCFL Values – persistence, integrity, tolerance, hope and compassion are the underlying values that are common to those who carry out the mission of Massachusetts Citizens for Life.

Meeting Time:   Meetings are on a monthly basis – Chairperson calls to schedule.
Contact: Tony DiIanni or Maggie Beals

Masters of Ceremonies  (back to top)

Experienced Servers who have demonstrated maturity and expertise are advanced to the position of Master of Ceremonies. They assist in the training of Altar Servers and serve as mentors.

Contact: Rev. David Barnes

Men of St. Joseph (back to top)  

This group is a sharing group open to all men who are dedicated to becoming stronger in their faith. Scripture readings, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Signpost, a study guide for catholic men, are all used to guide us in open discussion.  A one-hour formal meeting is followed by fellowship and sharing.

Meeting Time: Every other Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the lower church.
Contacts: Doug Boucher or John Cusolito

Nursing Home Ministry (back to top)

The Nursing Home Ministry was initially started to meet the social and spiritual needs of the Catholic Residents in our four Beverly area nursing homes.  Today it branches out to include visits to shut-ins, assisted living facilities, and the hospital. 

This Ministry of Outreach serves our sick and infirm by:

1. Weekly distribution of the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist by Sr. Marian and Parish Eucharistic Ministers from St. Mary’s and St. John’s.
2. Monthly celebration of Mass by our area Clergy (Fr. Geary, Fr. Barnes, and Fr. Fahey.)  Weekly Communion Service is held at Herrick House on Sunday morning by Parish Volunteers.  Volunteers also distribute Communion at the Hospital and some nursing homes on Sundays.
3. Weekly or bi-monthly recitation of the Rosary led by a parish volunteer.
4. Sacrament of the Sick by our Parish Priests when needed, or at the request of family members.
5. Elder Blessing sponsored by Pax Christi once a year and held at St. Mary’s Church during Easter time.
6. One on one social visits to individual residents by parish volunteers.  (Time, day and frequency left to the discretion and availability of the visitor.)
7. Distribution of Ashes and Palms during Lent by parish volunteers.
8. Card writing to the residents for special occasions by the Altar Group and by individual families.
9. Collaboration planning with School Principal and Staff, Religious Education Coordinator, and Youth Minister to share entertainment, projects and time with nursing home residents.

Meeting Time:   Once a month at St. Mary’s Convent for prayer and social time.
Contact: Sr. Marian, SND or Fran Boucher

Parish Council (back to top)

Assist the Pastor with ideas and decisions in all aspects of church life.

Meeting Time: Sunday once a month
Contact: Scott McKenzie

Parish Health Ministry (back to top)

The role of the Parish Nurse is a Health Educator, organizing and planning workshops and classes on a variety of health and wellness topics.  They are personal health counselors; the Parish Nurses help people to relate to the complex medical care systems acting as a referral Agent to find resources in the community to meet health care needs.

Parish Nursing is a caring ministry.  It is spiritual care, health promotion and illness prevention for the body, mind and spirit.

Meeting Time: Every other Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the Rectory.
Contact: Marilyn Cronan, RN or Geraldine Meguyer

Parish Outreach (back to top)

The objective of Parish Outreach Projects is to reach out in loving concern to the poor, lonely, and/or suffering people both on a local and global sphere.

Main Contact: Sister Julie Theresa Kane, SND  

• Elder Blessing

Outreach to our shut-ins and nursing home residents. It takes place the Wednesday after Easter.  The parish celebrates a special Liturgy for the sick, which includes the Anointing sacrament.

Contact: Sister Julie Theresa Kane,SND

• Food Pantry

Parishioners bring food items for the local Salvation Army, Baptist Church and Catholic Charities Food Pantries.

Contact:  Frank Pietrini  

• Friday Night at St. Peters

For those in need, we prepare and serve dinner every 4th Friday at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.  Volunteers are needed to cook, serve, and clean.

Contact: Mary Pietrini 

• Oxfam

An outreach to both local and global hunger needs. It takes place the Thursday before Thanksgiving in the parish hall with a prayer service and simple meal of soup with donations for Oxfam self-help projects.       

Contact: Sister Julie Theresa Kane, SND  

• Pennies for Haiti

Outreach to the poor in Fr. Jacques orphanage in Haiti.  We have several special collections during the year.

Contact: Ducky Higgins  

Pax Christi (back to top)

Through Prayer, Study and Action, Pax Christi members work at alleviating suffering through its outreach projects and at the same time attempt to eliminate the causes of suffering and injustice through educational resources on justice and peace and some legislative activity.  Pax Christi springs from a Gospel Vision of Peace.  This is both a national and international Catholic Peace Movement.

Meeting Time:  Second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Mary’s School Faculty Room.
Contact: Sister Julie Theresa Kane, SND

Prayer Group – The Living Word  (back to top)

The Prayer Group is in the Charismatic tradition.  We gather each week to praise God in song, readings, teachings and spontaneous prayer.  We also pray for individual needs.  We are connected with the Charismatic Renewal Office of the Boston Archdiocese.

Meeting Time: Mondays 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Julie Hall
Contact: Joan F. Horgan 

Pre-Cana Team (back to top)

‘Pre-Cana’ or the Engaged Couples Workshop has been offered by St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish twice a year since 1987.  Host couples, made up of married St. Mary’s parishioners, present topics including Spirituality, Communication, Finance, Sexuality, The Realities of the First Years of Married Life, Natural Family Planning, and Family of Origins.  Following each presentation, work groups discuss the topics as they relate to married life.  The day’s discussions are concluded with a ‘question and answer’ session between the newlyweds-to-be and the priest.  This exchange covers every aspect of the marriage sacrament from spiritual issues to the ‘nuts and bolts’ issues of the wedding day.  Finally, a Mass for the Engaged is held in the beautiful Provincial House chapel.  It is a special day for all involved.

Contact: Please call St. Mary’s Rectory (978) 922-0113

RCIA (back to top)

RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, is the process by which adults are received into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.  RCIA began in our parish in 1991.

The process is open to all adults who are seeking Baptism; those who have been baptized in other Christian churches who wish to become Roman Catholic; and adult Catholics who have not received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.

RCIA sessions are divided into two parts.  The first half of each class is a reflection of the Scriptures based on the Sunday readings at Mass.  The second half of each class is a systematic study of the Catholic Faith.  In addition to class time, participants in our parish RCIA process join in the liturgical celebrations known as the Rite of Acceptance (first Sunday of Advent), the Rite of Sending, and the Rite of Election (both on the first Sunday of Lent).  The Sacraments are received at the Easter Vigil.

Meeting Time: Scheduled on Sundays 12 – 1:30 p.m. September – June Contact: Jay and Gail Caress

Religious Education (back to top)

Our parish religious education program seeks to provide a solid supplementary role in helping parents in their responsibility to their children as the primary teachers of the Faith.  

Lower Grades (Kindergarten - 8)

Our aims are:

• To teach the message of Jesus and his Holy Catholic Church

• To provide a community setting for children to be supported and to help them grow in their faith in Christ.

• To help inspire and lead our parish family in bringing the love of Christ to every person.

Confirmation Program (Grades 9 +)

Our program helps to prepare our high school youth for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

Requirements for completing the process of preparation include: attendance at weekly Sunday Mass; faithful attendance and participation at scheduled class meetings, service to the community; attendance and participation at scheduled retreats; and an interview with the Pastor.

The Sacrament is received in the fall of the junior year of high school.

Meeting Times:    

Grades K-6             Sundays mornings 10:05–10:55AM  
Grades K-6             Wednesday afternoons 3:30–4:20PM
Grades 7-8             Wednesday evenings 7:00-8:00PM 
Confirmation Prep.    Monday evenings 7-8:05PM  

Contact: Jay and Gail Caress

School Board  (back to top)

The School Board is an advisory body whose purpose is to strengthen Catholic education within the parish.  It primarily oversees the financial stability of the school, assists in developing resources to develop and implement the curriculum and serves as a vehicle for suggestions and questions relative to the school.

Meeting Time: Third Thursday of each month.
Contact: Roberta Newman – Chairperson

School Parents’ Committee (back to top)

The Parents’ Committee of St. Mary School is made up of all parents who have children in grades K-8.  The role of the Committee is to assist the principal in whatever needs they may have, as well as to help fund the Cultural (Enrichment) programs within the school.  The monthly meetings provide an opportunity to discuss happenings at the school as well as keep all parents well informed.

Meeting Time: Second Tuesday of the month.
Contact: Jackie McKenna – Co-President or Ellen Dunn – Co-President

Sisters of Notre Dame (back to top)

The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur have staffed St. Mary Star of the Sea School since its inception.  Sisters traveled from Salem to Beverly to teach Religious Education even before the Convent and School were erected.

Mission Statement of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

Sisters of Notre Dame, women with hearts as wide as the world, make known God’s goodness and love through a Gospel way of life, community, and prayer. Continuing a strong educational tradition, we take our stand with poor people, especially women and children, in the most abandoned places.  Each of us commits her one and only life to work with others to create justice and peace for all.

Contact: Sr. Marie Catherine Pero, SND

Sisters of Providence (back to top)

The Congregation of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary- of-the-Woods in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Indiana, is an apostolic religious institute of pontifical right.  

Called together by God to grow in love and grace and to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by their lives, the women who are members of this Congregation share a common tradition in communion with the Roman Catholic Church.

Mission Statement of the Sisters of Providence

The purpose of this Congregation is to honor Divine Providence and to
further God’s loving plans by devoting itself to works of love, mercy, and
justice in service among God’s people.

Contact:   Sr. Alice Hemans, S.P. – 978-927-3259

St. Vincent de Paul  (back to top)

The Society responds daily to emergency situations involving families and individuals in need of financial or other assistance due to many problems occurring in their lives.  Assistance of food, rent, medicines, utility bills, and other necessities of life are available. Clients are visited in their homes on a one to one basis, to address the whole problem. A portion of the clients are referred to other agencies for assistance, such as counseling. We are a United Way organization open to all needy in Beverly.

Meeting Time: Once a month
Contact: Please call the Rectory 978-922-0113

There are currently fifteen members from the Parish who are members of the Society (9 men and 6 women).  There is an elected President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. 

Ushers and Collectors (back to top)

Ushers – Men assist in helping to seat people at some Masses and special occasions. 

Collectors – Collectors are needed at Saturday Vigil and Sunday Masses.

Contact: Pete Nuccio 

Youth Ministry (back to top)

St. Mary Star of the Sea Youth Ministry program is rooted in parish life.  The Youth Ministry program is structured around the four pillars of worship, catechetics, social development, and social justice.  These four pillars are carried out primarily within the two parish youth groups (Middle School, grades 6-8, and High School, grades 9-12).

The youth learn to celebrate and appreciate the liturgical feasts and seasons of the year, grow in love of God and neighbor, and mature in leadership qualities.  This Ministry also provides the youth with opportunities to use and grow in their leadership qualities through retreats, helping to plan events and meetings, and organizing group prayer. 

Adult Volunteers play an essential role in Youth Ministry at our parish.  These parishioners bring their knowledge and skills to the program, and also provide opportunities for relationships to develop between youth and adults. 

Meeting Times:

• Middle School Youth Group meets on Thursday nights at Julie Hall from 7-8pm
• High School Youth Group meets on Tuesday nights at Julie Hall from 7-8:30pm
• Weekend Activities are planned monthly for both the High School and Middle School Youth Group

Contact: Fr. David Barnes