Events Gallery

2022

The Feast of Thanksgiving 

Thursday, November 24, 2022
​We celebrated the Feast of Thanksgiving at Mass on Thanksgiving morning. All attendees received a small loaf of fresh bread as a gift. We hope you and your loved ones had a bountiful Thanksgiving celebration. 

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Confirmation

Sunday, November 20, 2022
On Sunday, November 20, we celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation at Our Lady, Star of the Sea. Congratulations to these Confirmation recipients for fulfilling the requirements of their Religious Education program, and for receiving the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This is a moment to cherish, as it is one which deepens baptismal grace and unifies them more firmly to Christ. May the gifts of the Holy Spirit make indelible, wonderous marks on our newly Confirmed and help them learn to use God's gifts in their everyday lives. We also thank Monsignor Moran, who celebrated this sacrament.

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"Cupcake Wars"

Sunday, November 6, 2022
Children and teens of the Parish baked religious-themed cupcakes based on their favorite Bible story or hero, holiday or Saint. Check out their creative ideas! Winners & prizes for "Most Creative" and "People's Choice" were grouped by grade. Which one is your favorite? 

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All Saints Day Mass

Sunday, October 30, 2022
The youth of our Parish in grades K - 2 had a memorable time participating in the All Saints' Mass, where they dressed up as their favorite Saint at the 9:00am Family Mass on Sunday, October 30.  

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Wonderfull World Women's Retreat

Joan Thayer and Elaine Leahy delivering blankets made at the Women's Retreat to Friends of the Unborn.

Saturday, October 15, 2022
On Saturday, October 15, women of the Parish participated in a WonderFULL World Retreat to relax and recharge their faith and friendships. This travel-themed retreat was a daylong event to discover the depth of God’s love, strength and compassion through a variety of activities, discussions, quiet reflections, Christian Service and more. Breakfast muffins, coffee/tea and lunch were included, as well as a variety of ethnic dishes. Thanks to the Women's Retreat attendees and their act of Christian service, Joan Thayer and Elaine Leahy were able to deliver blankets that were made at the Retreat to Friends of the Unborn. The staff and moms were so grateful! Thank you to all!

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Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, October 23, 2022
Parishioners came together to enjoy a delicious Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, October 23, following the 9:00AM Mass. Our talented chefs prepared spectacular pancakes with blueberries, chocolate chips, or vanilla. We are so grateful to parishioners Ben and Jen LaBrecque for coordinating this event! 

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"Faith & Play"

Monday, October 17, 2022
"Faith and Play" is a time for our youngest parishioners (aged Baby to 5 Years) to gather to grow in their faith. Each month, we gather for story time, play time, an activity, and snacks. Our summer sessions are held outdoors next to the koi fish pond, and fall/winter sessions are held indoors in the Parish Center. Our October session was so much fun! Don't forget to RSVP for our next session on Monday, November 14, so we can make sure to have enough materials and snacks. Send your RSVP and questions about this event to Jaclyne Ainlay at jaclyne.ainlay@gmail.com or Elaine at sosreligioused@staroftheseamarblehead.org.  

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Blessing of Backpacks

Saturday, September 3 & Sunday September 4, 2022
Young parishioners brought their backpacks to church to have them blessed, after weekend Masses on September 3rd & 4th. What a great way to start off the new school year!

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Creation Care Team: Making Lunches for My Brother's Table

Sunday, August 14, 2022
In response to the “cry of the poor” from the Vatican's Laudato Si Action Platform, the Creation Care Team invited parishioners to help make brown-bag lunches for My Brother’s Table on Sunday, Aug. 14 after the 9am Mass. We met in the Parish Center Hall and made sandwiches and bag the lunches. Kids were also welcome, and they lent their artistic talents by coloring the bags or writing notes. Thank you to all who donated their time and goods for this important cause!

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"Faith & Play"

​Tuesday, August 9, 2022
"Faith and Play" is a special gathering for our youngest parishioners (aged Baby to 5 Years) to learn and grow in their faith in a fun environment. Our second session was held indoors in our Parish Center Hall due to warm weather. We had a marvelous time with faith-filled stories, play time, an activity, and snacks. 

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Vacation Bible School 2022

​Monday, July 25 - Friday, July 29, 2022
We embarked on a MONUMENTAL journey at this year's Vacation Bible Week! This year's Bible School adventure helped the youth to build friendships while learning and sharing their faith. They played indoor and outdoor games, sang songs in praise of God, experienced the monumental greatness of God, and helped to form a rock-solid faith for the road ahead. A special thank you to Monsignor Moran, Elaine Leahy (VBS Director), Mitch and Jon, our numerous camp volunteers, and all participants. 

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"Faith & Play"

​Tuesday, July 12, 2022
"Faith and Play" is a time for our youngest parishioners (aged Baby to 5 Years) to gather to grow in their faith. We had an amazing turn-out for our first session on July 12, where we gathered in the grassy area next to the koi fishpond for story time, play time, an activity, and snacks.

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Hot Dog Sunday

​Sunday, June 26, 2022
On June 26, we gathered for our annual Hot Dog Sunday. We enjoyed the pleasant summer afternoon together, with parishioners and friends alike. We are so glad so many could join us, and we are so thankful for such a wonderful team of dedicated volunteers who baked exquisite homemade pies, grilled savory Hot Dogs, managed the refreshment and condiment tables, and helped set up and clean up. Thank you!

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First Communion

​Saturday, May 7, 2022
We celebrated First Holy Communion on Saturday May 7, 2022. On Sunday, May 8, Mother's Day, our First Communicants returned for the May Procession, and crowned the Blessed Mother in the Grotto. We sincerely thank our families for their love and support in preparing our Communicants to receive the Holy Eucharist.

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First Communion

​Sunday, May 15, 2022
We celebrated First Holy Communion on Sunday May 15, 2022. We thank Monsignor Moran, Father Kelleher, and Deacon Joe. We also thank parents and families of our First Communicants, for preparing these young students for this momentous occasion. 

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2021

Deacon John E. "Joe" Whipple: Celebrating 25 Years of His Ordination to the Diaconate

Sunday, September 12, 2021
Senior Deacon John "Joe" Whipple celebrated his 25th Anniversary of his ordination to the Diaconate on Tuesday, September 14, 2021. We held a celebratory reception in the Rose Garden on Sunday, September 12, 2021. Thank you to all our parishioners who took photographs of this event, and thank you to all who were able to attend this lovely reception to honor Deacon Joe's 25th Anniversary. We sincerely thank Deacon Joe for his service and commitment to the people of Our Lady, Star of the Sea.

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Vacation Bible School

Monday, July 26 - Friday, July 30
We held Vacation Bible School at Our Lady Star of the Sea's Parish Center in July 2021. Children ages 4-12 had an exciting time, and we are so thrilled to have been part of your summer! We thank our staff and all of our faithful volunteers for their generous offering of time and talent. A special thank you to Pat Bachelder (VBS Coordinator), Holly Wilsey-Walker, Robert “Mitch” Mitchell (Building Manager), and Jon Johnston, for going above and beyond for Vacation Bible Week 2021. We also thank the amazing, enthusiastic children who attended, and a big thank you to parents and families.
Please note that "Silly Section" of the VBS photos have been edited for entertainment purposes only.

​"SILLY SECTION"
​​Vacation Bible School 2021
For entertainment purposes only.

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First Communion

May 2021
We celebrated First Holy Communion throughout the month of May. We sincerely thank our families for their love and support in preparing our Communicants to receive the Holy Eucharist.

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Confirmation

Sunday, January 10 and Saturday, January 23, 2021
On Sunday, January 10 and Saturday, January 23, 2021, we celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation. We thank Monsignor Moran for celebrating this sacrament with us. Congratulations to our Confirmation recipients who fulfilled the requirements of their Religious Education program.

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2020

Confirmation

Sunday, November 8, 2020
On Sunday, November 8, 2020, we celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation. Bishop Mark O'Connell celebrated the sacrament with us. Congratulations to our Confirmation recipients who fulfilled the requirements of their Religious Education program.

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First Communion

First Communion 2020
We celebrated First Holy Communion throughout the months of August, September, and October of 2020. We sincerely thank our families for their love and support in preparing our Communicants to receive the Holy Eucharist.

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Blessing of Pets

Sunday, October 4, 2020
On Sunday, October 4, we gathered in the Rose Garden for our second annual Blessing of Pets in celebration of Saint Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals. Thank you to Monsignor Moran and all who brought their pets for blessing. This blessing is more than just a reminder to love and nurture our furry friends—it is an invitation to imitate God's love for us in our care for the animals. Just as our Father in heaven remembered Noah and all the animals with him in the ark, we give thanks and praise to our Creator for giving us companionship, protection, and joy in our homes and in our world.

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St. Joseph's Day Birdhouse Building

Sunday, March 8, 2020
We had a wonderful turn-out on Sunday, March 8, at a special event held by Religious Education in honor of St. Joseph’s Day (March 19).  Fathers, grandfathers, and male caregivers gathered to build birdhouses with their children, just as St. Joseph spent time working with his hands in carpentry with young Jesus. 

Thank you to all who were able to join us.  Generations of families built and decorated birdhouses, and built lifelong memories together!

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2019

Children's Christmas Pageant 2019

Tuesday, December 24, 2019
On Christmas Eve 2019, our Religious Education students gloriously reenacted the birth of Jesus Christ in a Christmas Pageant at our 4:00pm Family Liturgy in the Parish Center, which was celebrated by Father Coyne. Many children participated in the Christmas pageant in front of a huge crowd of parishioners and friends, and the beautiful music and Christmas decorations accompanied the Mass. 

We wish to thank everyone who graciously gave their time and talents into making this special pageant one to remember. We also wish to thank our parishioners, our family, and our friends who were able to join us in celebrating this Christmas season.

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Christmas Fair 2019

Saturday, December 7, 2019
Our Christmas Fair was a joyful success, filled with the Spirit of Christmas!  We applaud our parishioners Judy and John Arnold for their devotion and untiring efforts in coordinating our Annual Christmas Fair at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish. Organizing and overseeing this event is challenging and time-consuming. Their efforts were supported by parish staff and numerous volunteers who support the fair before, during and after the tables are set up and taken down. 

We thank all of our parishioners and friends who donated in any way to  assure our success. We appreciate all those who made the time to come to our Parish Hall to purchase items, have lunch, or just to browse. We welcomed local vendors who added so much to our Fair. It was a very successful undertaking and allows us to build on the wonderful history of our parish by continuing this long-time tradition.

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Animals Go to Reconciliation

Sunday, December 8, 2019
On Sunday, December 8, our stuffed animals went to "Reconciliation" at the 9:00AM Family Liturgy. Through creative drama, our 2nd Grade students were taught the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This type of pretend-play helps young children to better understand how Reconciliation applies in their own lives.  Are you lazy like the turtle?  Are you messy like the pig?  Do you stick your neck in where it doesn’t belong like the giraffe?  The “sins” of each stuffed animal were confessed. 
Each student received the Sacrament themselves the following week.

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Cupcake Wars

Sunday, November 17, 2019
We had a spectacular turn-out for Cupcake Wars on Sunday, November 17! Parishioners came out to support the youth of our Parish at this delightful new fundraiser.  Students designed their own religious-themed cupcakes to sell in order to raise money for the Religious Education Department.  Winners, grouped by grade, were given prizes for "Best Tasting" and "Most Creative."   ​

​Thank you to all of our volunteers, our judges, and to all who attended and helped support the youth of our Parish.  A special thank you to our dedicated Religious Education parents and children for making such interesting and delicious cupcakes.  Take a look at some of these clever designs!

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Italian Night

Saturday, November 2, 2019
On November 2, we celebrated our Mass of Remembrance in the Church.  This special Mass was celebrated to remember all those who were buried from Our Lady, Star of the Sea Parish this past year.  At this Mass, their names were read from the altar.  We also prayed for our deceased loved ones who have entered into eternal life. 
Following the Mass of Remembrance was our annual Italian Night, where we feasted Italian favorites. A big Thank You to Ben and Jen LaBrecque, and all of our volunteers, who generously donated their time and resources to make Italian Night a flavorful success!

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Blessing of Pets

Sunday, October 6, 2019
On Sunday, October 6, we gathered in the Rose Garden for our first annual Blessing of Pets in celebration of Saint Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals.  This event is a beautiful reminder of the care that our Creator gives to us, and the invitation to imitate His love in our care for our furry friends.

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Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, September 22, 2019
Parishioners drizzled on the maple syrup with smiles of delight during our Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, September 22, following the 9:00AM Mass.  Our first-class chefs prepared delicious pancakes to suit every taste: blueberry, chocolate chip, and traditional plain pancakes. Which one is your favorite?

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Hot Dog Sunday

Sunday, June 30, 2019
On June 30 we held our Hot Dog Sunday in the Rose Garden.
Our team of dedicated volunteers prepared savory Hot Dogs with delicious toppings, as well as exquisite homemade desserts. This was a very well-attended event, during which very own VBS students delivered a heart-warming surprise for all those present at Hot Dog Sunday: The students sang and danced to their theme song “I’m Trusting You God.”
What a delightful afternoon, shared by so many.