NARRAGANSETT — “You couldn’t have asked for a better day,” said parishioner Peter Rogozinski as he and other faithful celebrated the 50th anniversary of St. Mary Star of the Sea.
On Sunday, June 6, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin concelebrated the Mass with the current pastor Father Francis Kayatta, Father Robert Randall, and two former pastors Father John Watterson and Father Donald Bouressa.
“I am very happy and honored to be with you today to celebrate this special occasion of the life as a parish community,” said the bishop. “This is an important milestone. What we celebrate is not just a quantity of years but quality of faith.”
The south county church was filled with individuals and local families who help to make up the history of the parish.
“We want to thank all those who have been members of the parish throughout history,” said Bishop Tobin. “It is an intersection of past and future. We don’t know what the future holds for us, but we know that God will bless us as individuals. That is one thing we know about the future- that God will be with us.”
In his first homily at St. Mary’s, two years ago, Father Kayatta recalled that he told parishioners that he had some big shoes to fill, looking back on the faithful pastors that preceded him.
“I was walking in the footsteps of giants,” said Father Kayatta. “I can’t tell you how happy I am that two of these former pastors could be with us today.”
St. Mary Star of the Sea was elevated from a mission church into a parish on June 22, 1960 by Bishop Russell J. McVinney. The first pastor, Father J. Allan Hughes, served the parish for 18 years, until his retirement. Father Bouressa was then appointed as second pastor of the church. During his years at St. Mary’s, the parish was renovated and expanded to its present size to meet the spiritual needs of the community.
Upon Father Bouressa’s retirement in 2001, the third pastor, Father Watterson was assigned. A retired Army chaplain, Father Watterson happily served the people of St. Mary’s until his retirement in 2008.
Father Kayatta added that in a very real way, Bishop Tobin is the spiritual leader not only of the diocese but also of our parish and that it was an honor to have him take part in the celebration.
Diane Manning has been a St. Mary’s parishioner for 41 years and explained that it was special to have Bishop Tobin present for the Mass.
“It’s always nice to be with your shepherd,” she said. “It was a perfect day for a celebration.”
Presently, St. Mary Star of the Sea has approximately 1300 year-round registered families.
Parishioner, Angela Iannotti, shared how exciting it was to be a part of the celebration.
“It’s a wonderful time for the parish,” she said. “It’s a beautiful community.”
Eddie Delsignore, 22, has been altar serving at St. Mary Star of the Sea for 12 years. He explained how grateful he was to serve with the bishop, Father Kayatta, and former pastors during the special celebration.
“It was an honor and a privilege to serve today,” said Delsignore.
Father Kayatta said that over the years, the parish has certainly grown from God’s grace.
“This was a wonderful celebration,” he said. “We are really celebrating our Catholic faith and God’s goodness to the parish.”
Bishop Tobin explained that an occasion like this is an opportunity for parishioners to renew their faith and thank God for all the gifts he has blessed them with.
“This is a fine parish. It’s very active and very vibrant,” he said. “Today is a chance to reflect on the past and look to the future. We are very proud of the parish and the good work that takes place here.”
