Beverly Catholic Collaborative marks 150th anniversary

BEVERLY -- The Beverly Catholic Collaborative is marking the 150th anniversary of St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, and 150 years of Catholic faith in the city, with a series of programs throughout the year for all to participate in and enjoy.

The celebration will begin with a Lenten Mission from March 23-25. A Lenten Mission is an opportunity for community members to come together and reflect, pray and prepare their hearts and minds for Easter. The mission, or spiritual celebration, will be led nightly by Fr. William Neubecker. Fr. Neubecker is stationed at the St. Joseph Retreat House in Milton.

The program will begin at 7 p.m. each evening. at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 253 Cabot St., Beverly. Fr. Bill will also be presiding over the 9 a.m. Mass at St. John Church, 111 New Balch St. Beverly, each morning of the Mission, where his homilies will be based on the evening's talk. On Tuesday, the 24th, attendees will have an opportunity for Confession at both the morning Mass and the Mission.

The theme for the Mission is as follows:

MONDAY

Honoring Our Past: We Were Loved.
Adoration and Benediction
TUESDAY
Growing our Faith: With God`s Mercy.
WEDNESDAY
Building Our Future: With God`s Care through Mary. (Done in the context of Mass)

Other anniversary events will include a Family Day of Service and Cookout on May 30; an Open House at St. Mary's Church on June 20, which is in conjunction with Beverly ArtsFest; an anniversary Mass presided over by Cardinal Sean O'Malley, on Oct. 11, and a concert of Thanksgiving in November, which will be followed by a wine and cheese reception. For more information and updates on events, follow "Beverly Catholic Collaborative" on Facebook or visit www.beverlycatholic.com.