St. Aloysius and Mary Star of the Sea both celebrate important milestones of Catholic life on the South Coast
The year of 2025 marks a notable point in the life of Catholicism on the South Coast. Its arrival commemorates the efforts of both lay people and clergy to establish new churches, both united into one parish under one priest.
The first Catholic Church, with its namesake and patron Saint Aloysius, was reportedly established in Point Arena around 1895. A vibrant community composed largely of Italian immigrants built the church itself—a structure which persevered until it was rebuilt and rededicated on April 27, 1950. This rebuilding effort is the 75th Anniversary which we now celebrate. Descendants of these hardworking parish/builders still reside and worship here on the Coast.
Mary Star-of-the-Sea, a mission of the St. Aloysius Parish, was once again the result of donated volunteer labor, as well as modern architectural ideas. It was completed and consecrated in 1995. Prior to this time Masses were held outdoors in the forest on the current site, as well as the Gualala Community Center. This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the MSS Church.
In Commemoration…..
Our current resident pastor, Fr. Taiye Obada has chosen to recognize the efforts of those who, in the past, and emboldened by the the Holy Spirit, contributed both their time and treasure to make these projects a reality. On June 21st, after the 4:00 PM First Holy Communion Mass at St. Aloysius, a Trinity Hall social celebration will mark its 75th Anniversary. Similarly, a special event will occur after the 11:00 Mass on August 24th, 2025 at Mary Star of the Sea in Gualala. All are welcome and encouraged to come.
The Grotto of The Pieta
In addition to the social gatherings mentioned above, Father Obada would like to memorialize many of our parish families and members (past and present) with the construction of a large patio/grotto surrounding the new replica of Michelangelo’s Pieta (now situated in the lawn adjacent to MSS). Parishioners and Coast visitors are invited to contribute to its costs through the purchase of personally engraved 8″x8″ stone tiles. Tiles can include the names of family members, remembrances of the deceased, or even short verses.
The ultimate goal of the Grotto is to provide a space for meditation and recitation of the Rosary. The statue and the tiled patio are the first steps in this project, constituting both a physical and spiritual dedication to our faith.
For further details and online ordering of the tiles, please visit:
Anniversary Pavers or https://www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/staloysius
We hope to install hundreds of these special pavers to honor friends, family members, colleagues, organizations, prayers, etc.
Please consider participating in this perpetual memorial at the site of the Grotto. Peace be with you all.