About Our Lady Star of the Sea · North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Our Lady Star of the Sea is a Roman Catholic parish in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, serving the Grand Strand area. Founded in 1964, the parish belongs to the Diocese of Charleston and now ministers to roughly 2,552 registered households across the North Myrtle Beach community and its visitors. The church offers daily Masses, a weekly Spanish Mass (Santa Misa), Reconciliation several days a week, Friday Eucharistic Adoration, and a network of more than twenty ministries covering worship, formation, outreach, and fellowship.
- Established
- 1964
- Patron
- Our Lady, Star of the Sea
- Rector
- Rev. John M. Zimmerman
- Diocese
- Diocese of Charleston
Why belong here
Our Lady Star of the Sea is a devout Catholic community open to all, offering a robust worship schedule with daily Mass and a weekly Spanish Mass, plus Friday Eucharistic Adoration with Benediction. Parishioners can join one of more than 25 active ministries — worship (Lectors, Ushers, Altar Servers, Choir), formation (Children's Faith Formation, OCIA, Bible Study), fellowship (Women's Scripture Sharing, Young Adults, Youth Group), and outreach (Our Lady's Pantry, Our Lady's Kitchen, Advocacy Unit, Rosary Makers, Prayer Shawl). The parish actively welcomes new residents and seasonal visitors to register and become active members of this growing Grand Strand faith family.
Mass times at Our Lady Star of the Sea
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Thursday following the 9:00 AM Mass
- Friday following the 9:00 AM Mass
- Saturday 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (parish website lists 3:30–4:30 PM)
- Saturday 5:15 PM – 5:45 PM
- By appointment through the parish office
Adoration times
- Friday after the 8:00 AM (or 9:00 AM, per Discover Mass) Mass until 4:30 PM, followed by Benediction
About Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish
Our Lady Star of the Sea is a Roman Catholic parish in the Diocese of Charleston, located at 1100 8th Avenue North in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Founded in 1964, the parish today welcomes approximately 2,552 registered households into a faith community on the Grand Strand. Its 1,614-seat church hosts a full schedule of daily Masses, a weekly Spanish Mass, Reconciliation several days a week, and Friday Eucharistic Adoration. The parish serves both year-round residents and seasonal visitors, maintaining over 25 active ministries and outreach services.
- Founded: 1964
- Diocese: Diocese of Charleston
- Deanery: Myrtle Beach
- Seating capacity: 1,614
- Registered households: 2,552
Children's Faith Formation (CCD)
The Children's Faith Formation Program meets weekly from August through May at 6:00 PM in the Parish Center. Kindergarten, Grades 1 and 3 through 8 follow structured classes; Grade 2 is dedicated to preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Confirmation preparation is a two-year process beginning in 7th Grade. Catechist volunteers guide children through lessons, scripture, discussion, activities and crafts. The director can be contacted at (843) 249-2356 ext. 22.
- Weekly sessions: August–May at 6:00 PM in the Parish Center
- Sacramental prep for Reconciliation/First Eucharist in 2nd Grade
- Confirmation: two-year program beginning in 7th Grade
- Director: Tena Vernon ([email protected])
Becoming Catholic — OCIA
The parish offers the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) for those seeking to become Catholic or complete their initiation into the Church. Inquiries are directed through the parish office.
- OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)
- Contact: parish office (843) 249-2356
Adult Scripture & Bible Study
Adult formation includes Catholic Scripture Study (Bible Study) and the Light of the World (LOTW) program. Women's Scripture Sharing is also a regular gathering for parish women.
- Catholic Scripture Study / Adult Bible Study
- Light of the World (LOTW)
- Women's Scripture Sharing
Worship Ministries
Liturgical ministries invite parishioners to assist at the altar, proclaim the Word, welcome the assembly, or sing during Mass.
- Altar Servers
- Lectors
- Ushers
- Greeters
- Music Ministry / Choir (Director: Michael J. Drajic)
Fellowship & Community Life
A wide range of parish organizations fosters community among parishioners of various ages and interests.
- Youth Group
- Young Adults Group
- TAU Community
- Rosary Makers
- Prayer Shawl Ministry
- Cancer Care Ministry
OLSS Outreach Ministry
The Outreach Program of Our Lady Star of the Sea is described by the parish as 'a vibrant Ministry that serves the North Myrtle Beach area and its close environs' through three core programs. Volunteers are always needed and may sign up through the parish or by calling the Outreach Ministry line.
- Our Lady's Pantry — food assistance (contact parish for hours)
- Our Lady's Kitchen — Thursdays 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM, hot meals served
- Advocacy Unit — Monday through Thursday 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Outreach phone line: 843-663-0108
Hispanic Ministry (Ministerio Hispano)
The parish celebrates a weekly Sunday Mass in Spanish (Santa Misa at 1:30 PM) and maintains a Hispanic Ministry to serve Spanish-speaking parishioners and visitors on the Grand Strand.
- Santa Misa (Spanish Mass): Sundays 1:30 PM
- Hispanic Ministry Manager: Miriam Schaefer ([email protected], ext. 27)
- Office Staff: Ceferina Meli ([email protected], ext. 11)
Sacraments & Becoming an Active Parishioner
Parishioners wishing to receive sacraments at Our Lady Star of the Sea — including sponsors for Baptism and Confirmation, and couples preparing for Holy Matrimony — are asked to be verified as 'active members'. An active member is properly registered on the parish rolls, faithfully attends Sunday and Holy Day Mass, participates in parish activities and ministries when possible, and supports the parish through the envelope system or online giving.
- Baptism, Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Confirmation, Holy Matrimony available
- Sacramental prep through Faith Formation (children) and OCIA (adults)
- Parish Registration: form available on the website under 'Join' and in the church vestibule
Parish Staff & Office
The parish office and clergy can be reached at (843) 249-2356. The pastor is assisted by two parochial vicars and two permanent deacons, with a team of lay staff managing religious education, music, Hispanic ministry, finances and office administration.
- Pastor: Rev. John M. Zimmerman
- Parochial Vicar: Rev. David F. Michael
- Parochial Vicar: Rev. Francis Bakongo Mfesao, CICM
- Deacon John Crapanzano
- Deacon Richard M. Flenke
- Business Manager: Linda Britzke (ext. 10)
- Director of Music Ministry: Michael Drajic (ext. 24)
- Hispanic Ministries Manager: Miriam Schaefer (ext. 27)
- Director of Religious Education: Tena Vernon
- Bookkeeper: Stacy Paterchak (ext. 17)
- Staff: Vicki McCambley (ext. 24), Ceferina Meli (ext. 11), Rosie Plank (ext. 14)
- Director of Maintenance: Juan Cervantes (ext. 12)
Contact, Location & Online Presence
The parish church sits at 1100 8th Avenue North in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 29582. Office hours and inquiries are handled by phone or email; the parish also maintains a Facebook page and posts a weekly bulletin online through its website.
- Address: 1100 8th Ave N, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
- Phone: (843) 249-2356
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.olssnmb.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olssnmb/