After several years of planning and hard work, the new Stella Maris Chapel on Ocracoke Island was dedicated this morning. This is the first Catholic church on the island.
Rev. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, Provincial, Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, and Fr. Fred Smuda, OSFS, Pastor, con-celebrated the Mass at the chapel’s new permanent home at 95 School Road in Ocracoke Village. Bishop Luis Zarama of the Diocese of Raliegh was the main celebrant. He consecrated the Chapel that has seating for 90 people. Community members attended the Mass, walked the grounds, prayed in the Chapel, and enjoyed light refreshments.
The Stella Maris Chapel came to fruition through a December 2021 gift of a parcel of land. Prior to the construction of the new church, Fr. Smuda of the Our Lady of the Seas Parish in Buxton (a 90-minute coast drive from Ocracoke) held Mass on the island at different locations including the Community Center, the old fire station, the Berkely barn, various people’s homes, and primarily at the Ocracoke Methodist Church. Often Fr. Fred dreamed of a Catholic church on the island, “For years … I always looked out the window of the Methodist hall and said ‘Boy that would be a nice place to build a Catholic church,’” he said. At about 1,200 square feet, the chapel features heart pine floors, wooden rafters and cedar shingles, and an adjacent parish house. The buildings are next to the Ocracoke Methodist Church on land graced with old live oaks that once belonged to the Wilson and Martha Garrish family.
The name “Stella Maris” was also thoughtfully planned, and translates to “Our Lady, Star of the Seas” in honor of Mary, (for whom the mother parish, Our Lady of the Seas in Buxton, is also named), as well as the awe that Ocracoke Islanders have for the stars. On Ocracoke Island, part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the quiet village is blessed to have inherently dark night skies, and the appreciation of the sea and stars naturally aligns in the community.
“What I am looking forward to is that this will serve the Hispanic community,” Fr. Fred said. “I’m looking forward to growth, and what I am really going to enjoy is the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.” Fr. Fred is one of many Oblates of St. Francis de Sales priests who minister in the Diocese of Raleigh. Oblates also serve at Holy Redeemer by the Sea Parish and Holy Trinity by the Sea Chapel, Immaculate Conception Church, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Holy Infant Parishes.
For more information on the community dedication and open house, visit the Our Lady of the Seas Catholic Parish Facebook page. Read a story on this new church in Free Island Press here.
