Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Atlantic City

Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City community since its establishment in 1894 under the leadership of its first pastor, Reverend P.J. Petri. A significant milestone in the parish's history came in 1908 when Father Petri inaugurated Our Lady Star of the Sea School, with the assistance of the Sisters of Mercy, to provide education primarily to Irish-American Catholic children. The school quickly became a vital institution, nurturing generations of students through periods of national turmoil, including both World Wars and the Great Depression.

Throughout its history, Our Lady Star of the Sea School experienced growth and adaptation to changing community demographics. In 1949, the school received a generous donation from local ironworkers who constructed Memorial Hall, a gymnasium dedicated to those who served in World War II. As Atlantic City underwent demographic shifts in the 1970s and 1980s due to changes in population and the development of the casino industry, the school evolved to reflect the city's multicultural and multi-denominational character. Despite these changes, the school remained committed to its mission of providing quality education in a nurturing environment.

The 1980s marked a period of rapid development for Atlantic City, transforming it into a bustling casino resort destination. This era brought a wave of immigrants from various parts of the world, contributing to the multicultural fabric of the Our Lady Star of the Sea community. As the parish and school adapted to the changing demographics, they continued to uphold their commitment to providing educational opportunities and spiritual guidance to all members of the Atlantic City community, regardless of background or denomination. Today, Our Lady Star of the Sea Church and School remain integral parts of the Atlantic City community, embodying the values of inclusivity, diversity, and service to others.