Meet Our Staff


Priest Administrator

Sacerdote Administrador

Reverend Peter Adoko-Enchill


Pastoral Assistant Administrator

Auxidiar Adminstrativo

Courtney Gunn

cgunn@stmaryss.com

360-385-3700


Administrative Assistant

Assistente de officina

Mark Ortmeier

mortmeier@stmaryss.com

360-385-3700


Pastoral Faith Formation Coordinator
Coordinator de Formacion de Fe Pastoral

Patrick Ryland

​pryland@stmaryss.com

360-385-3700


Parish Pastoral Council
Consejo Pastoral



Music Ministry
Director del Ministerio de la Musica

Chris Hawley
ptchris98368@gmail.com
(360) 385-3700     


Our Parish History

St. Mary's has a long and colorful history staring in the earliest days of then Washington Territory in a small seaside town that was hoped would become the San Francisco of the North.  It didn't...trials and tribulations abounded and the conditions of early life were rustic but from very early on we had the blessing of a church and resident priest.  The first church was built on what was basically a sand bar in a crude building in a bustling, saloon filled, sailing town. 


It has been said that "the only thing new in life is the history we haven't learned. " St. Mary's has learned and prospered over its 150 year history and is proud to have achieved all that we have despite the trials and tribulations of our past.  Through it all Our Blessed Mother has smiled on us indeed!


The History of St. Mary's Star of the Sea Parish



The Garden of Hope Memorial to the Unborn

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…” God!  Jeremiah 1:5


St. Mary’s Garden of Hope Memorial to the Unborn is located at the St. Mary Star of the Sea Cemetery in Port Townsend and was built to honor the unborn, through stillbirth, miscarriages and those children who have lost their lives through abortion.  No longer will these children remain nameless and forgotten but will be honored and remembered through this memorial and its surrounding garden -- a place for anyone who has suffered such a dramatic loss to pray, contemplate, reflect and find peace.  The Garden of Hope may thus serve as an active part of the spiritual pathway to closure for those affected by their loss.

Dedicated engraved bricks have been placed along the edges of the memorial to provide a special way for those who have suffered the loss of a child to remember that loved one.  Additionally, they have been purchased to honor family members both living and deceased or have been given as a special gift of remembrance to a dear one.  These bricks are still available for those who may be interested in purchasing one.  The form can be accessed via the following link.

Garden of Hope Paving Stone Request Form:


Article from the Archdiocese of Seattle regarding the Memorial:                   

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep now me--just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--And I lay down my life for the sheep.  (John 10:11-18) 

In 2014, Fr. Adoko-Enchill's ordinary granted him permission to continue his ministry in the United States.  Archbishop Sartain subsequently appointed him as Parochial Vicar to St., Mary's in Aberdeen. During his time at St. Mary's he also served the faith communities of Our Lady of Good Help (Hoquiam), St. Jerome's (Ocean Shores), St. Paul's (Westport), Our Lady of the Olympics (Amanda Park), with the majority of his time spent serving the community of St. Anne's (Forks).


​Fr. Peter has a passion for devotion to our Blessed Mother and prays the Holy Rosary always. Since his seminary formation period he has been involved for many years in the activities of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. He finds joy and inspiration in reading spiritual books including the Holy bible. He is energized always by the Word of God, and most especially by daily visitation to the Blessed Sacrament in the church.


He would like to encourage the faithful to appreciate their call as Christians and have time always to communicate with the Lord by having daily quiet time. The Lord is always waiting for us. "Cast all your cares on Him because he cares for you."  (Peter 5:7)

New or thinking of returning to your Catholic faith?


If you are interested in becoming Catholic and want to learn more about our Catholic Faith and the process of becoming Catholic, or if you are a returning Catholic or just want to learn more about your faith, please call the Parish Office at (360) 385-3700.

Thank you! And again, welcome!   


Meet Our Priest   

Reverend Peter Adoko-Enchill​                  

​​Parish Covenant and Mission Statement


Our covenant lists what you can expect from Saint Mary's and what Saint Mary's asks of you.

This by no means includes every possible situation but we hope that it includes the most important aspects of Parish life.  The Key components of our covenant are derived from Saint Mary's Parish Mission:


PARISH MISSION

Celebrate.  Celebrate God's presence in our midst by Mass, Sacraments, and prayer.

Serve.  Live Christ's love by serving others, especially the poor, neglected and suffering.

Share.  Grow in the truths and values of our Catholic Tradition, teach them to our children, and proclaim them to those who do not know them.


Parish Covenant and Mission Statement

"Behold, days are comings," says the Lord, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah...I will write my law in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people."  Jeremiah 31:31-34.

The earliest Catholic Church in Port Townsend was St. Anthony's at the middle right of this photo located at what is now Point Hudson.

The Garden of Hope Memorial to the Unborn at St. Mary's Cemetery.  A place for reflection and peace.

Love never ends in the mind of God.....

Saint Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church

1335 Blaine Street

Port Townsend, WA  98368


Fr. Adoko-Enchill was born July 15, 1954, in a village in Ghana called Baifikrom. He was the third born of seven children. He entered St. Teresa's Minor Seminary (Elmia) at the age of 19. He completed his major studies at St., Peter's Regional Seminary (Cape Coast). Both his minor and major seminary studies were located in Ghana.


He was ordained to the priesthood in 1986, for the Archdiocese of Cape Coast, Ghana. Previously he served his diocese in Ghana as a parochial vicar, chaplain of a girl's high school, and Spiritual Director for the minor seminary where he began his studies. He was also a Pastor and Rector for a Minor Basilica in Ghana.

Our Parish

Welcome to St. Mary Star of the Sea!

If you are new to our community, the Parishioners of St. Mary Star of the Sea wish to extend a sincere “Welcome” to you and your family members. St Mary’s is a small parish, and the only Catholic Church in Jefferson County. We recently celebrated our 150th Anniversary, making us the fourth oldest church in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

Our Parish's name 'St. Mary, Star of the Sea' is an ancient title for the Blessed Virgin Mary who has long been seen as a sign of hope and a guiding star for Christians.


New to St. Mary's or Port Townsend?

To better serve your needs, it is important to register with St Mary’s. Registration satisfies many purposes, including mailing of parish notifications and Sunday envelopes. Additionally, should the need arise for a home visit by one of the Lay Ministers, a physical address is required. If you have school age children, registration is necessary in planning for Family Faith Formation (Children's Religious Education, First Communion, Confirmation, etc.). Finally, support to St. Mary’s from the Archdiocese is based on registered parishioners.


The registration process is as follows:

  • Download the form from this LINK.
  • Fill out the form and mail it to the following address:
  • St. Mary Star of the Sea

       1335 Blaine Street
       Port Townsend, WA 98368
Alternatively, feel free to hand deliver the form to the Parish Office next to the Church.
Thank You!