Stella Maris

(APOSTLESHIP OF THE SEA)

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Ninety per cent of world trade is transported by ship. The life of a modern seafarer can be dangerous and lonely. They may spend up to a year at a time away from home, separated from their family and loved ones and often working in harsh conditions.

In October 1920 in Glasgow, Apostleship of the Sea was established to support seafarers in need. We provide practical and pastoral care to all seafarers, regardless of nationality, belief, or race. Our port chaplains and volunteer ship visitors welcome seafarers, offer welfare services and advice, practical help, care, and friendship. The Apostleship of the Sea in Canada is part of an international
network known to the maritime world as Stella Maris, working in more than 334 ports with 227 port chaplains in 79 countries. To see where our port chaplains are located worldwide, please see this map.

In 2020 The Apostleship of the Sea name was updated to Stella Maris to better reflect the way the charity was known by seafarers around the world. While the nature of our work has evolved, our founding belief that every seafarer deserves fair working conditions, respect for their human rights and the very best we can offer, remains at the heart of all  we do. 

This is a ministry of ecumenical collaboration in many ports. In Southern Ontario we work closely with the Mission to Seafarers, an Anglican ministry.

Could you help seafarers? If you are interested in volunteering, please check out https://www.mtsso.org/ for more information and descriptions of the various opportunities available.

Or contact Deacon Brian Dunn bdunn@hamiltondiocese.com

 

Websites of Interest:

Sea Sunday 2022: the Message of Card. Czerny - Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development

Stella Maris (January 31, 1997) | John Paul II

Apostleship of the Sea - Cultural Diversity of the Church | USCCB

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