“Ours is a ministry of small acts of kindness – it’s the gospel in action.” These words from a Stella Maris chaplain capture the heart of their mission.

 

For over 100 years, Stella Maris has supported seafarers and fishers, bringing reliable, practical and caring spiritual support to those who do so much for us in the maritime industry, whose work is often unseen as they toil far away in the middle of the ocean or behind the walls of busy ports.

 

Their chaplains and volunteers meet seafarers in over 350 ports worldwide. They provide transport for shore leave and offer free Wi-Fi or SIM cards to contact their families at home. They hand out prayer cards, rosaries, and other spiritual materials – and of course much loved woolly hats knitted by people all over the UK and beyond.

 

In Liverpool and across the Northwest, Regional Area Port Chaplain Chris Reynolds is busy supporting seafarers and building a volunteer base. “We need ship visitors who can visit seafarers in ports,” says Chris. “People who can offer a friendly face and a listening ear”.

 

He adds, “We also need knitters to make woolly hats for seafarers during the winter months, and parish contacts who can share our work within their community.”

 

Parish contacts play a vital role in raising awareness of the people who bring us the goods we rely on. They help their parish understand how Stella Maris supports them and how faith can reach those working far from home.

 

Please do consider joining as a volunteer. As pilgrims of hope, it is important to show each seafarer that they are cared for, valued and appreciated. Our Lady Star of the Sea pray for us.