The Apostleship of the Sea (Australia)

The Apostleship of the Sea in Australia, known globally as Stella Maris, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the pastoral care and welfare of seafarers and fishermen. It operates under the international ministry of the Catholic Church, providing spiritual, social, and practical support to all seafarers regardless of nationality, race, or creed.

Overview

Stella Maris in Australia is part of the largest ship-visiting network worldwide, with a mission to care for the wellbeing of seafarers who spend long periods at sea, often isolated from their families and communities. The organization combines efforts through local chaplains and seafarer centers to offer expert information, advocacy, pastoral care, and hospitality.

Activities and Services

The core activities of the Apostleship of the Sea (Australia) include:

• Pastoral Care: Providing spiritual support to seafarers, including celebrating Mass aboard ships and offering opportunities for prayer and reflection. This aspect addresses the emotional and spiritual needs of seafarers who face loneliness and difficult working conditions at sea.

• Welfare Assistance: Engaging actively with the maritime industry to promote seafarers’ wellbeing, the organization offers practical help ranging from facilitating communication with family and handling welfare cases to providing essential services while crews are in port.

• Support and Advocacy: Stella Maris welcomes all seafarers without discrimination, offering a safe and supportive environment regardless of their background, religion, or social standing.

The organization also coordinates Sea Sunday, an annual observance in July when churches remember and pray for seafarers and their families, raising awareness and support for their ministry.

Structure and Funding

The Apostleship of the Sea (Australia) functions as a self-funded, not-for-profit entity sustained by donations and volunteer efforts. It operates seafarers’ centers, notably in Melbourne, which serve as a "home away from home" for mariners arriving in port. The Melbourne center and others rely heavily on the generosity of the community and the dedication of staff and volunteers to maintain their mission.

Historical and Global Context

Stella Maris is an international agency of the Catholic Church with representation in over 300 ports around the world. Originating from the Apostleship of the Sea ministry, it serves as a humanitarian and pastoral presence among maritime workers, who transport over ninety percent of global goods. The Australian branch aligns with this global mission, ensuring seafarers have access to care and support while in Australian ports.

Ethos

The organization’s ethos is firmly rooted in Christian values of compassion and hospitality, embracing the scriptural call to welcome strangers. It emphasizes that the Church is not just a place but a community offering healing and solace to those in need, especially seafarers who often endure challenging and isolating work conditions.

Conclusion

The Apostleship of the Sea (Australia), under the Stella Maris banner, plays a crucial role in supporting the physical, emotional, and spiritual welfare of seafarers visiting Australian shores. Its work highlights the importance of maritime workers in global trade and underlines the human dimension behind this vital industry.

ABN: 16746412764RR0001

[1] https://www.catholic.au/s/article/Stella-Maris-Ministry-to-Seafarers [2] https://stellamarisaustralia.org [3] https://www.stellamaris.org.au [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stella_Maris_(seafarers'_ministry) [5] https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/migrants/s_index_seafarers/stellamaris_bulletin/rc_pc_migrants_seaf_bol77eng.pdf