Stella Maris - Apostleship of the Sea

30/07/2026

We were very sorry to hear of the death last month of Bob James, a much-loved friend and volunteer at the Tilbury Seafarers’ Centre.

Bob had served as a seafarer and engineer, and later became part of the Stella Maris community in Tilbury, offering his time, friendship and practical help to those around him.

Our port chaplain Wojciech, has many fond memories of Bob and always enjoyed his company. He remembers Bob as someone who was always willing to lend a hand, whether through his involvement in training Sea Cadets, helping with repairs at the centre, or making time for a cup of tea and a conversation with seafarers.

Many at the centre affectionately called him “Sir Bob”, a reflection of the respect and fondness they had for him.

Bob’s quiet spirit of service and friendship will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

May he rest in peace 💙

28/07/2026

Stella Maris UK is pleased to announce that Robert Ashdown has been appointed Chair of Trustees, succeeding Capt. Esteban Pacha Vicente, who is stepping down after eight years as Chair.

We thank Esteban for his dedicated leadership and for always keeping the needs of seafarers, fishers and their families at the heart of our work.

As he takes on the role, Robert returns to Stella Maris after previously serving for nine years as a trustee. He also brings significant maritime experience, particularly through his role as Secretary General of the International Association of Classification Societies and as a long-standing Governor of the World Maritime University.

His experience and knowledge of our work will help us build on what has already been achieved at a time when many seafarers and fishers around the world continue to face serious pressures, including isolation, family separation and welfare concerns.

Looking ahead, we will continue to provide practical, pastoral and spiritual support while responding to the challenges facing those who work at sea.

Read the full announcement in the comments below.

25/07/2026

During a day of ship visits last Tuesday around the Wirral, our Port Chaplain Chris Reynolds visited vessels in Birkenhead, Bromborough and Eastham Docks.

At Eastham Docks, Chris met two Filipino crew members who were hoping to go ashore during their time in port.

He was able to drive them to Cheshire Oaks Outlet Village, giving them a chance to step away from the vessel and enjoy some shore leave. Chris later drove the crew members back to their ship and wished them well, as they are both due to return home in two weeks to see their families.

Moments like these can make a real difference for seafarers, giving them time to pick up anything they need, speak to people away from their working environment, and simply have a change of scenery before returning to work onboard.

21/07/2026

For the fifth year running, members of Rainham Inner Wheel have donated 50 sets of hats, gloves and scarves for seafarers.

Our Regional Port Chaplain, Deacon John Fogarty, visited the group yesterday and was pleased to receive these beautiful handmade gifts, which will be shared with seafarers visiting local ports.

Thank you to everyone at Gillingham Inner Wheel for their continued generosity and support. These acts of kindness offer warmth and comfort to those working far from home 💙

17/07/2026

On 12 July, parishes across the UK and around the world celebrated Sea Sunday.

Thank you to everyone who supported the day through prayers, donations or raising awareness in your parish. Your support makes a real difference to the lives of seafarers, fishers and their families.

We’re especially grateful to the churches that welcomed our chaplains and volunteers to speak at Mass and help shine a light on the realities faced by those working far from home.

We have shared a few photos and videos from this year’s celebrations, and we would love to include yours too. If your parish marked Sea Sunday, please add your photos in the comments below.

15/07/2026

Recently, our Port Chaplain Chris Reynolds was pleased to be joined by Archbishop John Sherrington of the Archdiocese of Liverpool during visits to Seaforth and Huskisson Dock in the Port of Liverpool, and Garston Docks.

On board the Arklow Beach, Archbishop John prayed with the ship’s cook, whose sister is recovering from a recent illness. He also blessed rosaries for the crew and spent time listening to them as they shared more about their lives on board and their families back home.

The visit also included practical support, with transport provided to the supermarket for the captain before bringing him and the shopping back to the vessel.

We thank Archbishop John for his time on board and for his generosity to the seafarers he met.

As we continue to reflect on Sea Sunday, visits like this show why being present for seafarers matters, and how prayer and practical help can make a real difference when they are far from home.

If you would like to support our work with seafarers and fishers, our Sea Sunday appeal is still open. Please donate here: https://stellamaris.org.uk/?form=SeaSunday

13/07/2026

Thank you for standing with seafarers and fishers this Sea Sunday.

Your prayers, generosity and support help Stella Maris be there for people working at sea. Many spend long periods away from home, facing difficult conditions and limited contact with their loved ones.

Because of that support, our chaplains and volunteers can continue to visit ships in port, offer friendship and practical help, take seafarers to Mass ashore, and support those facing illness, uncertainty or crisis.

If you didn’t have a chance to donate yesterday, it’s not too late. Our Sea Sunday appeal is still open, and every gift helps us continue supporting seafarers, fishers and their families when they need us most.

Please donate here: https://stellamaris.org.uk/?form=SeaSunday

12/07/2026

In 10 minutes, you can watch Farm Street Church in London mark Sea Sunday during its 11am Mass, with an appeal.

A further Mass will also be livestreamed at 12.30pm.

Please join us in praying for seafarers and fishers, and for all those whose lives and work are connected to the sea.

Watch the livestream here: https://www.farmstreet.org.uk/livestream

Sunday 08:00 | 09:30(Family Mass) | 11:00(Solemn - First Sunday of the month in Latin)| 12:30 | 17:30 | 19:00 (Young Adult, 18-35)

12/07/2026

Today is Sea Sunday, a day when we come together to pray for seafarers and fishers and thank them for the vital role they play in all our lives.

This year’s Sea Sunday audio appeal reflects on the realities many seafarers face, from long periods away from home and limited contact with family, to working through areas affected by conflict and instability.

Please listen to the appeal and consider making a donation, so Stella Maris can continue to be there for seafarers when they need support most.

Donate here: https://stellamaris.org.uk/?form=SeaSunday

11/07/2026

Tomorrow is Sea Sunday.

Every day, seafarers and fishers work far from home, often in difficult and isolating conditions, to help provide the food and goods we rely on.

Many months can pass without seeing their families. Shore leave can be limited, communication with home is not always easy, and life at sea can bring real pressure and uncertainty.

Stella Maris is there for seafarers and fishers in ports across the UK and around the world, offering friendship, a listening ear and practical help when it’s needed most.

This Sea Sunday, please keep seafarers and fishers in your prayers and stand with those who work at sea by visiting our Sea Sunday page: https://stellamaris.org.uk/seasunday/