Stella Maris - Apostleship of the Sea

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Stella Maris - Apostleship of the Sea

Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea), is a Catholic charity which has supported seafarers and fishers worldwide since 1920. www.stellamaris.org.uk

We are the largest ship visiting network in the world, providing support in over 50 countries.

24/09/2026

Today is World Maritime Day.

This year’s theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” highlights the importance of turning maritime commitments into real-world action.

For Stella Maris, that action often begins at the gangway.

To mark the day, we spoke to Anne McLaren, Senior Area Port Chaplain, about what ship visiting involves, why shore leave matters for seafarers’ wellbeing, and how Stella Maris chaplains and volunteers offer practical and pastoral support to those arriving in port.

Anne explains that when a vessel comes into port, crew may be working long hours, managing tight schedules, or unable to leave the ship at all. For some seafarers, time ashore may be limited or not possible, which is why visiting them directly onboard matters.

As Anne says:

“Support has to be offered in a way that respects the seafarer and their situation.”

Anne also reflects on the care needed during each visit, including paying attention to the atmosphere onboard, respecting what the crew are doing, and being aware that support is not always asked for directly. Sometimes it begins with noticing when someone may be unsettled, or carrying something beneath the surface.

Read Anne’s full Q&A in the comments below.

20/09/2026

In this week’s roundup, we share some of the ways our chaplains, volunteers and support staff have been present for seafarers and port communities across the UK.

From spending time with and supporting a seafarer onboard Fure Victoria while his wife receives ongoing medical treatment, to building links with parish communities in Liverpool and meeting His Excellency, Archbishop Buendia, Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, these stories show how practical help, prayer and presence remain at the heart of our work.

Click on the photos below to read their stories.

14/09/2026

Today, we’re taking a closer look at Robert Ashdown, our new Chair of Trustees.

Robert returns to Stella Maris having previously served for nine years as a trustee. That experience means he already knows our mission and the commitment of our chaplains, volunteers and support staff to those who work at sea.

He also brings significant maritime experience, notably through his role as Secretary General of the International Association of Classification Societies and as a long-standing Governor of the World Maritime University.

Robert said: “Whether offering practical assistance to an abandoned crew, providing pastoral support following a traumatic incident, advocating for safer working conditions, or simply listening to someone who needs to talk, we seek to demonstrate the compassion, justice and hope that lie at the heart of the Gospel.”

As Chair, Robert’s priority will be to help ensure our charity is ready to meet the challenges ahead and continues to provide essential and timely support where it is most needed.

Read our Q&A with Robert, where he discusses his background, his connection to our work and his priorities as Chair. Q&A link in the comments below.

11/09/2026

Glasgow’s annual Merchant Navy Memorial Service was held last Friday.

The service was attended by our Senior Area Port Chaplain Deacon Joe O’Donnell, Regional Port Chaplain Robert King, John Hood, Deputy Chair of Trustees, and Peter Mullen, our Community Engagement Officer for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Despite the wet weather, the service brought people together to remember and give thanks for the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleet, past and present.

We were grateful to be represented and to stand alongside others from the maritime community in remembrance.

09/09/2026

Our Port Chaplain Chris Reynolds was joined last week in Liverpool by Lynne, one of our Stella Maris volunteers from Aberdeen.

Together, they visited crew onboard Hansa Drejco in Birkenhead, taking time to speak with seafarers during their call in port and offer practical and pastoral support. Many of the seafarers were from Cebu and were very happy to see Stella Maris.

Lynne splits her time between Aberdeen and Manchester and has strong family links to the sea, with her father having served at sea during the war and sailed out of Liverpool.

Thank you to Lynne for taking the time to join Chris during his ship visits and offer extra support to crews in the area.

04/09/2026

In this week’s roundup, we share some of the ways our chaplains, volunteers and support staff have been present to seafarers, fishers and their families in ports across the UK.

From helping a young fisherman in Dorset access a Personal Locator Beacon through our Centenary Emergency Fund, to welcoming our new Regional Community Engagement Officer for Northern England while she spent time learning more about port chaplaincy across the Mersey ports, these stories highlight the practical and pastoral support provided for those who work at sea.

Click on the photos below to read their stories.

02/09/2026

Last week, our chaplain Brian Rances spent a wonderful morning with the crew of MV Bam Proteus for Holy Mass onboard.

The Mass was celebrated by Fr Manuelito Milo, with the whole crew gathered together in prayer.

Some of our Stella Maris volunteers also joined the visit and led the singing, helping make it a meaningful time of faith, prayer and fellowship.

Thank you to Fr Manuelito and our volunteers for their time, and to the crew of MV Bam Proteus for welcoming us onboard 💙

30/08/2026

This week’s roundup shares some of the ways our chaplains, volunteers and support staff have continued to support seafarers and port communities across the UK.

From helping a new engineering cadet settle into her first weeks onboard, to assisting a crew with shopping and supplies during their time ashore, each story offers a glimpse of the practical support and friendship found in ports.

Click on the photos below to read their stories.

26/08/2026

We’re recruiting: Regional Port Chaplain for West Coast of Scotland Ports

We are looking for a Regional Port Chaplain for the West Coast of Scotland to support seafarers, fishers and their families.

In this unique and rewarding role, you'll be the welcoming face of Stella Maris in your region, visiting ships, listening to crew members, and offering practical, pastoral and spiritual support to anyone in need, regardless of faith or background. You'll also recruit and support a team of volunteers, work closely with other maritime charities and local partners, and build strong relationships with parishes, dioceses, and port authorities.

If you are:
✅ Someone who takes joy in helping others.
✅ Someone who shares our commitment to upholding the dignity of every seafarer and fisher.
✅ Someone who may come from a background in chaplaincy, parish ministry, community work or social care.
✅ Someone who has empathy for and the ability to offer pastoral support in practical ways.

We’d love to hear from you. This is a unique and rewarding role which makes a real difference to the lives of seafarers, fishers and their families.

You’ll find more information and the link to apply here: https://stellamaris.org.uk/regional-port-chaplain-west-coast-of-scotland/

Please share this post with anyone who may be interested.

24/08/2026

We’ve received a wonderful new recipe for our upcoming Seafarers’ Cookbook from Alfer, who works onboard Serenade Tide.

His Filipino-style cream cheese egg pie brings together two comforting Filipino favourites, with a creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese filling and the smooth, custard-like texture of traditional egg pie.

Alongside his recipe, Alfer also sent us photos of his fruit carvings, including a wonderful Stella Maris-themed design celebrating healthy eating at sea. Thank you Alfer, for sharing your recipe with us and for the care and effort you put into these brilliant designs.

There are only a few days left for seafarers to send in their own recipes. Whether it is a dish that reminds you of home or brings people together onboard, we would love to hear from you.

Selected contributors will be featured in the cookbook, receive their own free copy and win a $50 Amazon voucher.

Submit your recipe by Friday 28 August 2026:
https://form.jotform.com/252543512714048

Address

London

Telephone

+442079011931

Website

https://www.stellamaris.org.uk/

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