Roman Catholic Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle

 

Apostleship of the Sea  -  Taking Mass on Board

                                  

Even though times are changing, the availability of regular Mass for most Catholics in the UK remains a reality. People with transport can choose, if they wish, to travel to a neighbouring parish or further beyond to attend Mass, possibly at a time to suit them better, and can often provide for others, who are without transport, a means of getting to and participating in the Mass.

For the world’s many seafarers, however, this is not the case. What we have perhaps taken very much for granted over the years, is a seldom achieved occasion for seafarers, as they cross the oceans between hemispheres bringing us raw materials and vital supplies, plus other consumer goods which modern society seems to so desperately crave.

It is estimated that of the world’s population of actively engaged seafarers, 60% are Catholic or come from Catholic countries, and so it is one of the primary aims of the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) here in GB (known more commonly around the world as “Stella Maris” - that is ‘Star of the Sea’ - through our devotion to Our Lady) to seek to nourish the faith of the seafarer whilst he is away from home and family for long periods, typically up to nine months at a time.

In all of the commercial ports in the Hexham and Newcastle diocese, the AOS is actively engaged in visiting seafarers on board ship to provide practical, pastoral assistance while they are in port, and of course where the seafarers are Catholic, to offer the opportunity of transport to Mass, or Mass on board ship.

 

Mass on board ship is much more of a regular occurrence that you might imagine, and is always, repeat always, a very special occasion, as the priest comes into the midst of the seafarers, in what is their home, their workplace, and of course their church, all on board ship.

Providing time allows, Ship’s Masters are genuinely delighted to have the opportunity for Mass to be celebrated on board so that the maximum number of crewmembers can attend.

 

In recent weeks, for example, Fr Kevin Dixon (St Anne’s, Sunderland) celebrated Mass on board the ‘Mainport Oak’ a ship which was undergoing repairs in the Dry Dock at Port of Sunderland when crewmembers were able to attend and receive communion, and to offer prayers for a safe onward voyage, and ultimately a safe return home to family and loved ones.

 

In addition just last Sunday we have had another Mass celebrated for the Filipino crew of the 'Furness Melbourne' which arrived in Hartlepool on Friday last having made it's maiden voyage from Australia via Spain and Rotterdam. The crewmembers (who have been unable to enjoy any shore leave since leaving Australia) made myself and Brenda Bland ( a new volunteer Ship Visitor who will hopefully work for us in the Port at Hartlepool) very welcome. Fr Jim Angus (now at St Cuthbert's, Hartlepool) celebrated an early afternoon Mass at which nearly all of the crew of this brand new ship were able to attend.

 

Please remember seafarers in yours prayers, and spare a thought for them when you are next at Mass; we know that they would dearly love to be alongside you at that moment.

Tony McAvoy
AOS Lay Chaplain, &
NE Regional Co-ordinator

e-mail: teesportnorth@aposmar.net

See also Diocesan Societies-Apostleship of the Sea