• The Apostleship of the Sea is the apostolic work of the Catholic Church offering hospitality and pastoral care to the People of the Sea. In almost every country bound by sea there exists a community of people who care for seafarers, fishers and their families regardless of their country or culture. Caring for the People of the Sea The Apostleship of the Sea chaplains and pastoral workers visit crews’ onboard ships in port. Ship visitors listen to seafarers and offer any assistance possible. Ship visitors may give other practical help, e.g.,  distribute maps of local services; offer books and DVDs to the crew, and provide transport to shops or seafarers’ centers. For ships which have groups of Catholics among the crew, ship visitors may arrange for a Chaplain to come onboard for confessions and Holy Mass. Stella Maris Seafarers' Centers Arriving in port seafarers and fishers often find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings, foreign language, foreign currency, and a different culture. What is familiar is the seafarers' center. The Apostleship of the Sea has established many Stella Maris seafarer’s centers and hostels around the world in honor of our patron Our Lady Star of the Sea.  Seafarers’ centers give visiting seafarers the chance to relax in a friendly and safe environment. Centers offer a meeting point and a source of information. Visiting seafarers are encouraged to communicate with their families by post, telephone or internet, depending on what is available locally.  In some Ports where there is restricted movement due to safety, the Stella Maris Seafarers' Centre will arrange for mobile phones to be left on a ship with the captain or a senior officer. This allows seafarers access to a telephone. Then, using phone cards, seafarers can call family & friends. The Apostleship of the Sea uses temporary buildings, caravans, even disused containers in the docks themselves in order to provide information and access to telephones or internet. These facilities enable seafarers to communicate with their families even if their time in port is extremely limited. Facilities are often accessible 24 hours a day. Other services might include: exercise and leisure facilities; shops selling toiletries, phone cards and souvenirs; books and clothing; and a bar, restaurant or cafeteria. Wherever possible, arrangements are made for Catholic seafarers to receive the sacraments from the chaplain or local parish priest. Most seafarers’ centers have their own chapel or prayer room. In many countries seafarers’ centers also offer services to local seafarers and to family and community groups. These include orientation courses for new graduates of maritime schools and skills training or support groups for seafarers’ families and spouses. Stella Maris, is an ancient title for Our Lady, used by seafarers and others associated with the sea. A seafarer can come to a port knowing that there is a place where he will be welcomed and cared for, a home away from home. The idea of Mary our Mother being a guiding star for People of the Sea has led to special devotion to Our Lady, Star of the Sea in many coastal and fishing communities. Local churches and schools have been dedicated to Our Lady Star of the Sea. Our Lady Stella Maris Stella Maris, is an ancient title for Our Lady, used by seafarers and others associated with the sea. The Apostleship of the Sea has established many Stella Maris seafarer’s centers and hostels around the world in honour of our patron Our Lady Star of the Sea. Many seafarers have come to know the Apostleship of the Sea as Stella Maris. The idea of Mary our Mother being a guiding star for People of the Sea has led to special devotion to Our Lady, Star of the Sea in many coastal and fishing communities. Local churches and schools have been dedicated to Our Lady Star of the Sea. Just as seafarers have traditionally depended on the stars for navigation, so they trust in the protection and guidance of Our Lady Star of the Sea. Stella Maris' Prayer O Mary, Star of the Sea, light of every ocean, guide seafarers across all dark and stormy seas that they may reach the haven of peace and light prepared in Him who calmed the sea. As we set forth upon the oceans of the world and cross the deserts of our time, show us, O Mary, the fruit of your womb, for without your Son we are lost. Pray that we will never fail on life’s journey, that in heart and mind, in word and deed, in days of turmoil and in days of calm, we will always look to Christ and say, “Who is this that even wind and sea obey him?”   Our Lady Star of the Sea, Pray for us. Amen. ---Pope John Paul II

• Contact Us 

  Fr. Diego Menniti 
  (310) 833-3541 x200