The current pandemic has severely affected our Stella Maris services to the seafarers that arrive on our shores. Our Chaplains and Managers have not been allowed to visit ships. They also have not been allowed to pick up seafarers on our buses so they can be transported to our centres where they can relax, play games, play music or use our internet and computers.
It is even more challenging for all seafarers around the world who are not allowed to disembark ships to enjoy shore leave nor to travel home at the end of their contracts.
However, our Chaplains and Managers have found creative ways and means to reach out to the seafarers to assist them during this time of Covid-19. They have been ready and willing to procure supplies for seafarers and other necessary resources and services to ease the difficulty they are experiencing while sailing for long periods.
Among other things, the crew of cargo ships and cruise ships have been provided with care packs in most of our ports to let them know that we are still here to assist them, pray for them and care for them while they are on our shores, albeit, unable to physically visit our centres.
Here are some Media Releases of Diocesan newspapers and ACBC Media Blog that describe the work of our Stella Maris Centres and Chaplaincies during this time of the pandemic:
3 July 2020: (Stella Maris Adelaide)
3 July 2020: (Stella Maris Mackay)
26 June 2020: (Stella Maris Sydney)
26 June 2020: (Stella Maris Brisbane)
11 June 2020: (Stella Maris Fremantle)
12 May 2020: (Donations Drive)
4 May 2020: (Mass for AoS Chaplains, Volunteers, Managers)
27 April 2020: (A Nun)
24 April 2020: (Ruby Princess)
INTERNATIONAL Apostleship of the Sea – Stella Maris:
27 April 2020: (Cruise Industry and On Ruby Princess)
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2020/04/27/2003735361
15 April 2020: (Stella Maris supports seafarers on the Covid-19 front line)
https://www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk/stella-maris-supports-seafarers-covid-19-front-line
8 April 2020: (Pope Francis + Pandemic + Conversion)