Stella Maris - The Catholic Maritime Ministry
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Stella Maris is a part of the worldwide Stella Maris network. We provide for the spiritual and material needs of seafarers and all the people of the sea.
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Fr. Lito Capedinglcapedingmobarch.orgDirector -
Deacon Gary Vrazelgvrazelmobarch.org -
Deacon John Archerjarchermobarch.org
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Our Volunteers
Our volunteers give many hours every week bringing a ministry of hospitality to the seafarers in the Port of Mobile. These men can be found bringing the crews in port care packages; bibles, prayer books, rosaries, food, wifi hotspots for communicating with their families, and even COVID-19 Vaccines. They also transport the crews off-ship so that they can go to Walmart, Best Buy, and other locations in the city. Most importantly, beyond the ministry of hospitality, our team arranges Mass and sacraments onboard, transportation to mass here in Mobile, other spiritual resources, or just someone to talk with.
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For more information, contact Deacon John Archer.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 251-510-6817
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Social Media
Follow Catholic Maritime Club on Facebook.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Email:[email protected]-
Driver
Our van and office is located at 406 Government Street. This ministry requires:
* 21 or over
* Possess a valid driver’s license
*Have car insurance.
*Complete a driver’s background verification
*View a safe driving video with our insurer Catholic Mutual.
*Obtain a Transport Workers ID Card (TWIC) and Port access credentials. We will assist in this process.
Duties: Utilize the ministry van to pick up seafarers from their ship and drive them to an agreed upon location in the city. Typical visits include: Walmart,, Bel Air Mall and Best Buy. Some are to the Battleship. All driving is done between the hours of Noon and 9PM. Every 4-5 hour shift one day a week increases our availability. You may work when you can but scheduling a fixed day is best. All transport requests come to our ministry phone for scheduling
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Ship visitor
You are the local welcome committee. One day a week is spent visiting crews on ships at the shipyard. 1,600 ships arrive in Mobile annually.
Please note the ministry requirements are the same as Driver.Specifics to visit:
climbing a gangway (a long set of stairs to board the ship).
bringing a welcome bag and maybe some goodies,
talking with the crews about their wellbeing and needs,
advising them about services available to them (transport and wifi).
Training provided by one on one discussion and side-by-side visits with an experienced visitor.
Visitations can be done at any time during the day based on your schedule and the availability of our van.
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Outreach ministryVolunteers are needed to help spread the word about our ministry and the needs of the seafarers. Currently we assist with awarenessness seminars at the Museum of the Gulf of Mexico. We would like to expand the outreach to middle and high school classes, USA, Spring Hill and Bishop State as well as any social groups we might be able to identify. We will train you on what we do and help with presentations. All times would be arranged at your convenience.
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Project Coordinator
The ministry runs an annual Christmas Gift bag program. Boxes are placed in various parishes around the bay to collect donations.
Help Needed
Coordinating the program from start to finish
Reaching out to parishes for delivery and pick up.
Ability to help in your parish, a group of parishes or with the project overall lets discuss.
Maritime Day is an annual event remembering those who died on merchant vessels during WW II. We have several events like a Mass, reception and social event and a Gumbo Cook-off. Any assistance would help.
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