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 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, vital supplies and 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. At Teesport on the south of the Tees, and at the next major port in the Diocese, ie Hull, 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 than you might imagine, and is always, repeat always, a very special occasion, as the priest comes into the midst of the seafarers, in 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 crew members can attend.

For a number of years now, the AOS at Teesport has not had an appointed (ordained) Support Chaplain, but instead, has adopted a procedure of inviting various locally based priests to celebrate Mass on board ship. Without exception, each of these parish priests have always asked to be invited again.

In recent weeks, for example, Fr Simon Broughton (St Mary’s Cathedral) celebrated his first Mass on board a general cargo ship which was loading steel slabs for export to Italy, when 23 crewmembers were able to attend and receive communion. A week or two later, Fr Gerard Robinson (Sacred Heart, Middlesbrough) celebrated Mass on board a bulk carrier newly arrived after a six week voyage carrying iron ore from Australia. Then, only two days later, Fr Michael Keogh (St Patrick’s, Thornaby) celebrated Mass on board the CSK Fortune, which brought coal from Australia; here 23 seafarers, plus chaplaincy volunteers, were able to attend Mass, receive communion, and to offer prayers for a safe onward voyage to Brazil, and ultimately a safe return home to family and loved ones.

After Mass, Fr Michael was invited to bless the Bridge of the ship which, of course, he was entirely happy to do.

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

Tony McAvoy

AOS Lay Chaplain, Tees and Hartlepool and NE Regional Co-ordinator