Onboard Christian Living
 Where Christians are present onboard ship, faith
communities form. Groups of seafarers come together to
express their Christian faith. This might mean prayer
meetings, Bible study, saying the Rosary, or simply
listening and talking to each other. The Apostleship of the
Sea is committed to
supporting these onboard Christian communities.
Where communities form, leaders emerge. These “onboard
faith leaders” are not necessarily chosen for their rank and
status or for theological training. Instead, they are people
whose deep faith inspires others. They are accepted as
leaders by their peers on account of their personal
qualities, such as patience, kindness and sincerity. These
qualities enable them to nurture the faith of their
communities.
The Apostleship of the Sea believes that such onboard faith leaders deserve help
and encouragement. We offer them resources such as texts for
services and faith articles. Above all, onboard faith
leaders can rely on the support of the Apostleship of the
Sea international
network. Chaplains and ship visitors seek out onboard faith
leaders and maintain contact after their ships leave port.
The Apostleship of the Sea colleagues in destination ports are made aware of
forthcoming visits. They prepare to welcome onboard faith
leaders and to offer their services.
Photograph: Christmas 2007: a group of Sea Scouts from
Barcelona accompanies AOS in ship visiting. The Scouts bring
Christmas cribs made in sea shells according to local
custom. |