About Apostleship Of The Sea
The Apostleship of the Sea is the
Catholic Church’s Missionary work to the
Seafarers whether they be on merchant,
passenger, war or fishing vessels. While the
Church has always been interested in
Seafarers since Christ first gathered his
fishermen-disciples around him, the modern
movement began in the 1890s with several
isolated and independent beginnings.
The purpose of the Apostleship of the Sea
is to care for the Spiritual, Social, and
Material welfare of all Seafarers without
distinction of colour, race or creed:
Spiritual: Mass at the
centre or onboard ship, religious material: books,
prayers, instructions, bibles, crucifixes,
holy pictures and promoting wholesome living
both onboard as well as ashore; promotion
of onboard Christian life and the
celebration of the Lord's day at sea.
Social: Loneliness of sea-life is
countered by social contact, music,
movies, pool, basketball, volleyball, table-tennis,
tours, a library, a snacks bar and a licensed
bar. International
phone systems, postal service, email,
internet, & skype, all help & support seafarers to
stay in touch
with their families.
Material: Wages are usually low
for seafarers from developing countries: AOS
support the seafarers in their struggle for
justice such as conditions on board, safety,
remuneration, repatriation and respect for
their dignity, health and recreation.
As a missionary work Apostleship of the
Sea serves all
Seafarers:
Let brotherly love
continue. Do not neglect to show
hospitality, for through it some have
entertained angels without knowing it.
(Hebrews 13.1-2) |
Jesus washed the feet of His disciples at
the Last Supper to demonstrate, even at the
Institution of the Eucharist that the
Eucharistic community is committed to
hospitality and service. |
