Emmaus Partnership
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Stella Maris is the largest ship-visiting network in the world, and the official maritime charity of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
Seafarers often have to work away from their families and local communities for nine to 12 months at a time. Across the UK and the world, we aim to provide a ‘friend in every port’ and stand alongside seafarers and fishers to ensure their rights are upheld. For more than 100 years we’ve been extending the hand of friendship and welcoming seafarers and fishers to our shores.
Our network of chaplains and volunteers makes more than 70,000 ship visits each year and supports hundreds of thousands of seafarers and fishermen in times of need.
Life at sea can be difficult. Seafarers and fishers can suffer from loneliness, depression, spiritual deprivation, and even exploitation. Our chaplains and volunteers visit hundreds of thousands of seafarers and fishers every year. They listen and chat, they arrange Mass onboard ships, they offer practical help in a crisis and bring free Wi-Fi onboard so seafarers can call home. Often, these simplest practical kindnesses make the greatest difference.
Our mission and ethos
Our mission is to support seafarers and fishers spiritually, practically, and emotionally. Our Catholic faith is at the heart of Stella Maris, it inspires, enlivens, and motivates our work, and is expressed through a loving care of the people of the sea of all faiths and none.
We help seafarers in need with our practical, spiritual, and emotional support
When a crisis strikes our team are always on hand. From supporting crews who have been abandoned, to helping seafarers to get their overdue wages paid, or visiting someone in hospital, we support seafarers through some of the toughest times of their lives.
Whether it is a lift to the shops, a SIM card to contact loved ones or clothes to keep warm, the simplest practical kindnesses often make the greatest difference.
Spiritual support and guidance
Long months at sea mean seafarers and fishermen rarely get to Mass – so our chaplains and ship visitors can arrange for this to happen on board whenever possible. We also provide faith resources, such as our Stella Maris magazine, prayer books and rosaries.
Life at sea can be hard, separation from family and friends for long periods can lead to loneliness and feelings of isolation. Our chaplains can be a shoulder to lean on and are always available for a friendly chat and advice.
How you can help
Sea Sunday
Every July, churches in England and Wales celebrate Sea Sunday, to remember and pray for seafarers and fishers, and for the work of Stella Maris. Most churches will hold a second collection for Stella Maris. We encourage you to support your parish’s Sea Sunday appeal, thank you.
Our network of volunteers are at the heart of our work and make a real difference to seafarers in need. Details here.
We encourage you to keep praying for seafarers, fishers, and their families.
Whether you run, cycle or bake, there are many fun ways to raise money and support seafarers in need. Find out more.
Take a look at our range of gifts and cards and help seafarers in need while you shop. Visit our shop.
Get in touch with us at 020 7901 1931 or email: info@stellamarismail.org or visit our website at www.stellamaris.org.uk
“Thank you for visiting our ship and giving us somebody to talk to. With loneliness and boredom aboard, the chaplains and volunteers lift our spirits and share stories. God bless you more!” – Seafarer Donovan Sarmiento Nepomuceno