Submitted by Deacon John Archer While many are able to celebrate Christmas in the comfort of their home or with family or friends; seafarers work for nine months of the year and only go home for Christmas if it fits their schedule. One Filipino captain who is in Mobile on a recurring basis is able to be home with family this Christmas, but this means another captain will need to be working away from home at the holiday, in order to take his place onboard. Due to the length of voyages, it is not uncommon for seafarers to be in the middle of the ocean on Christmas day, with minimal contact with their family or friends. The Archdiocese of Mobile’s Catholic Maritime Ministry (known globally as Stella Maris) is able to help seafarers from around the world celebrate Christmas while away from home. Last year the ministry provided 400 gift bags through the generosity of several local parishes, schools and one community of Protestant brethren. This year, the ministry will have its annual collections for seafarers in several parishes running through November. Those interested in participating in an effort to make Christmas special for seafarers may donate at a participating parish or email Deacon John Archer at [email protected]. Items requested include hats, scarfs, gloves, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, razors and shaving cream, lip balm, skin lotions, sweets or playing cards. This Christmas, may Mary the Star of the Sea (Stella Maris) guide all to a safe port in her son Jesus Christ.
Participating parishes/schools Baldwin County Shrine of the Holy Cross, Daphne St John, Bromley St Lawrence, Fairhope, Christ the King Catholic School, Daphne Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, Spanish Fort
Mobile County Corpus Christ, Mobile St Dominic, Mobile, St Mary, Mobile St Vincent De Paul, Mobile St Ignatius Catholic School, Mobile St Rose of Lima, Mon Luis Island, St Edmund by the Sea, Dauphin Island