Shore Leave Improving in West Coast Ports, but Concerns Remain
Article audio (courtesy of Don Sheetz) by Susan Huppert, NAMMA The role of chaplains in the ministry to seafarers extends beyond the spiritual. It is holistic at its core. During recent months, as the global pandemic has subsided and the vaccination of
In the News: Seafarers’ Ministries in North America 2022
by Jason Zuidema, NAMMA Often, seafarers’ welfare is done ‘under the radar’. It is often said that the general public does not pay all that much attention to shipping, a proverbial “sea blindness”. In previous years, this has meant that seafarers’
Christmas Meditation: “Hail, Full of Grace”
by Dcn. Paul Rosenblum, President (NAMMA) / Stella Maris (Charleston) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhAUH39DLwk&ab_channel=nammaorg Video message at NAMMA Christmas Gathering, December 20, 2022 In the Catholic tradition, it is customary that during the fourth week of Advent the Mass readings come from Saint Luke’s “Infancy Narrative,”
Canadian National Seafarers’ Welfare Board Meets in Capital, Discusses ‘Proactive Approach’ to Seafarers’ Welfare
by Kevin Walker (NAMMA), with contributions from Debbie Murray (APCA), Peter Lahay (ITF), and Jason Zuidema (NAMMA) On November 7, the Canadian Seafarers’ Welfare Board (CSWB) convened in Ottawa ahead of the meeting of the Canadian Marine Advisory Council (CMAC) for
ICMA Meets in Rome to Discuss New Opportunities to Improve Seafarers’ Welfare
by Jason Zuidema, ICMA From September 27-30, 2022, ICMA held its annual general meeting and conference in Rome to discuss challenges and programs during the pandemic and war, but also the new opportunities that have been made clear. The COVID-19 pandemic
Serving with Our Heads: Research and Education in Maritime Chaplaincy
by Kevin Walker, NAMMA Maritime ministry has all too many open questions at the moment. Many of our most experienced chaplains and volunteers have retired, and we have new ones who have never served in normal times. Even what ‘normal’ should
NAMMA Meets in Boston for First In-Person Meeting Since the Pandemic
From April 20-22, 2022, NAMMA met in Boston for its first in-person regional meeting since the before the pandemic. The event was hosted by New England Seafarers' Mission and guests stayed at the historic Mariner's House in Boston's North End. Boston
“The Greatest of These is Love”: An Easter Meditation
by Deacon Paul Rosenblum, President, NAMMA “So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” I’m sure you recognize this as the last line from the 13th Chapter of St. Paul’s 1st Letter to the Corinthians, the
“A Very Lovely Tradition”: Serving seafarers in the Port of Quebec
by Susan Huppert, NAMMA On Christmas Eve, volunteers from the Quebec Seamen’s Club (la Maison du Marin Québec) delivered the final gift boxes amid frigid temps to the ships in the port. The 35-year tradition continues to echo the initial mission
Christmas Gifts in the Largest Port of the Nation
by Susan Huppert, NAMMA For ships waiting in the San Pedro Bay and beyond, Christmas will come and go without fanfare. However, thanks to two dedicated chaplains in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, as vessels dock they will