Called to Know More

Mission to Seafarers - Stories from our Stella Maris Port Chaplain

Before we celebrate Sea Sunday on 12 July, join us for the next Called to Know More gathering as we turn our attention to the often-unseen lives of seafarers, the people who keep our world moving.

Did you know that more than 90% of the goods we rely on arrive by sea? Behind those goods are men and women who spend months away from home, often isolated, facing long hours, harsh conditions, and the challenges of life at sea.

Newcastle is home to one of Australia’s busiest and most significant working ports, with thousands of seafarers arriving on our shores each year. Sea Sunday invites us to recognise not only the goods that arrive, but the human lives that carry them.

Known around the world as Stella Maris, the ministry to seafarers offers spiritual, pastoral, and practical care to seafarers of every nation, race, and creed. Through one of the largest ship-visiting networks in the world, Stella Maris provides presence, advocacy, and support to those who are often unseen but essential.

Join us as we hear from our Port Chaplain, Mark Spencer, who will share stories from this vital ministry and help us deepen our understanding of seafarers' lives and the Church’s mission among them.

Come to listen, learn, and reflect as we prepare for Sea Sunday.

You are invited to take a tour with us as we view the terminals of Port Waratah, Port of Newcastle, and the Mission to Seafarers- Stella Maris Centre.

DATE: Thursday 9 July

LOCATION: Join us at the Diocesan Resource Centre at 11.15 am, ready to board the bus at 11.30 am, with arrival back at 1.30 pm.

Seats are limited, so bookings are essential.

Lunch is provided.