Three ship visitors from Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) who support seafarers arriving at ports in Arundel & Brighton were commissioned at a Mass held in Arundel Cathedral on September 12.
Patrick Byrne, Michael Cranfield and Allan Veness were commissioned by Monsignor Richard B Madders who celebrated the Mass which was held to commemorate the feast of Stella Maris, Our Lady Star of the Sea. Patrick, Michael and Allan go on board ships to welcome seafarers, offering spiritual and practical support as well as a listening ear to ships’ crews.
The inaugural Mass held in the Diocese was attended by AoS Portsmouth Port Chaplain Peter Morgan, AoS supporters, volunteers, parish contacts, head office staff and local parishioners. 
AoS continues to boost its ship visiting ministry in the Diocese as it prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2020.
AoS provided support to 80 seafarers arriving at Shoreham Port during the first six months of this year.
For the whole of last year, the charity reached out to 300 seafarers from 14 ships in Shoreham.
AoS is the Catholic Church’s maritime agency and through its network of port chaplains and ship visitors reach out to seafarers and those who work at sea by bringing the Church to their place of work.
* More photos are available on our Flick site at https://www.flickr.com/photos/apostleshipofthesea/albums/72157700110021551
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