BLESSING AND COMMISSIONING OF NEW BUS FOR SEAFARERS
Right: Bishop Brian Heenan blesses new bus for Stella Maris Mackay
Below Right: L-R: Sister Mary Leahy, Matt Doyle, Graham Bragg,
Fr Andrew Chase, Bernadette Thorsen, Bishop Brian, Dean Summers,
Ian Podosky and Tim Mulherin

Stella Maris Seafarers Centre in Mackay recently celebrated the Blessing and Commissioning of their new twenty-one seater Coaster Bus which was generously funded by the International Transport Workers Federation and the Rockhampton Diocese.

Although we seem to be cursed with “not so great weather”, the day was once again an indication of the strength of our ministry – which supports the dignity of the Apostleship of the Sea in the pastoral care and welfare of the maritime community in ports of Mackay.

Bishop Brian was in attendance along with Mr Dean Summers of the ITF (National Coordinator based in Sydney).  Other guests included Mr Tim Mulherin MP - Member for Mackay , Sister Mary Leahy rsj -  Stella Maris Sydney, Fr Andrew Chase, Fr Kevin Phillips, Mr Colin Brown and Mr Graham Miller – Mission to Seafarers Sydney and Townsville,  Robyn Anne Dudley - Mackay Port Authority, Mr Graham Bragg - ITF Townsville, Mr Shane Brunker – CFMEU, as well as Stella Maris Mackay Management Committee Members, volunteers and staff.

Continued growth of the mining industry within this region and the amount of bulk and general cargo vessels frequenting our ports has increased demand for services and transportation for Seafarers coming ashore for R & R.  It was imperative to increase our ageing vehicle fleet to provide transport for the crews to and fro.

The Blessing was followed by a social BBQ for invited members and guests.  

Although the Centre has gone from strength to strength in recent years in terms of facilities and service, a lack of willing volunteers still remains a major problem.  Anyone in the Mackay district wishing to find out more about Stella Maris is invited to contact the Centre on 4953 4038 during office hours.

Bernadette Thorsen

APOSTLESHIP OF THE SEA (STELLA MARIS) NATIONAL CONFERENCE
The Apostleship of the Sea – Australia (Stella Maris Seafarers Centres) held its Bi-Annual National Conference on the 2nd to 5th October 2008. Sister Mary Leahy (Port Chaplain -Stella Maris Sydney) and Bernadette Thorsen (Centre Manager - Stella Maris Mackay) were nominated to organise the event which was held at St Joseph’s Spirituality and Education Centre in Kincumber (close to Gosford NSW).  Thirty-five participants from Australia and New Zealand attended the four day conference.  Also in attendance was Bishop Justin Bianchini (Geraldton WA) who is the AOS Bishop Promoter in the Pacific Region and the National Director, Ted Richardson.

Recently the organisation agreed to the formation of a National Council.  This Council was elected at Conference and is made up of representatives from each state. Bernadette Thorsen of Stella Maris Mackay was elected Chairperson of the highly enthusiastic and motivated group.   It will assist the National Director, giving him support in all areas, particularly with regard to being a national body which can lobby government and non-government organisations to improve the services provided to Seafarers visiting ports throughout Australia. Also to secure funding through the multi-nationals (that is, shipping and mining companies), securing contracts in regard to stock items for our shops, printing of brochures, stationery, newsletters, national exposure by way of advertising particularly in the areas where we have centres (recruiting volunteers etc).

The agenda for this year, apart from the current situation, both nationally and in the ports, focused on the future. There were items, workshops and sessions on the National Council Formation, Strategic Planning, SDOC (Strengths, Development, Opportunities and Challenges) and ship visiting.  While we were very  busy, successful outcomes of the weekend will benefit both the organisation and Seafarers alike.  The group also hopes to achieve unity throughout the organisation, working as one. This of course will be a long road, but with a strong Strategic Plan and Guidelines being formulated at the Conference, we are confident that we will go from strength to strength.

Each port in Australia faces it own challenges, however the love of the Seafarers and determination to  provide pastoral care and social welfare was evident the whole weekend.  Moving stories were told of the plight of the many who suffer injustice by receiving extremely low wages, poor living conditions, long hours of work and general abuse because of their religion or race.  Many wonderful experiences were also shared, like watching a Seafarer see his new born baby via the internet for the very first time. 
Mass was celebrated on Saturday evening with everyone playing some part in the celebration.   It was also an uplifting and spiritual experience to be there with dedicated, positive and open-minded participants. 

We have new friendships as well as renewing old ones, which would encourage healthy networking and sharing of skills and knowledge to make our ministry in the maritime world more effective, both in pastoral care and sound management.  As we move to the future,  AOS Australia looks forward to a renewed growth  and with much hope in this special ministry of the church.

Bernadette Thorsen

Above: Conference Delegates - Patty, Eva, Eileen, Sid and John hard at work
Right: Conference Delegates