New Orleans

In a city still recovering from the terrible destruction of Hurricane Katrina, AOS is resuming the ministry to seafarers.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina forced the closure of the Stella Maris Ministries located upriver at Destrehan. By Spring 2007, a temporary office was opened in New Orleans with new chaplains and administrative staff ready to serve seafarers.

The Archbishop of New Orleans, Alfred C. Hughes, named Deacon Reginald J. Seymour and Deacon Patrick L. Dempsey as port chaplains and co-directors. Both deacons are familiar with the issues facing seafarers. Deacon Reginald is retired from the US Customs Service and Deacon Patrick from the US Department of Defense where he worked in port security.

Deacons Reginald (left) and Patrick Photo: Clarion Herald, used by kind permission

Deacon Reginald says,

“The changes in port security since 9/11 mean seamen often can’t get off their ships. Much of our ministry is to be on the wharves. We can go onto vessels for services.”

Deacon Patrick recalls his first ship visit,

“My first experience on the ship was of complete humility. The seamen greeted me and our volunteers with open arms. I had the chance to chat with most of them and found they lead a very hard life, not only from the work environment but an emotional one as well since most of them are away from their families for up to nine months at a time.”

The chaplains are supported by the new Assistant Director for Stella Maris in New Orleans, Mrs Donna Giroir. Donna has worked for the Archdiocese of New Orleans for over 30 years. She shares her joy at her new role,

“My first experience of serving mariners from across the world took place this past June with a call from a gentleman from the Nashville Avenue Wharf. He asked if I would be able to afford him and his crew transportation to Wal-Mart! Arriving at the wharf, I was met by Joydeep of Calcutta. We spoke about world issues, the differences in our cultures, his family life back home. Joy gave me a vision of what I never knew existed outside “my” world – a culture and a people so far from us, so different, yet loving and worshipping the same God.”

The chaplains and administrative staff of the Stella Maris office also pay tribute to their volunteers who make the ministry possible. Special mention is made of Mason and Susan Green who, despite losing their own home as a result of Hurricane Katrina, helped to keep the ministry alive through the difficult times. Colleagues say

“Their ministry has proven to be a tremendous blessing to the maritime industry and to us in the Stella Maris Office.”

Moving ahead

Repair work is underway on the Stella Maris Centre in Destrehan. September 2007 saw the resumption of the annual Mass and Wreath Ceremony on Maritime Sunday. This was the first post-Katrina celebration honouring all in the maritime industry. After Mass in the Cathedral of St Louis King of France, wreaths were cast into the waters of the Mississippi in memory of the dead. The closing prayer was taken from Psalm 107 (above right).

Despite the terrible destruction of Hurricane Katrina, the AOS ministry to seafarers is flourishing again in New Orleans.

Deacon Seymour reflects,

“The early ministry of Jesus was very familiar with the people who worked on and around the oceans, rivers and lakes. His disciples, called from fishermen, were his first followers. He walked and sailed the fishing villages where those who needed help were found.”

click here for contact details of AOS in New Orleans