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Welcome to AOS-USAThe Professional Association of Catholic Seafarers & Maritime MinistersAbout UsBackForwardPauseCaption
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Why AOS-USA
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The AOS (Stella Maris) was established to provide for the specific pastoral needs of mariners and all who travel by water. Chaplains provide the Catholic Mass, Confession, Anointing of the Sick, and the Sacraments of the Church and Pastoral Care. In addition, AOS ministries also work to ensure a safe work environment, just contracts, a genuine welcome and safe haven while in port, spiritual renewal, communication with loved ones back home, and recreational possibilities.
Merchant vessels, cruise ships, crowded wharves, hospitals, mariners’ academies, centers, clubs and retirement homes all make up the port chaplain’s community. Trained and experienced in the specific concerns of the maritime world, these chaplains, deacons and lay ecclesial ministers represent the local diocese bishop and serve as the mariners’ minister and friend. AOS-USA was established by the Bishop Promoter in 1976 in order to bring port chaplains, mariners and other supporters together for continuing education and spiritual growth. In 2003 AOS-USA created the cruise ship program in order to screen and approve Priests on Cruise ships.
Why AOS-USA
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Testimonials
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We enjoyed being able to go to Mass several times on our week long cruise during the Easter season, so we wanted to support Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America in our small way, so that others might be able to attend Catholic services on their vacations. It was also nice to see that of all the potential religious services that could have been offered on a cruise, Catholic Mass was the only service available and was well attended. Thanks for your work, we appreciate it.
Brendan and Katie McIntyre - Buffalo, NY
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The main reason we pick Holland America is because of the Daily Mass schedules and of course the Sunday Mass. We could have chosen another cruise line or gone to a resort for the same or a cheaper rate. We had a great time on our Alaska trip a few years ago, I was so excited when I learned that there would be daily mass on board hence we are returning to Holland America. It indeed makes the trip very special!. I have also told a lot of our friends, the young and the young at heart, they just love it! Keep up the good work and God Bless your ministry.
Erlinda - Vancouver, British Columbia
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