Annual Conference

The AOS-USA Annual Conference is an opportunity for education, networking and continuing education for those involved in Catholic Maritime Ministry in the Ports or onboard Cruise Ships. It is also an opportunity for Catholic Mariners to dive deeper into their Faith and to find ways to help access their Faith Life while onboard, and to bring the faith to those they meet on the Journey!

23rd Annual Conference 

The AOS-USA membership meeting and annual conference will be held at the American Maritime Officers "AMO" STAR Center in Dania FL April 29th and 30th. 

Cost $100.00 for one Day - $200.00 for the entire conference 

Lodging TBA

Tentative schedule: 

Is April 29th from 1230 to 1630 and April 30th 0830 to 1630. Formal agenda will be published in early to mid-March 2025. We advise attendees to arrive Monday, April 28 and depart either the night of April 30 or May 1st.

Previous attendees to our meetings in Dania know that all amenities are on the AMO campus - lodging and all meals, snacks, etc.

Tentative Agenda:

Election of Board members (Vice President, Secretary (OPEN), Pastoral, Fishers, and Mariner)

    -We always are open to new board member nominees and fresh ideas 

    -Impacts of the Holland America decision to reduce priest assignments

    -Summary of YTD impacts and challenges      

    -ideas to improve the ministry (outside the box ideas welcome)

    -Opportunities to spread our ministry

Cruise Ship Priest manual revision approval:

We have had several priests help with this important manual revision, but we need additional priest contributors to finish reviewing this work with Cruise Priest board member Fr. Gary Padgett. Please contact Doreen if you can help Father Gary wrap up this project soonest.

-Fishers and mariner issues update and discussion

-Breakout sessions for our Priests and port ministry members

We are open to any suggested agenda topics that you feel need discussion in an open forum. Please revert with any recommended agenda topics.