On Wednesday September 22, at Westminster Cathedral, the Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) organised an awareness day to promote its cruise chaplaincy programme.

Seven priests who will be undertaking cruise chaplaincy over Christmas on P&O cruise ships met to discuss the benefits of their work and the possible difficulties they will experience at sea, especially over the Christmas period, which can be very lonely for seafarers away from family and loved ones.

For cruise chaplains, the focus of their work is centred on the crew of these ships, who are away from home for up to nine months, working long hours seven days a week. Often the crew are glad to have an independent ear to share their concerns and pray and celebrate the sacraments. Chaplains also celebrate Mass for passengers and lend a friendly ear to all who sail.