The port of Baltimore brings into our midst merchant sailors from around the globe. Seafarers are often away from their home parishes, and some seafarers have no parish setting to help them maintain lasting ties with their faith and families. The Apostleship of The Sea (AOS) port office in Baltimore Maryland and the Catholic chaplain establishes a parish that accommodates a seafarer’s unique lifestyle and needs. Its ministry is to let seafarers know that they are welcomed friends and not strangers. Its door is open to all seafarers of all faiths.
The AOS port office in Baltimore collects donations year round, but most especially around Christmas time in the form of shoeboxes filled with things that sailors need.
Our Franciscan Fraternity participates in the shoebox program each year by donating essentials and goodies in nicely wrapped shoeboxes.