Ministry onboard Cruise Ships: What's it all about?
Is it really just a free cruise?
Dear Friends,
I wanted to share a few thoughts with each of you about the Cruise Ship Priest Program. We are constantly receiving letters, e-mails and phone messages giving sincere thanks for the Cruise Ship Priest Program, and for those priests who give of their time, and their own personal funds to carry out this ministry. (Oh YES! Our priests are responsible for their own travel to the ships, and for many of their other travel needs. It is not a "free" cruise.)
While it may seem to many that it is simply a cheap way to get a vacation, the ministry onboard is very real.
One of our priests onboard a cruise this past Christmas had to deal with the death of a 3 year old passenger. The parents of the child were separated and the Father took the child on the cruise, though the Mother really did not want her to go. At some point, while off the ship in port, the child drowned in a pool. The man who found the child approached the priest after Midnight Mass, really needing to talk. And of course, the priest was also dealing with the grieving Father as well. This doesn't sound like a "free vacation" does it?
Meanwhile, one of our priests on another ship was dealing with a grieving crew, who lost one of their crewmembers to suicide. All the while, the crew had to go on with their best smiles and Christmas cheer for the passengers. The priest was able to celebrate a Memorial Mass for the deceased crewmember, at the express request of the crew. They certainly felt the importance of having the priest onboard.
Another priest onboard a ship for over a month, had enough time to instruct an older gentleman who wanted to come into the Church. He Baptised the man while onboard, and it was a moving and meaningful experience for all those who formed a faith community while onboard.
Here are a few comments from letters we recently received:
My husband and I enjoyed a lovely cruise on Holland America where we met Fr. Lloyd Rebeyro. We must tell you how wonderful, and meaningful, it was to have a priest onboard and access to the Sacraments.
Father was excellent as he successfully reached out to crew and guests with the end result....no surprises here...of well attended, crowded Masses! It was joyful to meet other Catholics and share our faith in daily Mass attendance in addition to Sunday Mass.
His homilies were interesting and inspiring, as one hopes a homily will bee, as he provided insight into scriptures and ways of applying the teachings to our daily lives.
He was a delight to encounter socially and beautifully represented our faith. We were sad to say our good byes to him and hope to cruise with him again.
We want to thank you, so much, for your concerns for all aspects of well beeing for those onboard. Please continue to be innovative in your decisions for guests and maintain a priest on the high seas!
- Karen & Tomm O'Leary - Oklahoma
On behalf of our Cruise Director, I would like to personally thank you for the services Fr Mani offered on this cruise. He went above and beyond requirements to ensure that something special was provided for our guests.
It was a pleasure working with him and hopefully we will have the opportunity to work together with Fr Mani again on another Royal Caribbean ship.
- Activities Manager
Liberty of the Seas
Royal Caribbean International
AOS USA sees the real value of the Cruise Ship Priest Program. It is an opportunity to serve crewmembers, staff and passengers. It is an opportunity for people to encounter their Church in a vibrant way, and it is a unique opportunity for evangelization.
We appreciate your prayers as we discern the future of this program.
May Our Lady Star of the Sea guide us,
Doreen M. Badeaux
Secretary General
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