A Month of Giving Thanks!
This has been a busy month for AOS-USA, and one where we have been able to say "Thank you" and "Well done!" to many of our long time members and Port Chaplains.
First, in early May, I was honored to attend the 40th Anniversary celebration for Fr. John A. Jamnicky, the former AOS National Director, and a current AOS-USA Cruise Ship Priest.
For those who do not know, Fr Jamnicky has been given the assignment of building a new Church in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Though his current Church is literally in a former barn, the new building is quite breath-taking already. And of course Fr Jamnicky is not one to apologize for having a Church in a barn. "Jesus was born in a barn", he said, "If it's good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for the rest of us!"
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The New St Raphael the Archangel Church |
| The current St Raphael the Archangel Church |
It was a pleasure to present the Star of the Sea Award to my former "boss" who founded the Cruise Ship Priest Program. I can personally attest to the hard work that he put into the program, and the constant day to day work that he did with and for AOS-USA. This year was unusual, in that the Administrative Board of AOS-USA chose to present not one, but 2 Star of the Sea Awards. This is the highest award for AOS-USA, and is not given out on an annual basis, or with any regularity. The second Star of the Sea Award was awarded to Deacon Patrick LaPoint, and the Lake Charles Seafarers' Center. The Lake Charles Center recently celebrated it's 50th Anniversary, and the work that Deacon Patrick does for the Center is truly exemplary. Thanks to his efforts, the Center is self-sustaining, during a time when many seafarers' centers are in danger of closing. And if any ship has been to Lake Charles, the seafarers have met Deacon Patrick and received assistance from him. For AOS-USA, Deacon Patrick stepped into the position of Treasurer and brought us through a difficult time. AOS-USA salutes these models of Maritime Ministers! Doreen M. Badeaux Secretary General |