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Prayer Requests:
For the healing of Holland America/Seabourn Clergy Staffing person Ms. Deborah Meador who is experiencing severe difficulties with her back. Please keep our very young friend in your prayers for full healing.
For Deacon Sam Martinez AOS - San Diego. He has had 2 heart attacks, and blood clots in the brain. Deacon Jim Boyd requests that we please keep Deacon Sam in prayer for hearling.
For Capt. George McShea as he takes the helm of AOS-USA. May Our Lady Star of the Sea, and her Son grant him wisdom and guidance.
For Fr. Sinclair Oubre, as he ventures into a new phase of his Priesthood, that Our Lady Star of the Sea and her Son will guard and guide him as he continues to advocate and work for mariners, as well as those needing assistance with canonical cases.
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Join AOS USA Today!
To join AOS USA simply click on the following link:
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AOS-USA Welcomes New President! Thanks Out-Going President!
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Fr. Sinclair Oubre, JCL, out-going President, with incoming President Capt. George McShea, and Treasurer Deacon Patrick LaPoint at the Lake Charles, LA Seafarers' Center where the three worked to sign over papers to the new President.
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Dear Friends, It has been a busy couple of months with AOS-USA. As you will read in Fr Sinclair's message below, he is taking on more canonical duties within his Diocese and the Interdiocesan Appelate Tribunal in the State of Texas, and though he is not leaving AOS-USA, he is stepping down as President of AOS-USA due to other priorities given to him. Now before you worry too much, realize that his new assignment will afford him more time to do AOS - Diocese of Beaumont work. And, though he is taking on a different role, AOS-USA will have access to him for Canonical issues onboard ship, and for Corporate history insight, etc. He and Capt. McShea are both committed to an orderly transition of leadership, and assisting one in order to make that happen. I am very pleased to report that our new President, Capt. George McShea is excited about this new position and is truly anxious to build upon Fr Sinclair's work to bring AOS-USA to an even better place. And he's just the man that can do this! I am most excited about the ability that he will have to assist us in reaching out to more Catholic Mariners and getting them involved! Last week, he visited with us in the AOS-USA office and hit the ground running.  | |
Deacon Patrick Lapoint - Treasurer, Fr Sinclair Oubre - out-going President, Capt George McShea - incoming President, and staff of Capital One Bank in Sulfur, LA.
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Fr. Sinclair Oubre, JCL, Capt. George McShea, and Deacon Patrick LaPoint review the AOS-USA Treasury files and discuss future goals and tactics.
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Fr. Sinclair instructs students during Camp Seaport at the Port of Port Arthur and then introduces Capt. McShea, who gave a 30 minute lecture and Q&A Session on life as a merchant mariner.
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Please join me in welcoming Capt. McShea whole-heartedly and committing yourself to assisting him in this new role. And please join me in thanking Fr. Sinclair for the work that he has done to bring AOS-USA from an organization of about 80 port chaplains to a membership of nearly 800 people including Catholic Mariners and Cruise Ship Priests, with a strong voice for mariner advocacy throughout the USA and the World. Doreen M. Badeaux Secretary General |
 Message from Fr. Sinclair Oubre, JCL, Out-Going President AOS-USA
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
On July 1, 2013, I began a new ministry as judge for the Interdiocesan Appellate Tribunal of Texas. With this new assignment, my bishop has asked me to reevaluate my time commitment, and refrain from maritime ministry that takes me outside of the Diocese of Beaumont and the State of Texas.
In light of this, I must step down as President of AOS- USA's Administrative Board. This resignation took effect on July 1, 2013, the day on which I took up the office as judge in the Interdiocesan Tribunal.
In the past 12 years, AOS-USA has grown in membership, and has accomplished many firsts. Some of these are the Cruise Ship Priest Program, which is the largest of its kind in the world, AOS-USA's annual meeting that has provided in depth training and formation for our members, and the growth and greater participation of seafarers in our organization. I am also proud that AOS-USA has come out of the shadows, and is now consulted by the Coast Guard, the Maritime Administration and the maritime industry on issues related to seafarer welfare. In addition, AOS-USA regularly participates in trade shows like the Workboat Show (New Orleans), the Cruise Conference (Miami), and the Small Vessel Security Conference (San Francisco).
Every transition is challenging, but I am confident that our new president will continue on a true course, and bring the special skills that AOS-USA needs at this time. Therefore, I am pleased to announce that our Vice-President, Capt. George McShea has consented to step into my position as President. Capt. George is a devout Catholic and a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, sailed for more than 25 years on deep sea vessels, and recently retired as head of ConocoPhillips' Polar Tanker fleet. In our conversations, he has impressed me with his leadership and corporate skills. These are much needed to address the ongoing financial needs of our organization. In addition, he brings with him a broad network of Catholic mariners who he can call on to be part of our great organization.
I will continue as a member of AOS-USA as a Mariner and Pastoral member. I will also continue to share the corporate memory with Doreen and Capt. George.
In the mean time, I wish to thank you for the confidence that you have shown me over these many years, and I ask that you keep me and Capt. George and your Administrative Board in prayer.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Fr. Sinclair Oubre, J.C.L.
Out-Going President
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 Message from Incoming President, Captain George McShea
Greetings to all hands:
I am excited, honored, and humbled to be taking the con of the AOS-USA. Father Sinclair has been a huge presence in the Maritime community and in AOS-USA. I can only strive to build on the great work he has done for our organization.
From the day I entered the US Merchant Marine Academy in 1964, I have lived my life and career by the Academy's motto "Acta Non Verba" (Deeds not words!). I sincerely believe we can strengthen the ministry of AOS-USA by increasing our lay membership of interested non-mariners, and reaching out to mariners of all kinds, deep sea and Great Lakes, inland and harbor, fishermen on every coast, mariners working in the offshore industry, and the Catholic community within the US Navy and US Coast Guard.
We need to begin educating the maritime community starting at the earliest training levels as to our mission and goals. We need to make clear that we are the Professional Association of Catholic Mariners, as well as Port Chaplains and Cruise ship priests. This is why we need to find ways to get our message into the maritime academies, the many maritime high school programs around the USA, and any other organizations that educate and train individuals for a sea-going career.
I also want to move forward our initiative of bringing as many of the Stella Maris and Our Lady, Start of the Sea parishes throughout North America into the organization as a member group unto themselves. This meshes real well with the proposed "Our Lady, Star of the Sea" relief that will be in the National Cathedral.
We all understand the challenges to organizations like ours in this more secularized society in which we live, where expressing your religious beliefs are frowned upon and not "politically correct".
When I sailed Captain, and in my later leadership positions in the industry, I believed strongly in visible leadership. I made sure I was accessible to my crew and employees by being present and "walking about", and visiting ships and facilities so that they could talk to me face to face. Our challenge will be how do we get our message out and increase our membership. Every member of AOS-USA must be a visible leader, sharing our message and telling folks what we are about, and encouraging all to support our ministry through membership.
I look forward to your support and ask Our Lady, Star of the Sea for her guidance.
George
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A Me ssage from Mariner Member & immediate past Vice-President Chris Fogarty
Thank you, Fr. Sinclair,
for your dedication and service to AOS-USA. Your knowledge and experience in the care and welfare of seafarers is sincerely appreciated. I've never known anyone whose understanding of the legislative issues surrounding seafarers' rights is as comprehensive as yours. The passion with which you pursue a wrong to be righted is only equalled by your compassion for those wronged. You have often said that I was your "sounding board", sharing your concerns with me to test the waters. I can only hope that the advice and guidance I gave, however little, assisted in making a difficult decision easier for you. Through it all, and after many cold beverages at the Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, I'd have to say that I enjoyed every minute of the time we all spent together. My only regret is not seeing you complete your UFO Club membership and getting your name on a plate hanging on the wall! You will be sorely missed as AOS-USA President, and we have indeed lost a great advocate for seafarers and people of the sea. God bless you, Father, for the work you've accomplished so far, and our prayers for you continue as you begin the next phase of your priestly ministry in His service.
I remember the first time I met George McShea. It was at a Polar Tankers Officers' Conference, and I was asked to give a presentation on the commercial aspects and strategy of ANS crude marketing. I had only just assumed the role of Polar Tankers Ops Coordinator and knew precious little of the subject matter I was to speak about. Capt. McShea was finishing a presentation about the technical challenges involved in the design and construction of the Polar Tankers fleet in which he was involved in every aspect. He spoke about the fact that the Polar tankers incorporated many innovative designs based in large part on the feedback from the officers and crew who were intimately familiar with the harsh conditions under which the new fleet would operate. That a member of senior management would take an interest in the concerns of fellow seafarers, let alone incorporate their ideas in the design of a vessel, was a concept completely foreign to me. It was then that I gained a tremendous amount of respect for Capt. McShea, and his enthusiasm for his work has never ceased to amaze me. Here was a man whose primary focus was, and is always, about the seafarers under his charge. I stumbled through my presentation and sat down, humbled by the experience and feeling quite embarrassed. To my surprise, Capt. McShea sought me out, shook my hand, gave me a smile and said, "good job". Over the years, I could not have felt more proud being associated with this man and contributing in some small way to the success of the Polar Tankers fleet, built by and for seafarers, and led by someone I'm pleased to call a friend ... Capt. George McShea. Good luck in your new role, George, and congratulations! Sincerely, Chris.
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 A Message from AOS-USA Board Secretary Fr. William E. Reynolds, JCL
Father Sinclair Oubre's dedication and devotion to the people of the sea is known, appreciated, and loved by people around the globe. His presence is truly an example of the universality of the church, as his ministry and concern for the maritime community is a world-wide treasure. It has been my pleasure to know him and work with him in both maritime and canonical ministry. He is a true servant of the church and a true minister to God's people. Our national conference and administrative board meetings will just not be the same without his being at the helm. May God richly bless Fr. Sinclair in his new ministry. Fr. Bill Reynolds, JCL |
 A Message from Deacon Patrick LaPoint, AOS-USA Treasurer
Fr. Sinclair, I would like to say thank you for all you have done for the AOS-USA through the past years. I feel we have really come to be a recognized organization through out the US and the world. If it were not for your leadership I think we would not have come this far, because of your vision you have for the organization. Thank you for this and for all your help and guidance you have given me personally. May God bless you on your new assignment. You will still be on speed dial on my phone. Deacon Patrick Lapoint AOS-USA Treasurer |
A Message from Fishing Board Representative Captain Pietro Parravano
Fr. Sinclair, I would like to say thank you for your many valued suggestions and dignified leadership that you brought forward as President of the AOS-USA. Your outreach programs brought comfort to those in need and brought optimism to those that were destitute. I hope that your new role will bring you much satisfaction and happiness. I look forward to the continued success for AOS-USA under the leadership of Capt. McShea. Pietro |
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Important Upcoming Events for
AOS USA Members
World Maritime Day - September 26, 2013 Theme: Sustainable Development: IMO's Contribution beyone Rio+20
Link to IMO website
World Fisheries Day - November 21, 2013
Houston Maritime Ministry Training School
Feb 9-21, 2014
Houston, TX
http://www.venturecd.net/SeafarersCenter.org/Application.htm
National Maritime Day
May 22, 2014
National Day of Remembrance and Prayer for Mariners.
May 24, 2014
12:10 pm Mass
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
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