What does it mean to be a Stella Maris Chaplain?  In short, it means that I take care of people who work on the water in the Southern end of Lake Michigan.  Some of these men and women work for the Coast Guard.  Some of these people are international sailors, from places like the Philippines or Holland, or other places around the world.  They bring us bulk cargo, things like iron ore, or limestone.  They also bring us aluminum or steel from around the world, as well as other types of cargo.  Some of the people working on the lake and river work on boats that are recreational… think “dinner cruise.”  Some bring cement and sand for making concrete, and others haul away scrap metal.  All of these men and women have families, and as their chaplain, I see to their spiritual needs as best I can.

Another area of the work I do helps prevent drownings on the beaches in our part of the world.  Did you know that half of the drownings in the Great Lakes happen in the Southern end of Lake Michigan?  Part of that is due to the large population in Chicago, and some of it has to do with how dangerous our beaches are.  In addition, a lot of the people from our neighborhood have never been on a boat on Lake Michigan.  I take young people and  adults out sailing on the lake, and by doing this expose them to something they might never otherwise experience.

I hope doing this work enriches my care of the parishioners at St. Paul, and helps build up God’s Kingdom!  If you would like to help, send me an email.  If you would like to support the ministry, you can make a financial contribution by clicking the giving button on our website then scrolling to maritime ministry.  God Bless You!