Bringing Christ’s hope to those hidden at sea

Deacon Jeff Willard, who leads the Galveston Seafarers Center, sorts through packages delivered to the center, one of the several services offered by the Port Chaplaincy Ministry in Galveston Island. (File photo by Office Of Development And Stewardship)

HOUSTON — Far from the public eye, the men and women who work at sea spend weeks, even months to half a year, away from home to help deliver the billions of goods shipped across the globe each year. They often go unnoticed, living in isolation with limited contact from the outside world. For them, a warm welcome, a listening ear, or the chance to receive the Eucharist can make all the difference. 

Through the dedication of chaplains, volunteers and lay staff with Stella Maris, also known as the Port Chaplaincy, sacramental and pastoral care is offered to seafarers and those who support maritime operations at the ports of Houston, Galveston, Texas City and Barbours Cut. 

The team climbs steep gangways, boards shrimping vessels and cruise ships, visits cargo crews, and checks in on longshoremen and day workers, bringing Christ’s hope and healing presence through the Sacraments, compassionate listening and practical support. 

One of these teammates for the past four years is Deacon Jeff Willard, who has served as the port chaplain at the Galveston Seafarers Center. He said he considers his work with Stella Maris the most meaningful of his 26-year diaconal vocation in the Church. He and his team provide not only sacramental and spiritual care, but also a steady presence and tangible support to those who live and labor at sea. 

Deacon Willard said that Stella Maris serves as a bridge between the Catholic faithful in the Archdiocese and those working at sea, who represent diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. In his role, he has formed bonds with men and women from more than 78 countries. Through small, daily gestures, conversation, prayer, food deliveries or a ride into town, Stella Maris offers comfort to those facing separation, hardship or exhaustion.  

“It’s a way for me to serve people who don’t look like me, don’t speak like me, don’t think like me and usually do not pray like I do,” said Deacon Willard. “Being the hands and feet of Christ to these men and women on the ships has brought me a lot of great joy. It’s a wonderful ministry, one where I get to meet remarkable people, hear their stories, learn where they come from, see pictures and videos of their families, and begin to build relationships with them.” 

Deacon Willard said Stella Maris also ministers to local shrimpers from Vietnamese and Hispanic communities, many of whom are struggling financially due to high fuel costs and the influx of inexpensive seafood imports. Often, they do not know how much they’ll be paid until they return from a long trip and sell their catch.

For these day workers, many of whom are homeless, the ministry provides meals, socks, gloves, hats and hygiene kits. They also bring microwaves and ready-to-eat meals to help crews quickly and easily prepare food onboard. 

“One thing we always bring, no matter what type of vessel, is hope,” said Deacon Willard. 
Hope often begins with trust. Through regular visits, Deacon Willard has become a confidant for those facing abuse and wage theft aboard commercial vessels. He works closely with the International Seafarers Union and the U.S. Coast Guard, filing basic reports that protect the identity of the person involved and alert the proper authorities to intervene. 

“They’ll put up with a lot before they finally break and realize, ‘I need to call and talk to someone,’” Deacon Willard said. “It’s a real blessing to be a person they trust with that information. I file a basic report so someone with authority can board and get the situation straightened out, to bring these men and women the justice they deserve.” 

Deacon Willard said he maintains ongoing relationships with several seafarers from past visits, many of whom message him after returning to their home countries or being reassigned to new ports. He said he stayed especially close to several Ukrainian sailors whose families have been displaced by war. For these friends at sea, he believes even a quick text or a simple prayer can be the most meaningful part of their day. 

“It means a lot to them to know that someone in the U.S. cares about them and is praying for them,” Deacon Willard said. “Some are not Catholic or Christian, but they know I’m praying for them. They know we share a God, and that’s a big thing for them. Staying in touch and praying is such a simple gesture for us.” 

Deacon Willard said that when many people look out to sea and see ships, they may not consider the lives on board, which oftentimes are men and women working long hours in isolation to support the global supply chain. He said more people will become less what he calls “sea-blind,” recognizing the dignity of maritime workers and the importance of ministries like Stella Maris in affirming their worth through presence, prayer and support.

Deacon Willard said it speaks volumes that the Archdiocese recognizes the need for the Stella Maris ministry and makes it a priority. He also said he was honored to serve people from across the globe as Christ’s presence through everyday interactions and sacred encounters, especially when crew members grow emotional as they receive the Eucharist after being at sea for months. 

“I sometimes wonder what our Church would look like if we all longed for the Eucharist the way these seafarers do,” said Deacon Willard. “I’m able to feed them the Body of Christ, and it’s a great privilege.” 

Deacon Willard said he was grateful for those who support the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF), which helps make Stella Maris and more than 60 other vital ministries possible. He encouraged the faithful in the Archdiocese to contribute to the annual appeal, noting that their generosity supports not only the ministries they see but also countless individuals they may never meet, people in great need who are served through the quiet work of the Church. 

Learn more about Stella Maris or donate to the DSF. The DSF supports over 60 ministries, whether providing direct services or education, which rely on this critical funding to operate. Out of each gift given to DSF, 100% of every dollar goes directly to supporting these ministries.