Brisbane Auxiliary Bishop Tim Norton SVD was named the new Bishop Promoter for Stella Maris Australia, the local ministry of the international Catholic organisation that supports seafarers.

On Sunday 9 July, we observe Sea Sunday, when we are asked by the universal Church to remember especially the seafarers sailing the oceans of the world, a group of people who are especially ‘overburdened’. Sea Sunday is an opportunity pray for all those who live and work at sea, and for those who minister to them.

Bishop Tim Norton SVD, the Bishop Promoter of Stella Maris Australia, released a video inviting us to pray for seafarers and for those who assist them when they arrive in ports around Australia.

Bishop Tim encourages us give generously in support of this important work, reminding us that, The risen Christ challenges us when he says, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

He said those who work in the oceans can also often be vulnerable. “Stella Maris provides support to seafarers who regularly face the loneliness of being away from family and friends for long periods and the hardship of work on the ships,” Bishop Norton said.