Jacksonville, Fla. – The 12th Annual Apostleship of the Sea USA (AOS USA) National Conference, kicks-off tomorrow, (Tuesday, April 23), 3 p.m. at Assumption Catholic Church, 2403 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville.
The annual conference – a first for Jacksonville – draws nearly 40 priests, deacons, lay people and other Catholic seafarers from throughout the United States and international ports, including commercial cruise ships.
According to Father Sinclair Oubre, J.C.L., president of the AOS USA, the purpose of the three-day conference is to gather chaplains from different ports for presentations and panel discussions and educational sessions on the latest trends in the U.S. Merchant Marines.
“The annual conference brings together chaplains, deacons and others for both fellowship and business and educational meetings,” said Father Sinclair. “The mission of the Apostleship of the Sea USA is to support the church’s effort to minister to people of the sea, oversee the cruise ship ministry, and support the Catholic Association of Mariners.”
On Tuesday, April 23, at 3:15 p.m., a representative from the Jacksonville Port Authority will attend a presentation recognizing Catholic Charities and Bishop Felipe J. Estévez and theDiocese of St. Augustine, Fla., for their longtime support of the Apostleship of the Sea Ministry.
On Wednesday, April 24, at 12:30 p.m., Mr. Ira Douglas from Crowley Maritime Services will be the keynote speaker during lunch.
For a complete schedule and registration information, contact Deacon Gjet Bajraktari (904) 613-3489.