Effort helps keep ecumenism afloat

Both Catholic sacraments and Protestant services are held on board ships for sailors of various faith traditions.

Rev. John Phalen, CSC, president of the Family Rosary in Albany, is one of several priests who volunteers to celebrate Mass and hear confessions at the port as part of the Albany Maritime Ministry, an ecumenical group that tries to meet the needs of seafarers.

The sailors, Father Phalen explained, are away from their families, often for a year at a time. Having contact with the faith community while they are in port can be comforting.

Because the sailors represent many countries and many religious backgrounds, "it helps to be ecumenical," he said. "We're able to meet the needs of sailors from different backgrounds, and it helps us all to focus on faith in action."

Gene Lemmerman, from St. John's Lutheran Church in Altamont, is active in the ministry, and his wife Pauline bakes brownies for every ship that docks.

According to Mr. Lemmerman, an average of two ocean-going ships arrives in the Port of Albany every week. The Albany Maritime Ministry provides them with access to telephones so they may call their family, a van to take them shopping, refreshments and a game room.

"Most are very poor," he said. "It's one job they can get that they can take care of their families. They come from poor countries. It's not a well paying job, but it's better than what they can get at home."

When the ship is docked, several people must stay on board in order to keep the ship running, so it's important for ministers to come to the ship. "The best way to do it is to have services on the ship," Mr. Lemmerman said.

Many of the men that Father Phalen meets are from the Philippines. The Family Rosary has offices in Manila, so he is often able to relay messages on behalf of the sailors to their families.

In addition to Catholics and Protestants, the Albany Maritime Ministry reaches out to Muslim, Buddhist and unchurched sailors.

Mr. Lemmerman enjoys volunteering at the port. "My family lived in Africa for eight years," he said "I enjoyed meeting different people. This is like that -- and we're helping people in need."

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