THE MARITIME MISSION
The mission of Stella Maris remains today as clear as a sailing ship’s mast silhouetted against the rising sun: to reach out to seafarers, fishers, their families, all who work or travel on the high seas and port personnel. Seafarers are often away from their homes and some seafarers have no way to help them maintain lasting ties with their faith and families. A network of Stella Maris port offices and Catholic chaplains establishes a parish that accommodates a seafarer’s unique lifestyle and needs. We serve all seafarers no matter their religious background.
Around the world, Stella Maris assists seafarers to meet their basic needs: a genuine welcome, spiritual renewal, a safe haven while in port, a safe work environment, a just contract, communications with loved ones back home and a few hours of recreation.
WHERE WE SERVE
The South Lake Michigan Chapter serves the waters between Chicago and Michigan City, Indiana.
Ports include
- Burns Harbor, Indiana
- Portage, Indiana
- Gary, Indiana
- Buffington Harbor, Indiana
- Indiana Harbor East
- Indiana Harbor West
- NASCO, Chicago, Illinois
- US Coast Guard Station, Michigan City, Indiana
CONTACTS
SOUTH LAKE MICHIGAN
- Father Mike Enright: St. Paul’s Catholic Church
- Pilsen, Chicago, Illinois, Archdiocese of Chicago
- stellamarissouthlakemichigan@gmail.com
- Deacon Robert Petro: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
- Chesterton, Indiana, Diocese of Gary
- stellamarissouthlakemichigan@gmail.com
USCCB
- Most Reverend Brendan J. Cahill – Bishop Promoter, National Director
- Most Reverend Frank Schuster, Bishop of the Diocese of Seattle, Washington, was appointed Stella Maris Bishop Promoter in June 2025.
- Sr. Joanna Okereke – Stella Maris National Director of the United States
- Sr. Joanna Okereke, HHCJ, is a Sister of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus. She was appointed National Director of Stella Maris in February 2015. She has extensive experience in pastoral care programs for refugees, migrants and people on the move.
EMAIL US
South Lake Michigan: stellamarissouthlakemichigan@gmail.com
USCCB: Stellamaris@usccb.org
USCCB STELLA MARIS WEBSITE
https://www.usccb.org/committees/pastoral-care-migrants-refugees-travelers/stella-maris-who-we-are
Thoughts 