Port Chaplain - Stella Maris Seafarers Centre

The Opportunity

Are you passionate about offering care and connection to those far from home? The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Mission & Evangelisation team is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Port Chaplain to support seafarers visiting the Port of Newcastle. As part of an outward-looking team committed to sharing the Gospel in contemporary ways, you’ll provide practical, pastoral, and spiritual care to seafarers of all nationalities.

This unique role involves ship visits, ecumenical collaboration, advocacy, and spiritual ministry, bringing hope and hospitality to those navigating life at sea.

The role is part-time, working three days a week (Tuesday to Thursday, with some flexibility), based in Wickham. Reporting to both the Director of Mission & Evangelisation at the Diocese Head Office in Newcastle West and the Newcastle Senior Chaplain at the Mission to Seafarers Centre.

If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and walk alongside others in faith and service, we invite you to explore this opportunity. Don’t wait, apply now!

Benefits of Working With Us

• Directly contribute to improving the lives of many in the community.
• Receive an attractive salary with salary packaging available.
• 1 week shutdown over Christmas and New Year annually (includes 3 days of additional paid leave + public holidays)
• Paid parental leave.
• Discounted gym membership through Fitness Passport (T&C’s apply).
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• A great friendly environment of dedicated and passionate co-workers.
• Corporate benefits, including EAP, flu shots and more.

Position Description

You can view the full position description on the Diocese website.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support to Seafarers: Welcome seafarers arriving in Newcastle by offering compassionate care through ship visits, welfare checks, spiritual support, and volunteer engagement.
• Work Ecumenically: Collaborate with the Anglican Mission to Seafarers and the Seafarer’s Centre community to strengthen ministry partnerships and enhance communication and outreach strategies.
• Visit Ships when they are in the harbour: Board vessels to connect with seafarers, offer spiritual support including prayer and Mass, assist with family communication, and ensure their overall wellbeing.
• Connect with business and church organisations: To support and promote the mission to seafarers, you will engage with key maritime, union, and church bodies; including;
  • port authorities,
  • industry groups,
  • international chaplaincy networks,
  • and Diocesan employees.
• Other duties: From time to time, you will be required to work in the shop at the MTS Centre and drive the bus to and from the ships. Throughout the year, you will also be required to attend Diocesan staff meetings and complete mandatory online training on an annual basis.

Experience/Criteria

• Commitment to the Catholic faith.
• Experience and understanding of pastoral outreach.
• Experience or willingness to work ecumenically.
• Capacity to organise, motivate and work with volunteers.
• Ability to engage and include others in a collaborative process.
• Organisational and communication skills.
• Computer literacy.

Qualifications

Essential

• Background in pastoral care, theology and/or adult faith formation.

Desirable

• An ordained priest/deacon.
• Willingness to work flexibly to complete the task.
• Current Senior First Aid Certificate.

For further information regarding this position, please contact James Camden, Director of Mission & Evangelisation via email: james.camden@mn.catholic.org.au

To Apply

Please provide a current copy of your Resume and a Cover Letter which addresses the two criterion points below:

• Why you want this role and how it aligns with your career goals.
• Your qualifications and experience in a similar position.

Applications close: 11:59pm Sunday 13th July 2025

Additional information

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to  implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons.

All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese’s Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese’s Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.