Andrew Middleton’s journey with the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS), an essential ministry under the Archdiocese of Baltimore, began at a surprising and transformative chapter in his life. Raised Catholic in the Sacred Heart and Mary Parish, Andrew’s return to the Church and his subsequent involvement in ministry is a testament to faith’s power to guide and renew.
In 2009, during a challenging period in his life, Andrew’s wife had retired from the police department and had opened a children’s consignment shop near the Seafarer Center in Baltimore. Seeking guidance, Andrew visited Monsignor Fitzgerald next door. “We talked for a while,” Andrew recalls, “and from there, he cast the bait and set the hook, slowly reeling me in.” What started as a simple request to volunteer turned into a full-time commitment, eventually leading Andrew to become the Director of Operations at AOS.
As Director of the AOS, Andrew’s responsibilities are vast. He oversees day-to-day operations, recruits volunteers, coordinates fundraising, and serves as a liaison between the Archdiocese and the maritime community. Despite these duties, Andrew’s favorite aspect remains visiting the ships. “I still enjoy doing it,” he says, “to get on the Dali. I was actually there on a recent Sunday. They had a big cricket match, India versus Pakistan, so they had a watch party.”
Andrew’s faith is intertwined with his role in the Apostleship of the Sea. His efforts to reconnect to his faith led him to discover the profound spiritual satisfaction of serving others. Monsignor Fitzgerald introduced him to the Rule of Saint Benedict, particularly its emphasis on hospitality. “The Benedictine spirituality is focused on hospitality,” Andrew explains. “Monsignor Fitzgerald gave me a chapter on hospitality and said, ‘Here, read this.’ It kind of went from there.”
Seafarers face numerous challenges, often facing long periods away from home and limited communication with loved ones. The Apostleship of the Sea provides essential support, offering spiritual counseling, facilitating Mass and confessions, and even taking seafarers shopping or to local attractions. “We’re the only contact they have with the Catholic Church while at sea,” Andrew notes. “For non-Catholics, we make every effort to get them to their place of worship and to provide spiritual counseling.”
One story Andrew recalls involves a young seafarer seeking solace at a Mormon temple. The young man, in his early twenties, had been reluctant to speak much when he first approached Andrew on the ship. After some gentle encouragement, the seafarer asked if there was a Mormon temple nearby. Andrew did some quick research and found a Church of Latter-Day Saints in Baltimore.
Upon arrival, however, the building was locked and empty. Not giving up, Andrew walked around the building with the seafarer, trying every door. Finally, the young man asked for a pen and paper. “He scribbled something down and slid the note under the door,” Andrew recalls. “You could see the stress and whatever was weighing on him just melt away.” By the time they got back to Dundalk, the seafarer was a different person—smiling and talkative. “It was a reminder that sometimes it’s the small things that count,” Andrew says.
The AOS serves everyone on board a ship, regardless of religion. “We live out the corporal works of mercy: visiting the lonely, feeding the hungry, and clothing the naked,” Andrew says. This advocacy often involves monitoring the conditions on the ships. “When visiting ships, we look at the condiments on the tables. If the condiments are appropriate for the nationalities of the crew, it usually indicates they are being well taken care of,” Andrew explains. “For example, Filipino crew members should have access to condiments typical of their diet. It’s a small detail, but it speaks volumes about their overall treatment.” The Apostleship of the Sea helps keep maritime companies accountable. “We make sure they’re treating their crew fairly,” Andrew says. “If we notice something off, like inadequate food supplies, we report it. We’ve had instances where our intervention has led to improvements in working conditions on board.”
These conditions for can be harsh and isolating for the seafarers. “They miss out on weddings, baptisms, births, funerals, and holidays,” Andrew explains. “While at sea, they essentially have no communication with anyone back home, except in rare cases where internet is available, and even then, it’s usually limited to official business.” This isolation can take a toll on mental health. The Apostleship of the Sea steps in to provide a crucial lifeline, ensuring that seafarers can stay connected with their families and enjoy some respite from their grueling routines.
The Apostleship’s work is made possible through the generosity of donors and volunteers. Recent donations, especially following the Francis Scott Key bridge disaster, have enabled the ministry to provide much-needed support to crews of stranded vessels. These contributions have facilitated welcome packages, transportation, and even fun activities like attending a Baltimore Orioles baseball game.
“These donations made a lot of things possible,” Andrew explains. We also received an extraordinary amount of in-kind donations,” he recalls. “We were able to pass these on to the crews of the seven vessels that were trapped here for six weeks due to the collapse. We put together welcome packages with chocolates and other treats, just to give them a little comfort and let them know they were not forgotten.”
Another story that stands out to Andrew involves a vessel detained by the Coast Guard for safety and mechanical violations. “The owner wasn’t responsive, and the crew was stuck here for almost nine months,” Andrew explains. “During that time, we developed close relationships with several of the crew members. One of the cadets returned to Baltimore on another ship last summer, and she reached out to me as soon as she arrived. It’s those connections that remind me why this work is so important.”
The work of the Apostleship of the Sea is critical and the need for volunteers remains. AOS ministry requires individuals willing to commit their time to drive, escort, and engage with seafarers. While the commitment can be demanding, the rewards are immense, offering a unique opportunity to live out the Gospel through acts of service. Andrew points out. “We live the Gospels by visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, and welcoming the stranger.”
Andrew’s long-term vision for the Apostleship of the Sea includes establishing a dedicated Seafarer Center owned by the Archdiocese, equipped with facilities for recreation and relaxation. “If I had my dream, it would be a building we own, with a basketball court, patio, and activities,” he says. “A place where seafarers could truly spend an hour or half a day just being there.”
Andrew’s dedication is unwavering, but he is acutely aware of the challenges. “It’s a time commitment,” he acknowledges. “But the difference we make in these seafarers’ lives is profound. They’re away from home for months, often under tough conditions. Knowing we can provide some comfort and support makes it all worth it.”
His faith is the cornerstone of his commitment. “Making my heart like Christ’s is a constant lesson,” Andrew says. “We deal with people who depend on others for their well-being. Sometimes, I don’t feel like going back out at night to pick someone up, but I remember that this might be their only chance to get off the ship for weeks. That keeps me going.”
Andrew Middleton’s journey with the Apostleship of the Sea is a powerful example of how faith can guide and sustain us, especially when we serve in ministries dedicated to helping those in isolation and need. “We see Christ in the stranger and welcome them as we would welcome Christ,” Andrew reflects, his dedication providing a beacon of hope to those who sail the world’s seas, embodying the essence of living the Gospel.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Your generosity helps make the Apostleship of the Sea ministry possible. Your support enables Andrew and his dedicated team to continue providing essential services and compassionate care to seafarers from around the world.
To lean more about the Apostleship of sea and how you can get involved, contact Andrew Middleton, Director, at: Andrew.Middleton@archbalt.org