Port Chaplain - Stella Maris Seafarers Centre

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland; Newcastle; Sur place; AUD 39 000 - 52 000; Temps partiel

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Paid parental leave

Fitness Passport discounts

Training and development opportunities

Friendly team environment

mnBenefits program

Résumé du poste

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle – Wickham NSW is seeking a Port Chaplain to provide pastoral, spiritual and practical support to seafarers visiting the Port of Newcastle. This permanent part-time role works three days per week (Tue–Thu) from Wickham, reporting to the Director of Mission & Evangelisation in Newcastle West and to the Newcastle Senior Chaplain at the Mission to Seafarers Centre.

Join a mission-driven team delivering compassionate care, ecumenical collaboration, and

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsabilités

• Provide support to Seafarers: welcome, welfare checks, spiritual care and volunteer engagement.
• Work ecumenically with Anglican Mission to Seafarers and Seafarer’s Centre community.
• Visit ships in harbour to offer spiritual support, prayers and family communication assistance.
• Engage with port authorities, industry groups and church bodies to support ministry of seafarers.
• Attend Diocesan staff meetings and complete annual mandatory online training.
• Occasionally assist in the MTS Centre shop and driver duties when needed.

Connaissances

Pastoral outreach

Volunteer coordination

Ecumenical collaboration

Organisational skills

Communication

Team engagement

Formation

Pastoral care, theology or adult faith formation

Description du poste

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland – Wickham NSW

Do you feel called to make a real difference in the lives of people far from home? The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Mission & Evangelisation team is seeking a compassionate, faith-filled Port Chaplain to provide pastoral, spiritual and practical support to seafarers visiting the Port of Newcastle.

Every year, thousands of men and women arrive in our harbour after long periods at sea, often separated from family and community support. This role offers a unique opportunity to be a welcoming presence, bringing hope, hospitality and human connection to those who need it most.

As part of an outward-looking and mission-driven team, you will visit ships, build relationships with seafarers from around the world, collaborate across Christian denominations, advocate for wellbeing, and share Christ's message through genuine care and service. No two days are the same, and every encounter is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

This permanent part-time position works three days per week (Tuesday to Thursday, with some flexibility), based in Wickham. The role reports to the Director of Mission & Evangelisation at the Diocese Head Office in Newcastle West. The role also reports operationally to the Newcastle Senior Chaplain at the Mission to Seafarers Centre.

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH US

• Directly contribute to improving the lives of many in the community.
• Paid parental leave(for eligible employees).
• 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.
• Enjoy up to 10% off at top retailers with our mnBenefits program.
• Corporate benefits, including EAP, flu shots and more.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

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 like-minded businesses 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,
  • school students
  • 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

QUALIFICATIONS

• Background in pastoral care, theology and/or adult faith formation.
• Knowledge as a Sacristan in preparing the Chapel and supplies for Mass (Desirable).
• Willingness to work flexibly to complete the task (Desirable).

Answer a unique call to ministry and service. Join us in making every visit to Newcastle's port a reminder that no one journeys alone.

Applications close 11:59pm on Monday, 16 November 2026 with interviews intended to be held on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 November.

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.