Pastoral Care to Seamen

The diocesan missionary work of the German Seaman's Mission differs markedly from the work of most institutions of the Diocese in the Federal Republic of Germany: a re-financing cost, by clients or users, or by the State (because of legislation) cannot be undertaken. As one of the very few 17 foreign stations, revenues are generated by the operation of the guest-house in Amsterdam. Seen in this way, we are a mission in the truest sense of the word: We operate on the fringes of society, on behalf of some of our society's unremembered people.

Medium-sized oil tankers regularly anchor in the port. On ships such as these, staff of the DIM meet up with many German sailors who are grateful for a call in their mother language.
Of course, all seafarers we visit on board are treated alike, even when language barriers sometimes prevent good level of communication. On-board spiritual guidance and care includes:

• Personal conversations
• Conversations in the canteen about God and the world
• Sale of telephone cards
• Video and book exchange