Chaplain Cora DiDomenico in Port Newark

2020 has shown us that it takes all of us,
working together, to make a difference.

Christmas at Sea brings a new kind of hope and joy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Seafarers are facing much longer and extended contracts. They are often confined to their ship for months on end without shore leave. At the same time, the success of Christmas at Sea's #StayHomeandKnit program and the incredible efforts of our volunteer needleworkers have created larger quantities of beautiful knits and crochets for SCI chaplains to deliver during this holiday season. 

While our visits certainly look different this year, it is a blessing to witness so much delight in our giving. I see how moved and excited seafarers are as they receive the hand-crafted items, toiletries, and candy. Now, when seafarers need us now more than ever, Seamen's Church is able to extend the reach of our gifts and service.

Pictured above: Leo, Vincent, Romie and Jeff on the Oleander which travels weekly between New Jersey and Bermuda; pictured below: Christopher on the Ever Lucky

With COVID safety protocols in place, Port Packing Week at Port Newark also looks a lot different. We had fewer volunteer groups this year and the sizes of the groups were smaller. We needed extra hands preparing Christmas at Sea packages for all of the ships and seafarers calling on our Port, so I decided to recruit my family for a personal port packing day last weekend.

My mother-in-law Annie and sister-in-law Gabriella accompanied me along with my niece. My niece, Lucia, is 7 years old and currently being homeschooled. We saw the packing day as a way to integrate a Social Studies lesson about international trade and shipping with a service project to help seafarers who will be away from their families for the holiday season. Looking out of the Christmas at Sea window at the International Seafarers' Center, Lucia was amazed at the sea of brand new vehicles. We talked about the different countries where cars are manufactured, the structure of car ships, how cars get from the port to the dealership, and most importantly, we discussed the seafarers on board the vessels and the sacrifices they make to continue our way of life.


Lucia then was ready to pack all of the ditty bags she could possibly handle. Listening to Christmas music, singing, dancing, and packing away, we were able to assemble 25 red Santa Sacks containing 300 ditty bags. Lucia was so excited to know that I would then distribute the ditty bags the next day!

I, too, was thrilled to share, with the seafarers who would receive the bags, that my kind-hearted niece led the way in their packing. 


SCI is pleased to announce the appointment of Philip Schifflin, Jr., Esq. as our new Director, Center for Mariner Advocacy along with the opening of our regional office in New Orleans, LA.

Because of the generosity of our supporters, SCI is opening a new location at a time when many non-profits have had to scale back. Phil's office will be housed in the Turn Services building, compliments of SCI supporter and Phil's long-time colleague, Mario Munoz, President of Turn Services.

Photo of Mario Munoz and Phil Schifflin courtesy of Jonathan Lopez with Turn Services

Christmas Special Edition

If you are spending the 2020 holiday season away from loved ones, and even if you're not, you are invited to pour some egg nog and join the Rev. Mark Nestlehutt along with SCI's historical experts for a festive chat around the virtual fireplace.

Don Sheetz hosts a holiday podcast with Mark, SCI Senior Archivist Johnathan Thayer, and Associate Archivist Stefan Dreisbach-Williams to discuss one of their favorite topics — SCI history. Listen to entertaining anecdotes with Don and the crew that you won’t hear anywhere else!

Now More than Ever
Donors are Heroes Too

As the close of 2020 approaches, we want to thank you for your support. Together, despite tremendous challenges, we have made a positive impact on the lives of international seafarers and U.S. mariners.

Your support allows us to respond to mariner needs without hesitation!

Thank You!