In a recent editorial published in The Waterways Journal, SCI emphasizes that pastoral care is all-encompassing—not limited to emergencies, tragedies, or moments of crisis. Chaplains are here to support the whole person and to offer a compassionate, confidential presence whenever something is weighing on a mariner’s mind or heart. A concern does not have to […]
Read MoreThe Seamen’s Church Institute brought a message of collaboration and care to the 121st Annual Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association (GICA) Seminar, held August 5–7, 2026, in New Orleans. SCI Supervisory Chaplain the Rev. Grace Pardun joined SCI Chaplain the Rev. Geoffrey Davis and licensed clinical social worker and certified trauma professional Mandy Culbreath, MSW, LCSW, […]
Read More“Wait! I’ve met you before!” a young man in the front row exclaimed as I introduced myself to the class of new hires. It took me a beat and then I was brought right back to where we met for the first time. It was a few months ago that we sat around the table […]
Read MoreBy Bridgit PattersonCommunications Coordinator The maritime industry is the backbone of global and domestic trade, yet the human realities behind it often remain unseen. While the line of work comes with many attractive opportunities, circumstances such as long hitches, irregular schedules, high-pressure environments, and time away from loved ones create conditions where stress, loneliness, and […]
Read MoreBy the Rev. Grace Pardun SCI Supervisory Chaplain, Ministry on the River A deckhand called out as I was passing through the galley, “Hey, Chaps! Can I talk to you for a sec?” “Absolutely!” I responded as we stepped out to the deck locker. “What’s going on?” The mariner began to share how tough things had been at […]
Read MoreFrom the early days of Ministry on the River, we have invited congregations along the waterways to partner with SCI in supporting the well-being of mariners. Because of their demanding schedules, mariners often cannot attend church regularly. Many spend up to 28 days at a time on the river, making it difficult to stay connected […]
Read MoreOn March 5, our Paducah, KY, staff and leadership were delighted to welcome more than 50 community members for a special luncheon. Guests had the opportunity to get to know our team, tour the Center for Maritime Education (CME), and learn more about how SCI programs support and uplift mariners navigating the inland waterways SCI […]
Read MoreAsh Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal in the Christian tradition. The imposition of ashes—often accompanied by the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”—is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity, humility, and need for grace. At the Seamen’s Church Institute, distributing […]
Read Moreby the Rev. Grace Pardun, SCI Supervisory Chaplain, Ministry on the River, Upper Mississippi & Ohio River Region From the February Quarterly Activity Report It was Friday night, and I had just fallen asleep. My dog was curled up next to me, snoring away. I was drifting off to dreamland when, in my dream, an […]
Read Moreby the Rev. Grace Pardun Supervisory Chaplain, Ministry on the River, Upper Mississippi & Ohio River Region We often expect our members of the clergy, our pastor, and even our chaplain, to embody a certain level of reverence—to have a deep and rich spiritual life, and to be a living model of self-control and morality. […]
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