The Chaplains and staff of the International Seafarers’ Center (ISC) were honored to host the current cohort of students from The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church as part of their course on Church Missions. This immersive visit was a day of shared ministry and profound engagement with God’s work among the world’s seafarers.

Chaplains Bill Allport and James Kollin, along with Chaplain Associates Jasper DelCarino, Anthony Puca, and Richard Sloan, warmly welcomed Dean of the Seminary, the Very Rev. Dr. Michael DeLashmutt, and Dr. Carla Roland, who accompanied a group of 20 students. Their time at ISC included joining chaplains on ship visits, participating in worship for the Feast of the Ascension in our chapel, and using our seminar facilities for reflective instruction.

The students actively took part in visiting vessels, meeting crews aboard ships and tugboats, delivering care packages, and offering transport—all moments that revealed the deep relational and spiritual dimension of maritime ministry.

Reflecting on the experience, Dean DeLashmutt shared:

“It was a powerful reminder that mission takes many forms—quiet conversation in a ship’s galley, prayer in a noisy port, shared stories that bridge oceans and cultures. And in every one of these moments, I saw our students embody the kind of leadership the Church needs: compassionate, grounded, and open to the world.”

We were deeply encouraged by the joy and openness of the seminary community as they encountered God’s mission in action—alive in the care of seafarers and the rhythms of port ministry.