Rev. Richard Jones Joins Stella Maris

Stella Maris has welcomed Rev. Richard Jones, known as Deacon Rick, as its new Regional Port Chaplain for the East Anglia Ports. He takes over from Julian Wong who has retired from the role.

Rick will support seafarers and fishers across the ports of Felixstowe, Ipswich, King’s Lynn, Cromer, Wells-next-the Sea, Lowestoft and other smaller fishing ports in the Diocese. 

Rick has a wealth of experience from a long and varied career in public service, policing, training, and pastoral care, including roles supporting vulnerable individuals. He was ordained as a Deacon in 2016 and has extensive experience in chaplaincy, community outreach, volunteer leadership, and pastoral support in hospitals, hospices, ports, and prisons. 

Rick said: “I am excited to be back in full ministry. After leaving the police, I have been supporting a more practical role in Walsingham, however, it was time once again for me to follow what I believe was a calling from Our Lady to serve her as a Deacon in fulltime Diaconal ministry. The future is exciting, and I am very much looking forward to meeting lots of current supporters of Stella Maris around this diocese as well gaining very many more along the way. 

He added: “I bring a wealth of experience in chaplaincy and serving people generally. My career in policing alongside a full and active faith has formed me to the person I am today. My family is very supportive, and I look very much forward to serving those who serve us at sea.” 

Stella Maris is the maritime charity of the Catholic Church. Its chaplains and volunteers provide practical, pastoral, and spiritual support to seafarers and fishers in ports around the UK and around the world. 

About Stella Maris

Stella Maris, (formerly known as Apostleship of the Sea), is a registered UK charity. It relies on voluntary donations to continue its work. The lives of fishers and seafarers can be dangerous and lonely. They spend time away from home, separated from their families and loved ones, often working in harsh conditions. Stella Maris’ chaplains and ship visitors provide fishers and seafarers with practical and pastoral support, information and a listening ear in the UK and worldwide. Fishers, seafarers and their dependents know that they can turn to Stella Maris for support in times of need, emergency and bereavement.

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