Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Ministering to people from around the world
Sanford Raymond Sears, Father Sandy, is the port chaplain at , Seafarers’ House, Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. Sears, a priest in the Anglican Catholic Church, has always been interested in different and new outlets in which to minister, he says, such as serving as a hospice chaplain, and later, as rector of Holy Guardian Angels Church in Lantana. His job at Seafarers’ House brings him full circle where he draws on his experience as a retired Coast Guard officer.
About: Seafarers’ House serves as a multifaith mission. My ministry is not the same as a parish priest; my ministry reaches people from around the world who are visitors in a distant land. We have a short period of time to make a connection and provide pastoral care, so we must do our best to make them feel welcome and safe.
Resume
Experience: I am a retired Coast Guard active duty and reserve officer serving in public affairs, port security, inspections, and small boat stations. I served as an Army officer during the Vietnam era, serving in mostly in the Republic of Korea. In June I will become priest-in-charge of Holy Guardian Angels, Anglican Catholic Church, with the retirement of the current rector. I am the former rector of St. Bartholomew’s church, New Bern, N.C.
Education: University of Maine in Orono; Master in Education from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary and Bangor Theological Seminary in Maine. I received a Licentiate in Theology, Major Seminary of Barranquilla, Colombia; Certificate, St. Stephen’s House of Orthodox Theology.
Strategies
What I do: I am the chaplain of the port with oversight of a part-time chaplain, a chaplain from the Apostleship of the Sea from the Roman Catholic Church, and five other volunteer chaplains and ship welfare visitors. At Seafarers’ House we hold regular chapel services throughout the week. I also counsel mariners and board ships for welfare visits. In my parish work, I celebrate Mass twice a week.
Professional development : I am continuing my pastoral education with a Doctorate in Ministry, and I have become more acquainted with shipboard ministry through my association with The North America Maritime Ministry Association.