Welcome to the Royal Navy section of the Bishopric website where hopefully you will get a flavour of what life is like for our serving Catholic laity and clergy. The Royal Navy is distinct in the way that its chaplains minister to its people, devoid as we are of structured rank. Instead we use the convention that the rank of chaplain ‘floats’ to match the rank of whoever the chaplain is talking to, thus ensuring that the conversation happens between equals. It’s a convention that the Senior Service has used for centuries and it has served us well, allowing Sailors and Royal Marines to use the familiar term ‘Bish’ when addressing their chaplain. 

The Gospels are awash with events that happen on, or close to, the sea. As catholic priests, serving in this challenging but hugely rewarding environment, we seek to make the Gospel of Christ real to our men and women so that they are supported morally, spiritually and emotionally as they serve our great maritime nation. And our catholic serving personnel respond with great enthusiasm and faith. 

For our chaplains this is a specialist ministry. Our naval ‘parish’ is diverse, young and enthusiastic. As well as serving their country our people also face the challenges of everyday life. We are here to be with them on that journey, to celebrate the sacraments with them, to pray with them and to encourage them in their faith. It would give us great comfort to know that you, whoever you are and wherever you may be, are praying for us too, perhaps using the final verse of the naval hymn: