LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / September 17, 2000

NEW SARPY – Sailors far from home, lonely and sometimes stricken with personal tragedy, find a friend in New Sarpy in Deacon Ernie Elfer of the Stella Maris Maritime Center.

Elfer, 50, was born in St. Rose and was formerly a chef on board theriverboat “Natchez.” But nine years ago he found his calling in portministry.

On a daily basis he visits ships from the Huey Long Bridge to the Veterans Memorial Bridge, inviting sailors to a safe haven, away from possible danger.

“Since 1995 seven sailors between Gonzales and New Orleans have been killed or seriously injured and any number of them robbed,” Elfer said.

The center, which recently opened in a former Montessori school at 14538 River Road, is open weekdays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. offering amenitiessuch as free toiletries, pool table, dartboard, karaoke and TV.

The organization itself dates back to the 1740s, providing foreign sailors around the world a safe zone away from being victimized by predatory crime.

Currently, there are more than 2000 Stella Maris Maritime Centers in ports spanning the globe.

“When people first hear about it they ask ‘why bother?’ They’re just foreigners,” Elfer said. “However, most speak English, and they’re familypeople.”He related stories about a young man who found out his toddler daughter suddenly died from brain cancer, and he was unable to attend the funeral.

Elfer consoled him, offering an ear and a shoulder.

The maritime center is likewise open to U.S. merchant seaman and servicepersonnel, and many veterans of foreign wars have pleasant memories of finding a place to attend religious services, get a good meal or just take a nap on a couch.

Elfer has been an ordained deacon for 16 years and married for 25 years to Joann, and they have a son, J.J. Elfer, 24, with the Harbor Police; a son,Ernest III “Trey,” 21, who is a cook; and a daughter, Roseanne, 18, who is a nursing assistant.

“My family supports me in this 100 percent,” Elfer commented.

He first began as a volunteer with the organization, intending only to work six months, “and never left.”Elfer added, “It’s not a job for everybody – you have to have an open heart to do it.”There are 52 Maritime Centers in Louisiana. Eighty-five percent of thesailors who visit are Filipino, and 55 percent are Catholic.

“I don’t try to ‘sell’ Jesus,” Elfer said. “I’m just here as a representative.”Over the years, he said he’s developed a knack for spotting those people who need a friendly ear.

“The loners are usually the ones in need,” Elfer said.

He continued, “A little guy was in here last night. His brother had died on aship, his sister and parents were also dead and he was the only one left.

He asked if he could call me his ‘big brother’ and he’d be my ‘little brother.”Sometimes, while waiting on a ship to dock and provide sailors free transportation to the center, he said he wonders why he spends so many evenings doing this work. Then he sees their smiling faces and he knows.”Why do I do this? God called me to this. Somebody needs to do it,” hesaid.

The center, though only open four months, is quickly becoming home to souvenirs and decorations from around the world. On one wall is a driedgoatskin with a painting of the Virgin and Child. Statues of various saintsadorn the altar, and a window he crafted symbolically depicts Holocaust and abortion victims.

Four telephones are set up for making overseas phone calls, and the place has a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere, even in its busiest moments.

“See that picture of the Blessed Virgin? That’s how I feel about the seamen,” said Elfer, indicating the strength, protectiveness and tenderness evident in the painting.

Elfer is also seeking volunteers to help in his work and invites donations as well. For more information, call 764-8661.

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