Wonersh seminarians learn about Church ministry to seafarers

It was a pastoral care lesson of a very different kind for a group of seminarians from St John's Seminary, Wonersh as they heard first-hand how the Church ministers to crews of freighters, fishing fleets and cruise ships - often away from home and families for many months - through the Apostleship of the Sea (AoS).

AoS development director John Green and London officer Roland Hayes presented talks on 2nd June to the seminarians who came from Southwark, Portsmouth, Aberdeen, and as far away as Fairbanks, Alaska.

John and Roland were invited to speak to the group by Pastoral Director Fr Teyrnon Williams, who himself was an AoS port chaplain in Swansea for many years.

The presentations were part of the seminary's pastoral studies course looking at pastoral care in prisons, hospitals and ports.

John Green said the seminarians were surprised at the scale of shipping and the work the Church does to support those who work on the sea. He said: "Seafarers play a vital role in our everyday lives bringing us the goods and services we need. AoS is the Catholic Church's maritime agency entrusted to look after their pastoral, spiritual and welfare needs."

On Sea Sunday, 10th July, churches around Great Britain and across the world will pray for and remember seafarers. Please support your parish's Sea Sunday appeal.