Lifeboat vicar calls on churches to pray for lifesavers this Sea Sunday
A Porthcawl vicar is calling on churches to pray for seafarers, lifesavers, their families, and those who support them this Sea Sunday.
As tourists begin to return to Porthcawl’s seaside town and beaches, Rev’d Mark Broadway, parish priest and rapid responder volunteer for Porthcawl RNLI, believes the Church can play an important part in keeping families safe this summer.
Porthcawl Parish prides itself on the close relationship it has built and maintains with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) station. Rev’d Mark Broadway is a curate of the parish and volunteers for the RNLI acting in a crew of rapid responders.
The stretch of coastline Rev’d Mark volunteers along is one of the busiest for the RNLI in the whole of Wales with the second most amount of lives saved. Last year there were 11 rescues and around 70 call outs.
“Volunteering with the local RNLI has been a life changing experience," says Fr Mark. "Knowing the vital work that they perform in Porthcawl, the time they give as volunteers to keep us safe and witnessing their dedication and compassion for those in distress, has been inspirational. It’s a demanding role but one that I give thanks for every single day.”
Mark is often balancing training with the RNLI and his curacy. “It was just last week, we were in a stand committee for the ministry Area Council and pager went off. I had to get up and run out leaving most people confused as to where I was going,” said Mark.
Rev’d Canon Philip Masson, Rector in Porthcawl, added, “I did explain to them that this must be a priority because he is saving lives. It’s a very busy stretch of coast because there are lots of sea-based activities. It’s popular with surfers and there are lots of call outs when peoples sails collapse and they get tangled.”
The Rector, Rev’d Canon Philip Masson, is honorary Chaplain of the RNLI Porthcawl area and leads the RNLI Carol Service and lifeboat naming ceremonies. As chaplain Philip’s responsibility is to be available at any time for any member of the crew and is also part of the management and fundraising committee.
“Recently, we had station wide training for people who recently joined the crew which touched on what to do in the aftermath of an emergency or a traumatic experience. One of the things that they said was that there is a chaplain available if they wanted. It is good to see this sort of support for the crew being part of the culture,” said Mark.
Mark explained the support for the lifeboats, goes so far beyond crew. There are around 30 people on the crew, with another 70 supporters and then beyond that, fundraisers. The work could not be done without the large circle of people which is deeply integrated into the culture of the community.
Mark said, “Being part of Porthcawl RNLI gives us contact with the Porthcawl community. It will often come up when I’m doing a wedding - there’ll be some connection to the sea or the crew. It creates an instant link of friendship that you are part of something that people value. There is still great affection for people who give their time to serve on a lifeboat. I think it's because it's voluntary. And because it does demand a lot of time and effort and energy and discipline is held in high regard. There is there is still great affection for people who have given their time to serve on a lifeboat. I think it's because it's voluntary. And because it does demand a lot of time and effort and energy and discipline is held in high regard.”
“I was talking with a member of the crew who said that when he heard a vicar was joining the crew, he wondered what are they going to be like? Are they going to be tutting if we do or say something they disapprove of? But I think I have won them over.”
Philip emphasized the trust that is needed and added “It is helping people realise that we [the clergy] are just human beings.”
Rev’d Mark said he thinks the church can learn a lot from the nature of working in ‘inter service operations’ as the lifeboats, Coast Guard, ambulance, and police do. He added, “It has also given me lots of lots of anecdotes for services.”
Seaside ministry is unlike any other form of ministry, says Fr Mark. Before COVID, the ministry area used to run a church in Trecco Bay holiday park, and the churches have continued to offer a full programme of family activities and services through the summer months.
Rev’d Mark said, “We do lose some people who go on holidays as many parishes do, but we also have lots of holidaymakers who join us for worship. We try to be open, accessible and amenable to people who are on holiday. We offer a warm Welsh seaside welcome to visitors.
Sunday 10th June is Sea Sunday and churches across the Diocese of Llandaff being encouraged to learn more about and pray for ministry by the sea. But for the Porthcawl churches, this is nothing new.
Mark said, “We do Sea Sunday every day of the year and the Coast Guards the lifeboats at the RNLI are in our prayers all the time. So, Sea Sunday is really important for raising the awareness, but really that's our daily bread and butter. Please pray for the work of the RNLI, its crew, and if you are able, please support them in any way you can.”
Donate today to RNLI: RNLI - Royal National Lifeboat Institution - Saving Lives at Sea
Sea Sunday services 10th July
- St Lawrence’s Church, Lavernock 3pm. News and Events | Lavernockchurch (stlawrencelavernock.com)
- Merchant Navy Memorial, Barry Waterfront, 2pm