Chaplaincy at Heathrow Airport, London
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Getting to the Heart of the matter!"The shape of the Heart is an open curve Dr. Hwang Jongryul Leo The above logo is the symbol used by the international religious congregation of women to which I belong, the Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. |
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When I began my ministry as a part-time Chaplain at Heathrow I linked this logo to the International logo of the Association of Civil Aviation Chaplains - a man or woman praying at the heart of the world. |
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The Church's Ministry of caring for people and the world is not limited to parish boundaries. All Christian denominations recognise their role within the wider community, especially places of work, most significantly at airports, where chaplains come into contact with millions of people.
London Heathrow Airport is the world's busiest International airport - 70/80,000 staff; 67 million passengers a year which will grow to 97 million when Terminal 5 is open and operating to its full capacity. These phenomenal numbers are dramatically added to when you count all the visitors: meeters and greeters, asylum seekers, refugees, rough sleepers and people who are mentally ill! Airports are like magnets, attracting all kinds of people.
The Chaplaincy Team here at LHR is Christian from across the denominations, and Associate chaplains are also here from the other world faiths. We work collaboratively and serve the airport community reaching out to all members of staff, passengers and visitors.
As a Christian/Catholic Chaplain I see the importance of engaging with the contemporary world as Jesus did in his earthly ministry - 'Christ has no body now but yours, no hands, no feet on earth, but yours etc.', the prayer of St Teresa is Avila is very relevant. I also see what I do as being very much in the Missionary role, communicating the Good news of the Gospel with all I meet - often just a listening presence, a smile, a kind work, a gesture.
Airport Chaplaincy is one of the most fascinating, innovative and demanding of ministries requiring a significant effort in building up contacts in every area of the airport. It is about maintaining a high profile, and bringing the Light of Christ to all those we meet. We pray continually for all aspects of the world of aviation, the people who serve within it and all who make use of it. The needs of our world and airport are incorporated into the services, which take place each day in St George's Chapel, and prayer times in the inter-faith prayer rooms, landside and airside in our airport Terminals.
Following the example of Jesus, who dedicated His life as a carer, listener and healer of people, regardless of who or what they were. This is front-line Christian Mission!
One of our Team, an Anglican chaplain, does what he calls "Yours for the day" scheme. He steps into the shoes and uniforms of someone else for an entire shift, and works alongside staff in their place of work. Why? In order to understand what people encounter and how issues affect them. The Scheme, which other airport Chaplains are also now adopting, gives valuable insights into work experiences and has shown that the Church is reaching out, building bridges and breaking down barriers.
It is a privilege to be living and working alongside so many people who show love, care and concern for others in our airport. May God give us the strength to continue the good work He has begun in us.
Margaret Byrnes rscj
Province of England - Wales