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OUR MISSION
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Interfaith Chapels:
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Provide pastoral guidance for those who are hurting
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Intercede in resolving personal conflicts
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Conduct religious services at both airports
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Provide a trauma team in cases of catastrophic loss
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Provide a quiet place for private prayer, meditation and religious observances
WHO WE ARE
The Chapels at Ronald Reagan Washington National and Dulles International Airports offer a quiet oasis away from the rush and demands of travel and work. This ministry was founded as a spiritual and theological resource for the seven million passengers and thousands of employees who frequent the two airports that serve our nation's capital.
All persons are welcome -- from employees who come for a few minutes break, to passengers and other visitors who feel the need to pray and to read. The chapels are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Chaplaincy is staffed by ordained clergy and trained lay volunteers. For those who need additional, outside help, our chaplains provide a bridge to community resources and churches throughout the greater Washington DC metro area.
The Chaplaincy was founded in 1994 by a group of business professionals. Robert Mercure, an engineer with NASA, was the founding chairman and continues to serve on the Board of Directors.
What Services Do Chaplains Provide?:
Provide pastoral guidance for those who are hurting or intercede in resolving personal conflicts:
Chaplains provided 9,360 hours of pastoral coverage for the airports
Chaplains met with over 13,000 airline employees
Chaplains aided over 11,240 travelers
Chaplains provided over 4,356 employees and travelers referrals to other helping agencies in the local area
Chaplains provided over 89 military and civilian travelers over-night accommodations
Chaplains made 148 hospital visits for employees or travelers
3,450 persons sought pastoral counseling to help resolve personal conflicts
Conduct religious services at both airports:
Conducted 312 Worship services for all faith groups reaching 9,604 participants
Conducted three weddings reaching 650 persons
Conducted two memorial services reaching 230 persons
Conducted 208 bible studies reaching over 3,200 employees
Provide a trauma team in cases of catastrophic loss or respond to emergency situations:
Chaplains rehearsed their crisis response roles with operational staff and will drill again in May 2007
Chaplains responded to 278 emergency requests and provided support
Provide a quiet place for private prayer, meditation, faith practice, and education:
41,610 persons visited our chapels for prayer and meditation
18,550 items of religious material were distributed from our chapels
11,000 bibles, in numerous languages, were distributed from our chapels
8,000 "Purpose Driven Life" books were distributed from our chapel
Just reflect for a moment
When you take into consideration the spiritual impact of the ministry provided by our pastoral staff, you can begin to understand the importance of their work. Consider the hope given to an over stressed pilot or a member of the ground crew. The feeling of relief felt by a family member, when their aged sister, who has never traveled by air is found and cared for, or the stranded soldier who finds rest in a hotel room for the night.
Also consider the types of people coming through our airports. They are from every country on the earth. They are going to family celebrations, troubles at home or just getting away. They have time to reflect and think about spiritual things. Just having a place to be quiet and pray might be life changing. Consider the person who picks up a bible, a devotional or religious pamphlet and comes to a closer personal relationship with God. Their life might be changed forever.
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