CHARLOTTE — Custom-made cloth masks and blue-colored vests emblazoned “chaplain” are now standard uniform for volunteers with the Interfaith Airport Chaplaincy at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
As the airport ramps up its operations, the airport chaplains have returned following a hiatus of nearly three months. But their ministry has had to adapt to the “new normal” prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 33-member team, like thousands of airport and airline staff, were unable to work at the nation’s 10th busiest airport during the height of the pandemic due to business shutdowns and a statewide “stay at home” order.
“When you step down from processing 120,000 people a day (at the airport) to 11,000 people a day, there is a system shock,” explained Deacon George Szalony, the airport chaplaincy’s executive director.
The Airport Chaplaincy honored public health restrictions put in place to fight the pandemic, ceasing its three Sunday worship services and converting its in-person support efforts to electronic and phone outreach.
“We had an online 24/7 presence (on the chaplaincy website) and staffed the phone line,” Deacon Szalony said. “People could reach out to chaplains that way.”
Their biggest concern? Those thousands of airport employees either laid off or dismissed from their jobs because of the shutdown.
“Those were the shopkeepers, restaurant servers and cooks, folks who assisted with the wheelchairs and bus drivers,” said Deacon David Reiser, an airport chaplain for the past 10 years. “The chaplaincy attempted its best to communicate to these workers that spiritual and emotional assistance was available if needed. Unfortunately, many had already left their positions prior to the word getting out to them.”
Some of the chaplains had grown to know some of the workers through their “ministry of presence,” and they were able reach out and pass the word on to those in need.
“I’ve noticed that although a phone call to check on someone was OK, it was not the same as seeing the person face-to-face at their posts,” he noted.
“Much of the ‘ministry of presence’ is a smile and a nod, maybe an occasional ‘hello’ and a word on how they are doing. That was not possible over the phone or even Zoom (video conferencing).”
As North Carolina has begun relaxing some public health restrictions, the airport is seeing more flight arrivals and departures, and the uptick in business has meant some stores and restaurants are beginning to reopen. Employees are cautious, wearing face masks and gloves and trying to maintain social distancing.
“I’ve been back to the airport for the last six weeks and have slowly seen it come back to life, albeit still very slowly,” Deacon Reiser said. “But, as I walk around or am on the bus from the parking deck, many returning employees are glad to see a chaplain around and are sometimes surprised to see that some of us are back offering our ministry.”
More travelers are passing in and through the airport, he also noted, but they’re not the usual business travelers he was used to seeing on his daily walks through the terminal. Most are people going on vacations, and most of them are wearing face coverings.
Deacon Szalony has been back at the airport now for more than four weeks.
“People are thrilled to see us,” he said. “As someone who has been a minister for a long time, it’s amazing to be so welcomed back.”
“There is obviously a high level of fear of people contracting the virus,” he also noted. “We listen to their concerns.”
The volunteer airport chaplains are interdenominational and do not proselytize, but offer spiritual and emotional support to everyone in need. Their colorful vests help them stand out in the crowd – a visible advertisement for the care they can offer at a moment’s notice.
It’s a ministry of literally meeting people where they are – and now that includes how to respond based on how the pandemic has changed daily life and social interactions.
“It is much more difficult to have a conversation with someone, at perhaps a difficult time, keeping safe distance,” explained Deacon Jim Bozik, an airport chaplain for four years. “If you are not careful, your focus changes from listening with the ear of your heart to, ‘When was the last time I used hand sanitizer?’ or,
“Did I just rub my eyes with my hands?’”
Of the 33 members of the Airport Chaplaincy team, 11 are now back at the airport working their regular four-hour rounds. Others will return when they are comfortable ministering to the public again, depending on the pandemic’s progress and when a vaccine becomes available.
“Our volunteers want to come back,” Deacon Szalony said. “We can only take it a day at a time. I’m adamant that no volunteer come back until they are comfortable.”
The chaplains who aren’t coming in are volunteering to staff the phones and answer emails.
“We can’t be everywhere, but if you have concerns, at a minimum you can go to our website. People can still email and call Airport Operations, which has a number of chaplains,” he added.
The three Sunday services in the Airport Chapel, including Mass, resumed June 21. Returning to some kind of normal – even if that normal looks a bit different than before – is a welcome balm during these unsettled times, Deacon Szalony said.
“Even though airport employees are working on Sundays,” he said, “people know we are offering Mass. Even just the announcement is touching their souls.”
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter
Pictured: Volunteer chaplains at Charlotte Douglas International Airport are clearly visible as they mingle with airport employees and the traveling public, in this photo from late 2019. For years the chaplains have provided a comforting “ministry of presence” to people in times of need or crisis, and as the airport resumes normal operations this summer they are gearing back up as well. (Photos provided)
More online
At www.cltairportchapel.org: Learn more about the Interfaith Airport Chaplaincy at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport
HICKORY — The COVID-19 pandemic has not only caused much physical harm and economic disruption, but has also called people to reexamine their spiritual health. In doing so, many have discovered the Catholic Conference Center as a place to seek answers to the searching questions prompted by the crisis and at the same time renew their own spiritual well-being.
People have taken advantage of the property in many ways: Some take a peaceful hike on the grounds, others spend some time in the chapel. Some have come for personal overnight retreats.
When the coronavirus pandemic emerged, the most popular feature at the conference center became its outdoor trails.
Deacon Scott Gilfillan, the director of the center, said he was initially surprised by the interest. “When we started clearing the trails last year with the help of youth groups from St. Aloysius Parish in Hickory and Holy Family Parish in Clemmons, I thought the quaint little paths would be a nice perk for the rare person who wanted to go for a walk during one of the retreats. I had no idea the trails would become a magnet for people seeking spiritual respite and renewal in a time of crisis.”
Rather than being cooped up inside, Donna and Joe Lichtenwalner used the trails to spend some safe, quality time with their son, his wife and their newborn granddaughter. Donna Lichtenwalner said after spending a day at the center, “the trails provided a great outlet for serenity and enjoyment of nature – with a few added surprises for prayerful moments. A great place to find peace!”
Some have come for full-day retreats.
Deacon Gilfillan noted, “We have a beautiful indoor chapel, perfect for Eucharistic Adoration.” For people who come for a day-long retreat, he usually spends a few minutes listening to them talk about where they are spiritually, then encourages them to spend an hour or more in Adoration and prayer – just listening to God.
One hidden blessing in this crisis is that it has invited many to use the slower pace and isolation to pose probing questions about their purpose in life and God’s will for them, he noted.
Peggy Bowes took advantage of her free time and structured a personalized retreat. “I reached out to Deacon Scott Gilfillan to plan a day retreat. We began with an incredibly helpful private spiritual mentoring session. Next, I spent time outside enjoying the beautiful grounds – outdoor Stations of the 
Cross, a picnic lunch and a long hike on the trails adjoining the center. I concluded the day with a very fruitful hour of Adoration.” Bowes left “full of joy and armed with many ideas to enrich my faith journey.”
Some people have extended their retreats to spend one or several nights in the center’s lodging.
Two friends recently arranged a one-night retreat. They used the time to renew their friendship, refresh their spirit, and encourage each other in their walks with Christ. They said the center was perfect to do all three.
“We really enjoyed the beautiful view of the surrounding countryside and mountains, as well as the nicely maintained paths to walk in this peaceful environment,” said Heather Blondin. Her friend added, “It provided just the atmosphere we needed to reinvigorate our spiritual life and friendship.”
— Catholic Conference Center contributed.
Pictured: People enjoyed a day-long outdoor retreat at the Catholic Conference Center last month, including attending an outdoor Mass and reciting the rosary while walking along the beautiful trails on the property. Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy the peaceful grounds of the center, located just outside Hickory. (Photo provided by the Catholic Conference Center)
Learn more
For more information about the Catholic Conference Center, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or go online to www.catholicconference.org.