The Airport Chaplain: Bringing Faith to the Terminal
In the quaint parishes of Horsham, Spixworth, and Crostwick in Norfolk, Reverend Rosemary Maskell took on not only her role as priest in charge but also an unusual additional responsibility: chaplain to Norwich Airport. For over seven and a half years, Reverend Maskell has been a steady, comforting presence at the airport, creating meaningful connections with staff and passengers alike. Her ministry extends beyond the traditional church walls and into the bustling environment of air travel, where people from all walks of life intersect, often during moments of stress, excitement, or uncertainty. The airport, with its constant flow of human stories—farewells, reunions, business travels, and holiday adventures—provides a unique setting for spiritual support that transcends conventional religious boundaries.
Walking through the terminal in her high-visibility jacket clearly marked “CHAPLAIN” and wearing her clerical collar, Reverend Maskell has become a familiar figure across the entire airport complex. Her ministry isn’t confined to the main terminal but reaches into every corner of the facility—from the air traffic control tower to the radar room, from the fire station to the workshop. This comprehensive approach allows her to build relationships with staff members throughout the airport ecosystem, creating a web of trust that makes her accessible when difficult moments arise. While her presence is primarily focused on supporting the airport’s employees, she remains available to travelers who might be experiencing anxiety about flying, dealing with delays or cancellations, or simply feeling the weight of life’s challenges while in transit.
What makes Reverend Maskell’s chaplaincy particularly valuable is her openness to conversation without agenda. She recognizes that for many people she encounters, she might be the only representative of faith they interact with regularly. This awareness shapes her approach—prioritizing listening over preaching and creating safe spaces for authentic dialogue. When staff members or passengers approach her with questions about Christianity, the Church, or matters of faith, she welcomes these opportunities for discussion while remaining sensitive to the diverse beliefs and backgrounds of those she serves. Her ministry demonstrates how spiritual care can be offered with both conviction and respect, allowing individuals to explore existential questions on their own terms.
The airport chaplaincy represents a fascinating intersection of ancient faith and modern life. In a fast-paced environment dominated by technology, schedules, and security protocols, Reverend Maskell brings the human element of spiritual care. For airport staff dealing with the pressures of ensuring safety, managing logistics, and handling customer service challenges, having someone who can offer perspective, encouragement, and a compassionate ear provides valuable emotional support. This ministry recognizes that even in our increasingly secular society, people still hunger for meaning, connection, and understanding during difficult times. By establishing herself as a trusted presence, Reverend Maskell creates opportunities for spiritual conversations that might never occur within traditional church settings.
Perhaps what’s most striking about this airport ministry is how it embodies faith in action without requiring religious affiliation from those being served. Reverend Maskell doesn’t view her role primarily as converting others or increasing church attendance, but rather as being present in moments of need and offering compassionate support consistent with Christian values. This approach allows her to build bridges with people who might otherwise avoid religious institutions, demonstrating that faith can be expressed through practical care and attentive listening. When difficult situations arise—whether a bereavement that requires a passenger to travel unexpectedly, staff members dealing with workplace stress, or travelers experiencing medical emergencies—having a chaplain already integrated into the airport community means spiritual support can be seamlessly offered alongside practical assistance.
The Norwich Airport chaplaincy illustrates how traditional religious roles can adapt to serve contemporary needs while maintaining their spiritual essence. Reverend Maskell’s dual ministry—serving both her parish churches and the airport community—represents an innovative approach to extending the church’s reach beyond its physical buildings. In an era when many religious institutions struggle to connect with broader society, this chaplaincy demonstrates the continued relevance of spiritual care when offered with authenticity and respect. For the staff and travelers passing through Norwich Airport, knowing that someone is available not just to address their physical and logistical needs, but also to acknowledge their emotional and spiritual dimensions, adds a profound layer of human connection to what might otherwise be an impersonal travel experience. Through this unique ministry, Reverend Maskell quietly reminds us that amidst our journeys from place to place, our inner journeys matter just as much.
