For the ones who are travelling through Schiphol airport on Christmas Eve, do not miss the opportunity to get a touch of Christmas in a short celebration in Lounge 2. This service can only be attended by checked-in passengers, passengers in transit or staff who are on duty on Christmas Eve. A selection of Christmas carols will be sung, we will read the Nativity story and a short Christmas message will be given by one of the chaplains.Continue reading “Kerstavondviering in het Meditation Centre, na de security controle”
Author Archives: airport chaplaincy
Children’s choir stays overnight at the airport
On a Sunday afternoon two Ugandese young men knocked on the door of the Meditation Centre. Thirteen childreen between ten and thirteen years old and their leaders asked for a place in the airport where they could spread their blankets on the floor and sleep. The children’s choir just finished it’s three months tour and were on their way back home to Entebbe.Continue reading “Kinderkoor overnacht op Schiphol”
Donations by passengers who wish to support the Airport Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy was invited some time ago to lecture to a group of KLM shiftleaders of the Business Lounge. The work the Chaplaincy does is always touching and interesting to share. For example, the help is given to those who have experienced a robbery at their destination and travel back without anything. Sometimes travellers do not bring any suitcases, but they just have a plastic bag with hardly anything. The chaplains help out with a pair of slippers, a warm jumper or necessary medication.Continue reading “Donaties van passagiers die het Luchthavenpastoraat willen steunen”
The Dutch organization VALK is specialized in therapy for people who have a fear of flying
The Dutch organization VALK is specialized in therapy for people who have a fear of flying. It is scientifically known that fear of flying is related to other types of fear or post-traumatic stress disorder and more. Recently, the airport chaplains and volunteers have listened to a lecture given by Drs. Kelly Pex, director and health psychologist with VALK.Continue reading “Stichting VALK staat bekend om het bieden van therapie aan mensen met vliegangst”
Airport Chaplaincy Schiphol on it’s way to fifty-years anniversary in 2025
The Meditation Centre at Schiphol Airport has moved several times to different locations. Chaplains also, they came and the left over time. However chaplaincy care has never stopped since its flagrant beginning in April 1975. Father Jan Duin was the first priest who set foot on the airport floors and took care of passengers and families in crisis. In the same year the first prayer centre of Schiphol was opened for travellers and staff.Continue reading “Luchthavenpastoraat op weg naar 50-jarig jubileum in 2025”
Value your volunteers!
The Meditation Centre at Schiphol cannot function without its volunteers. Every year in May the board and the chaplains offer them a day away from the hastiness of the airport to relax and enjoy themselves. On May 15th, a sunny Amsterdam welcomed 30 participants – among them partners and other invitees.Continue reading “Waardeer je vrijwilligers!”
General Secretary of Protestant Church of The Netherlands visits the Airport Chaplaincy
Sunday May 5th, General Secretary of the PCN (Dutch: PKN) visited the Airport Chaplaincy. He was joined by Mrs. Hilde van Koppen, secretary of the Board of the General Synod and they both brought their spouses. They attended the Sunday Service in the Meditation Centre. Many passengers and visitors participated in the liturgy and after the service a vibrant exchange started between everyone, travelers, guests, chaplains, volunteers and board members.Continue reading “Bezoek scriba PKN aan Luchthavenpastoraat”
Introduction chaplain Fons Litjens
In January, February and March 2024 I will stand in for Father Gerard Timmermans, who’s on work leave. The board of the Roman Catholic Chaplaincy Foundation has appointed me in order to continue the pastoral care for passengers. I will be available on Thursdays and Fridays weekly.Continue reading “Introductie pastor Fons Litjens”
Christmas Eve near the Meditation Centre, behind security
For the ones who are travelling through Schiphol Airport on Christmas Eve, do not miss the opportunity to get a touch of Christmas in a short celebration in Lounge 2. This service can only be attended by checked-in passengers, passengers in transit or staff who are on duty on Christmas Eve. A selection of Christmas carols will be sung, we will read the Nativity story and a short Christmas message will be given by one of the chaplains.Continue reading “Kerstavondviering in het Meditation Centre, achter de security”
IACAC Conference in St. Louis, Missouri
‘You’re helping people to get home,’ the bus driver summarizes on his way to the conference venue. This is the work done by airport chaplains day after day. Being able to find the colleague of another airport helps, so bereaved passengers will again be assisted upon their arrival. During the last week of October, Airport chaplains from many different airports came together for their yearly conference in St. Louis.Continue reading “IACAC Conferentie St. Louis, Missouri”