Does this mean I get to check my bags for free?

Since this is the Feast of the Archangels, I thought it a good moment to share a little aviation news.

I got this email several weeks ago from Father Chris Piasta, chaplain at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport:

 Dear Deacon Greg,

On behalf of the Executive Board of the Catholic Guild at John F. Kennedy International Airport, I would like to honor you with the title of the “Clergy of the Year” at Our Lady of the Skies Chapel Annual Luncheon on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at the Cradle of Aviation in Garden City, NY.

It has been our tradition for many years to select the Man, the Woman and the Clergy of the Year at the Annual Luncheon. The Man and Woman are usually highly distinguished (mostly Catholic) individuals from either JFK or LaGuardia Airports, where we serve. This year we will honor James Groark, Airline Manager at Cathay Pacific Airways and Ana Lemos, Station Manager at Brussels Airlines.

In terms of the Clergy of the Year, we have honored several bishops and priests in the past, including Permanent Observers of the Holy See to the UN. In doing so we are looking for truly important individuals, who by their presence and charisma, bring a new light of the Church into a very special environment of an airport. We believe that your angle of approach, background and prolific writings are very refreshing. We would be delighted if you accepted this nomination and honor the JFK and LGA communities with your presence at the luncheon.

Personally, I think it’s the time we (church-wide) start honoring not only bishops and monsignors. Let’s start with deacons!

Well, that’s amazing, and incredibly generous, but I have to think they’re doing this mostly because I spend so much time in airports. (And the chapels! I wrote about JFK’s chapel here.) But I’m grateful someone at the airport is reading my little blog—and especially humbled to be the first deacon to be honored.

But enough about me. This is really about supporting a meaningful ministry.

Want to support a good cause (and say hello to a frequently flying deacon)? The luncheon next month is their annual fundraiser and a chance to continue helping the Catholic chapel remain a visible and viable presence at one of the most important transportation hubs in the world.

Check out the website for Our Lady of the Skies Chapel for more information. I hope to see you there.

Photo: Wikipedia