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Tapestry

On a Wing and a Prayer: checking in with the airport chaplain

Haydn Watters brings us the story of Tom Kartzmark, senior chaplain at the Ottawa airport.
CBC Radio ·
Tom Kartzmark, principal chaplain at the Ottawa airport, spends most of his time out on the airport floor. He figures he walks about six kilometres a day. (Haydn Watters)
Tapestry16:57On a Wing and a Prayer

There's baggage and then there's baggage.

For one type, you go to the airport's check-in counter and hand over your luggage. For the other, you seek out the airport chaplain. 

Tom Kartzmark is the senior chaplain at the Ottawa International Airport. He ministers to airport employees and passengers. It's a tough job - and it requires a deft touch:

"I had one passenger one time come in, knocked on the door, and he says 'I'm a businessman, here in Canada first time, and I'm going back to my home in the States.' And he says 'Can you help me? I only have 20 minutes to catch my plane.' I said 'Sure,' and he says 'I just found out my wife's having an affair, what do I do?' And so you have 20 minutes."

Haydn Watters brings us Tom's story in his documentary On a Wing and a Prayer. Click here for bonus audio and the story behind the making of this doc.

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