Cadet Chapel
Cadet Chapel Closure
Estimated Completion 2027
The Cadet Chapel is closed for necessary repairs with an estimated completion date of 2027. Read about the meticulous renovation project.
The Cadet Chapel is the most recognizable building at the U.S. Air Force Academy and, before the current renovation closure, the most visited man-made tourist attraction in Colorado. This aluminum, glass, and steel structure features 17 spires that shoot 150 feet into the sky. It is considered among the most beautiful examples of modern American academic architecture.
It serves as an all-faith center of worship for cadets and includes Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and Buddhist chapels, an All-Faiths Room, and a Falcon Circle, each with its own entrance. The Chapel is capable of holding services in all rooms at one time.
In addition to the main office in Sijan Hall, chaplains and Religious Affairs Airmen are also assigned to each of the four cadet groups. Chaplain offices are provided in both halls. Chaplains provide all cadets with daily opportunities for worship, regular visitation within the cadet-training areas, and are available to provide confidential counseling and mentorship.
Take a look at the Cadet Chapel before the start of the restoration project.
Special Programs in Religious Education
Home to a variety of faith communities, the Cadet Chapel also hosts Special Programs in Religious Education (SPIRE), the largest religious education program within the Air Force. Currently SPIRE hosts 14 groups from seven distinct faith backgrounds. Led by qualified and gifted instructors, SPIRE groups meet weekly in a casual environment to focus on spiritual formation and character development. These groups also offer times of worship, community building activities, spiritual retreats and mentorship.
Cadet Inter-Religious Council
The Cadet Inter-Religious Council (CIRC) comprises cadet representatives from different faith backgrounds who focus on religious education and discussion across the Cadet Wing. Their mission is to build trust, respect and community through cadets of different faiths and beliefs to ensure the religious needs of Academy cadets are accommodated to the fullest extent possible. Currently, the CIRC comprises 16 cadets from nine religions, who provide interfaith opportunities and help educate and model religious respect.
Weddings
The following persons are eligible to be married in the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel:
- Graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
- Active duty personnel currently assigned to the U.S. Air Force Academy and active duty Air Force personnel stationed in the local area to include Buckley Air Force Base, Colo.
- Dependents of active duty personnel currently assigned to the Academy who hold a valid military dependent ID card on the day of the wedding.
- Purple Heart recipients and Silver Star recipients and above. ID card holding dependents of service members killed in action.
For more information and questions, please contact the Cadet Chapel Staff at: cadet.chapel@afacademy.af.edu or 719 333-2636.
Donations
Online donations to the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel and the various Cadet Faith Group Programs/Services can be made via the Chapel Tithes & Offerings Fund Electronic Donations Page. Choose USAF Academy at the bottom and select AFA Cadet Chapel. Use the drop-down arrow to make your selection. Your donations support the Cadet Chapel Corps provision for the free exercise of religion and spiritual care for cadets.
Cadet Faith Communities
Academy cadets are truly a diverse group of future leaders – young men and women from different family backgrounds, states and countries, ethnic groups and a variety of religious faiths and beliefs.
Supported by the Air Force Chaplain Corps, cadets come to thrive in this setting and live out the enduring values of respect, magnanimity and human dignity for all. Whether exercising their own freedom of religion or learning to ensure the same freedoms for those they will lead in the Air Force, cadets have a robust group of faith communities to help them grow.
All service times are subject to change, please contact (719) 333-2636 or visit our Facebook page to verify service times for your visit.
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Buddhist
Details and Service Times
The Academy’s Buddhist community is led by a Sensei in the Zen tradition and welcomes all forms of Buddhism as well as those interested in learning more about Buddhist meditation and teachings. In addition to weekly meditation, cadets may participate in:
- Special observances
- Retreats
- Visits to Buddhist centers
The Academy’s Buddhist community also offers Special Programs in Religious Education (SPIRE) every Monday.
Chapel Service Times:
Type of Service Day Time Location Meditation Thursday 6:20 p.m. – 7:50 p.m. Sijan Hall, Oasis 3, Room 409 -
Earth Centered
Details
Our Earth-Centered Spirituality (ECS) community provides cadet support and spiritual education. Through introduction to the larger ECS community, Academy cadets also have opportunities to connect with others who share their spiritual pursuits. They may participate in:
- Community retreats
- Celebrations
- Sacred observances
Cadets are also often called to create and lead sacred rituals, fostering an environment of collaboration and leadership.
For more information, please contact the Cadet Chapel Staff at (719) 333-2636.
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Hindu
Details
For Academy cadets of Hindu faiths, opportunities to worship are available in the local Colorado Springs area. A Hindu point of contact exists for cadets to connect with for spiritual growth.
For more information, please contact the Cadet Chapel Staff at (719) 333-2636.
HINDU TEMPLE LOCATION
Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple of Colorado (SV Temple of Colorado)
1495 S Ridge Rd
Castle Rock, CO
80104 -
Muslim
Details and Service Times
The Muslim community at the Academy provides cadets the opportunity to worship as well as receive religious education and spiritual support. Cadets may participate in daily prayers, religious education and weekly congregational services. We also offer:
- Quran and Hadith study
- Ramadan services
- Eid celebrations
- Retreats
- Counseling
- An environment to foster partnership, character and leadership
Chapel Service Times:
Type of Service Day Time Location Muslim Halaal Communal Meal Friday 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sijan Hall, Oasis 3, Room 403 and 409 If you’re not a cadet, please bring your own meal Muslim Congregational Prayer Friday 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Sijan Hall, Oasis 3, Room 403 and 409 -
Jewish
Details and Service Times
At the Academy, we offer cadets a unique experience that attempts to connect with community and encounter the holy through the prism and practice of the Jewish religion. The Jewish community provides regular opportunities for access to the soulful and communal aspects of life by nourishing the heart, mind, body and spirit. Our initiatives include, but are not limited to:
- Weekly study of sacred texts
- Festive meals accompanying the celebration of Sabbath and Jewish holidays
- Retreats
- Weekend programs with other service academies
- Rabbinical counseling
Service Times:
Type of Service Day Time Location Jewish Shabbat Worship Service Friday 6 p.m. Sijan Hall, Oasis 3, Room 409 Jewish Shabbat Dinner Friday 7 p.m. Sijan Hall, Oasis 3, Room 409 Services paused at this time. Will resume for BCT.
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Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (CJCLDS)
Details
The Academy’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints community is an active and growing organization. Led by CJCLDS Elder Kent T. Critchlow and Sister Marilyn Critchlow, cadets have the opportunity to participate in Sunday services in their local wards and attend retreats. In addition, cadets can join the Latter-day Saint choir and religious education through Special Programs in Religious Education (SPIRE) which is offered every Monday evening during the school year. For more information contact kent.critchlow@afacademy.af.edu or call (720) 525-9633
Service Times:
Type of Service Day Time Location Sacrament Service Sunday 11:30 a.m. 8295 Jamboree Cir, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
(local LDS Meetinghouse) -
Orthodox Christian
Details
For Academy cadets of Orthodox faiths, opportunities to worship are available at an Orthodox church in the local Colorado Springs area. During Basic Cadet Training (BCT), an Orthodox priest is present to lead services for cadets and provide religious education. The Academy’s Orthodox community also offers Special Programs in Religious Education (SPIRE) every Monday.
Service Times:
Type of Service Day Time Location Orthodox Divine Liturgy Sunday 9 a.m. Sijan Hall, Oasis 3, Room 403 -
Protestant
Details and Service Times
The Protestant community at the Academy is home to a vibrant group of cadets that offers worship services (traditional and contemporary), community building, retreats, pastoral care and religious education. Protestant chaplains are always available to provide prayer, counseling and encouragement to cadets.
Inspired by uplifting messages, cadet-led worship and small group activities, our cadets grow in faith and commitment as they prepare to be future leaders in our Air Force and the nation. They can also assist with planning some of our retreats, and may serve as:
- Worship leaders (choir and praise team)
- Ushers
- Readers
- Members of a leadership council
Service Times:
Type of Service Day Time Location Protestant Worship Sunday 11 a.m. Arnold Hall Ballroom -
Roman Catholic
Details and Service Times
ATTENTION NON-CADET CATHOLIC COMMUNITY MEMBERS: From 28 June to 3 August, the Cadet Chapel will only hold Catholic worship services for cadets. Catholic community worship will resume on 4 August at Polaris Hall. Please attend service at the 10 ABW Community Chapel.
In addition to daily and weekend worship services, the Catholic community at the Academy offers retreats, pastoral care, religious education and sacramental preparation. Cadets have the opportunity to practice both faith and leadership development in several areas. During worship services, cadets serve as:- Members of the choir
- Members of the praise team
- Ushers
- Lectors
- Alter servers
- Eucharistic Ministers
Organizational and leadership skills are sharpened outside of worship through planning and executing two annual retreats and leading the Cadet Catholic Parish Advisory Council.
The Catholic Chaplains are always available for spiritual direction, confessions, prayer, counsel, support and encouragement.
Service Times:
Type of Service Day Time Location Catholic Mass Sunday 9 a.m. Polaris Hall -
Sikh
Details
For Academy cadets of Sikh faith, opportunities to worship are available in the local Colorado Springs area. A Sikh point of contact exists for cadets to connect with for spiritual growth.
For more information, please contact the Cadet Chapel Staff at (719) 333-2636.
SIKH TEMPLE LOCATION
Guru Ghar Colorado Springs
4330 Iron Horse Trail
Colorado Springs, CO
80917 -
Other Faiths
Cadets are always encouraged to explore their own religious traditions. For other faith groups at the Academy that do not have a chaplain representative or Distinctive Religious Group Leader to lead their program, such as Hinduism and Sikhism, cadets are connected with local worshiping communities of that faith.
For more information, please contact the Cadet Chapel Staff at (719) 333-2636.
Contact Us
Cadet Chapel
2306 Sijan Drive
U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840
(719) 333-2636
cadet.chapel@afacademy.af.edu