News

The year the Sisters of Charity Halifax will celebrate 175 years of service.

To recognize and offer gratitude for their ministry there will be a Liturgy of Thanksgiving on Saturday, May 11 at 12:15pm at Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica.  Archbishop Dunn presiding. A reception will follow.  All are welcome!

The Christian Medical and Dental Association Canada (CMDA) is inviting people to join them for a vital discussion on MAiD in Canada with Deacon Larry Worthen Executive Director of CMDA Canada.  Two sessions are planned:  Tuesday, May 14 at the Rock Church (222 Sackville Dr) and Thursday, May 16 at Good Shepherd Parish, Saint Agnes Church (6903 Mumford Rd). The conversation will explore MAiD policies, how to advocate for alternatives, and conscientious practice. Both events begin at 7:00pm and will be in person and available by Zoom. 

Please RSVP for either event:  https://cmdacanada.org/event/whats-wrong-with-maid

Franciscan LEAD is back in Halifax for the first time since 2019!

This leadership retreat happens in the week leading up to our Steubenville Atlantic youth conference and is aimed at high school students. The programming is based on the foundation that youth leadership flows from a personal relationship with Christ. During the retreat teens will be given the tools to grow closer in their relationship with Jesus along with the essentials for servant leadership and evangelization.  Get a glimpse of what LEAD is like by clicking here.

Rising sea levels due to climate warming are affecting Nova Scotians as well as our sisters and brothers around the world. We read in Laudato Si' that one quarter of our world's population live on or near the coast. Pope Francis has called on all people to protect God's gifts of Creation and this includes protecting our coasts from a path of development that contributes to further destroying coastal ecosystems, communities, and livelihoods. As the Pope has stated, humanity needs to unite “to protect and restore marine, coastal, and river ecosystems.”

Join in solidarity with members of Development and Peace - Caritas Canada in a Coastal Protection Act Rally (sponsored by the Ecology Action Centre, Nature NS, and the Coastal Protection Coalition) to be held on May 8 12-2 p.m. at the NS Legislature (1726 Hollis St. Kjipuktuk/Halifax). We will be carrying a Development and Peace banner. Rain date is May 9th.

Next week the Barat Spirituality Centre will host an evening of input and practice about Contemplating to Create a Climate of Change.  The hour and half  session will look at questions such as 'What is the connection between care for our common home and prayer?  Why does it matter to our health as a people of faith to believe that the two are inextricably bound? 

This session will be facilitated by Anne Marie Conn, RSCJ and Cathy Driscoll, Ph. D, Professor Emerita, Department of Management, Sobey School of Business, Saint Mary's University.

Session: Contemplting to Create a Climate of Change

When: May 14 from 7:00 to 8:30pm

Where: Barat Spirituality Centre, 1455 Summer St. Halifax

To register, please call (902) 456-6112 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

St. Monica’s Catholic Women’s League in the valley will host a Women’s Retreat from May 17-19. They extend a heartfelt invitation to all women throughout the Archdiocese to attend.  Fr. Dominic Sultana, International Retreat Leader, who is currently on internship at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Dartmouth,  will be the facilitator.  

In the routine and bustle of daily life, finding moments for spiritual renewal is essential, yet often overlooked.  During this retreat, you will have the opportunity to pause, reflect, and explore deeper meanings at as together we each focus on “finding my life’s purpose".  This special gathering is for women of all ages, as we seek to nurture our spiritual growth and to discern our unique purpose as it is evolving in the different stages and circumstances of our lives.  It will take place at St. Monica's church hall in Middleton, Annapolis Valley on Friday, May 17, 6:00 - 8:00 pm; Saturday, May 18, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm (followed by opportunity for Sacrament of Confession); and Sunday, May 19, 9:00 am - Noon, including Mass.  The retreat is free and includes lunch and refreshments.   To help us plan well, please register by contacting Mary Crooks at 902-825-6495 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., preferably by May 11.  Come and be nourished by the meaningful presentations, uplifting companionship with other women in faith, and singing with joy!   

Development and Peace Caritas Canada’s initiative, Share Year Round Monthly Donations is a project that is supported by various religious communities, and they are inviting you to also take part!  Your donation transforms the lives of some of our most vulnerable sisters and brothers across the world. 

This Sunday we celebrate Mother’s Day!  As we give thanks to all mothers and mother figures – passed, present, and future – we ask God to bless them and all they do for their families and communities.