Ministry of Care and Companionship

We follow the example of Jesus and Mary
as we care for the sick and comfort the dying.

As Catholics we are Christian disciples committed to follow the way of the Lord whose response to suffering was to provide care! As Christ healed the sick and broken-hearted with his acts of compassion, our present Christian response to suffering must be in keeping with Christ’s actions by transforming suffering with meaning. When there is no meaning to suffering, that is when it is only pain, and of course people become afraid, angry and depressed. But where there is meaning, because there is love and proper care, in a community of support, suffering can become sacrifice! Sacrifice, in our Christian perspective, is not just another word for ‘put up with’. It literally means, from its Latin root, to make something ‘sacred’. Archbishop Anthony Mancini June 5, 2016 Letter to the Faithful.

Death of St. Joseph

Stain Glass Window, St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica, Halifax, NS

An evangelizing community knows that the Lord has taken the initiative, he has loved us first. It has an endless desire to show mercy, the fruit of its own experience of the power of the Father’s infinite mercy. Let us try a little harder to take the first step and to become involved. The Lord gets involved and he involves his own, as he kneels to wash their feet. An evangelizing community gets involved by word and deed in people’s daily lives; it bridges distances, it is willing to abase itself if necessary and it embraces human life, touching the suffering flesh of Christ in others. An evangelizing community is also supportive, standing by people at every step of the way, no matter how difficult or lengthy this may prove to be. Pope Francis 2013 Evangelii Gaudium, The Joy of the Gospel. #24.

What’s Wrong with MAiD?

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

Speak Up for Conscience Protection

In recent weeks there has been some attention in the news about Nova Scotia doctors and conscience protection. The Nova Scotia medical regulator is pushing through a policy that would force physicians to refer patients for euthanasia, abortion, and transgender services. Twenty-three courageous Christian physicians have told Nova Scotia’s medical regulator that they cannot abide by this new draft policy.

Imagine a healthcare system where death is considered a therapeutic treatment. Imagine being a Christian doctor in that system. Imagine being told by your medical regulator that you are abandoning your patient if you don’t make arrangements for them to get an assessment for euthanasia. That healthcare system is in Nova Scotia today.

Conscience Protection for Nova Scotia Doctors

Imagine a healthcare system where death is considered a therapeutic treatment. Imagine being a Christian doctor in that system. Imagine being told by your medical regulator that you are abandoning your patient if you don’t make arrangements for them to get an assessment for euthanasia. That healthcare system is in Nova Scotia today. The Nova Scotia medical regulator is pushing through a policy that would force physicians to refer patients for euthanasia, abortion, and transgender services. Twenty-three courageous Christian physicians have told Nova Scotia’s medical regulator that they cannot abide by this new draft policy.

World Day of the Sick

February 11 has been designated as the World Day of the Sick since 1992 by Pope Saint John Paul II. A few weeks ago Pope Francis offered a message for the 32^nd Word Day of the Sick entitled: ““It is not good that man should be alone”: Healing the Sick by Healing Relationships.

Echoing the Holy Father's message, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) renews its commitment to prayer and accompaniment of the sick and encourages the faithful across Canada to remember with compassion all who are sick and those that care for them. They offer a prayer card for World Day of the Sick that you can view here (pdf).

Dying With Christ – Living With Hope

This program is a three-part series that presents a hope-filled perspective on a universal experience using video presentations, a workbook, and small group discussions. The video presentations, featuring theologians and healthcare professionals, give timeless perspectives on suffering, grief, dying, our duty to care, and how dying with Christ is attainable for everyone.