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.

On Medical Assistance in Dying and Hope in Christ: A toolkit to share our message

In June 2026, euthanasia, commonly known as MAiD, became legal in Canada. This changed the medical and healthcare landscape for all Canadians. For Canadian Catholics specifically, this raises moral questions that lead to difficult conversations or to their avoidance.

To bring greater awareness, understanding, and faithful action regarding MAiD, the Archdiocese created a toolkit titled "On Medical Assistance in Dying and Hope in Christ: A toolkit to share our message". The toolkit equips people to:

Understand the current context of MAiD in Canada and Nova Scotia
Talk about MAiD with family, friends, and parishioners
Understand our Catholic teaching and stance against MAiD
Access further resources

The toolkit is aimed at clergy, hospital chaplains, and those in pastoral care; however, it is available to all. The toolkit is meant to be used as a DIGITAL RESOURCE on your computer, tablet, or phone, and can be accessed by clicking the toolkit image to the left.

Many of the links within the toolkit connect to the resource directly, apart from the links below:

Dying with Christ, Living with Hope

MAiD Awareness Sunday: April 18, 2026

As Christians, we are called to care for the vulnerable and uphold the dignity of every life. If no action is taken before March 17, 2027, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) will be expanded to include individuals whose only medical condition is mental health-related. Suicidal thinking can be a symptom for those living with mental illness. When patients share their desire to die, it’s time to use suicide prevention strategies.

However, the NS medical regulator requires physicians to offer euthanasia to patients as one of their potential medical treatments without patients requesting that information and, if the patient requests it, sign referral forms so their patients can get euthanasia. Imagine the dilemma of the Christian physician who is forced to help the patient access euthanasia rather than treating them.

We invite parishioners to write to the Honourable Brian Comer, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, to ask for stronger protections, improved mental health supports, and changes to physician legal requirements.

Sign letters at your parish on MAiD Awareness Sunday, April 18 or send your own email using this link: www.nooptionsnochoice.com/english/take-action-nova-scotia-consent

This campaign is being organized by the Christian Medical and Dental Association of Canada (CMDA). For more information on CMDA visit: cmdacanada.org