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.

Dying with Christ, Living with Hope

February 2-8, 2025 is National Catholic Health Care Week in Canada

This week we hold in prayer and pay particular attention to Catholic heath care facilities and the many Catholic healthcare workers. We want to recognize that their faith impacts the work they do. The Catholic Health Alliance of Canada has produced resources for individuals, groups, and parishes to highlight this national week.

The 2025 theme “Caring for our Common Home” celebrates the interconnectedness of all creation and helps us to reflect on how our individual and collective actions and our systems—health, social, economic—can promote a healthy world where all can thrive. It emphasizes the integral connection between human health and the health of the planet, echoing Pope Francis’ call to care for the earth as our common home in Laudato Si.

This year's theme is part of a national priority to mobilize the people of Catholic health in support of environmental stewardship.

The Catholic Health Alliance is excited this year to add a webinar that is open to all on Thursday February 6 from 1300-1430h ET featuring some inspirational stories and helpful information.

Click here to find out more about the webinar above and to access resources for the National Heath Care Week.