The Church exists not only to support our own members but to reach out to all of God’s people, especially those most in need. Together as a diocesan family, we are making a difference in people’s lives.
Reaching Out in Love
The Church exists not only to support our own members but to reach out to all of God’s people, especially those most in need. As a diocese, together we offer these ministries without expectation that we will receive anything in return, and yet, in God’s abundant generosity, we often find that we ourselves are deeply fed by our service, and that some of those who are served find a way into the Church, in turn building it up!
Spiritual Care
When people find themselves in need, the Church is called to be with them, to listen and to share life’s struggles and joys. These ministries funded by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal bring the good news to people in our pews and beyond, communicating by our presence that God never abandons us.
Hospital Chaplaincy – Priests and chaplains are assisted by many lay volunteers who visit, distribute communion and bring the compassion of Christ to those at Royal University and Saskatoon City Hospitals. Your gift also supports spiritual care provided at St. Paul’s Hospital.
Deaf Ministry – provides sign language interpreting services at St. Paul’s Cathedral and at other religious services as needed.
Restorative (Prison) Ministry – offers pastoral care to inmates and victims of crime, while also training and coordinating volunteers and engaging parishes in this ministry of healing compassion.
Community Outreach and Justice
The programs and ministries in the area of community outreach and justice advocate against poverty, feed the hungry, protect the defenseless, and build relationships of support that allow people to take their own steps toward healing and health.
Office of Migration – The Diocese of Saskatoon is a government-approved Sponsorship Agreement Holder, with the diocesan Office of Migration providing vital coordination and train to parishes and groups privately sponsoring refugees from around the world who are fleeing war, violence and persecution.
Marriage and Family Life – offers marriage preparation and enrichment programs, such as outreach for couples experiencing difficulties in their marriage (Retrouvaille); for those who are separated or divorced (Transitions); for those grieving the death of a spouse (from Mourning to Dawn); and families dealing with miscarriage (Miscarriage Awareness Committee).
Office of Justice and Peace – works alongside parishioners, ministries and community organizations providing education and service relating to Catholic social teaching, justice, peace and life issues.
Catholic Family Services – provides qualified personnel for counseling, marriage preparation, specialized programs and children’s services to enrich and sustain family life.
Friendship Inn – Vulnerable people find sanctuary at the Saskatoon Friendship Inn, a community centre that evolved from a soup kitchen established by concerned Christians. Those seeking meals another services at the Inn include those struggling to survive on a fixed income, people experiencing addictions and mental health issues, single mothers and fathers, children, and seniors.
Unity
In a world that constantly doubts the relevance of faith, our mission as a Church to be God’s unified people is more important than ever. These ministries foster collaboration between parishes in the Catholic diocese and with our Christian brothers and sisters wherever possible, that the world might see Jesus reaching out in love in all of us.
Prairie Centre for Ecumenism – The Prairie Centre for Ecumenism promotes inter-Christian dialogue and cooperative projects at the congregational and regional levels. Workshops, retreats, gatherings and educational newsletters offer opportunities for prayer and dialogue.
Ecumenical Commission – facilitates education about ecumenical work, provides opportunities for ecumenical dialogues and participates in ecumenical initiatives on behalf of the people of the diocese.