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Catholic Health Care
a ministry | a mission | a movement
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Welcome to October 2024 Edition
October has been a remarkable one for both our CHAM community and the global Catholic Church. As we reach the end of the month, we look back on a month filled with initiatives, events, and meaningful reflections that have strengthened our mission and vision. Below, you’ll find highlights and updates on CHAM’s initiatives, and insights from the recently concluded Synod on Synodality.
This Synod was unique not only because of its scope but also because of its invitation to all members of the Church to actively participate and reflect. Topics ranged from the role of women in the Church to issues of social justice, youth engagement, and the importance of transparency and trust within Church communities. Pope Francis’ leadership throughout the Synod has inspired many, urging us to approach our mission with renewed humility, curiosity, and open hearts.
For us at CHAM, the Synod reinforces our call to serve with compassion and empathy, creating spaces where everyone feels heard and valued. As we look ahead to the coming months, let’s carry forward the spirit of the Synod, fostering dialogue and unity within our own communities. May we continue to walk together, inspired by the teachings and mission of the Church, as we serve with renewed purpose and love.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Wishing you a reflective end to October and a blessed November ahead.
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Embracing the Synod’s Vision in Catholic Health Care
The recently concluded Synod on Synodality stands out as a deeply meaningful moment in the life of the Church. Gathering voices from across the world, the Synod emphasized key values that resonate profoundly within Catholic health care: inclusivity, compassionate presence, and accompaniment in the lives of those we serve. At CHAM, these values inspire us to continue building a future of health care that is both healing and unifying.
One of the Synod’s core messages was the call to a more inclusive and listening Church—a Church that brings forward the voices of the lay community, women, and the marginalized. This spirit of inclusivity lies at the heart of CHAM’s work, as we strive to provide holistic, person-centered care that recognizes the dignity of every individual.
Another central theme of the Synod was the role of pastoral accompaniment. As health care providers, we are entrusted with walking beside individuals through some of life’s most challenging moments. The Synod’s emphasis on pastoral care reminds us that true healing is about more than physical wellness—it includes nurturing the spirit, providing comfort, and ensuring no one feels alone in their journey. Our Spiritual Health Awareness Week activities, which included a series of interviews with spiritual health practitioners, offered opportunities for the community to engage deeply with the role of spiritual care in the healing process.
Catholic health care is rooted in the values that the Synod highlighted: compassion, unity, and a commitment to the holistic care of each person. The Synod’s guidance not only aligns with our mission but also calls us to a renewed dedication to serving our communities with love and integrity.
We invite each member of our CHAM community to carry forward this vision of inclusivity, empathy, and partnership, bringing healing and hope to all those we serve.
For more on the Synod’s reflections, read Winnipeg Free Press's John Longhurst blog documenting his experience attending the Synod in Rome. Synod on Synodality with John Longhurst
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From Vision to Reality: 25 Years of Health Services en Français | As Centre de santé Saint-Boniface celebrates its 25 anniversary, the primary care clinic is honouring the hard work of those who established the centre, but also welcoming more members of the community into their circle. Lorette Beaudry Ferland, a retired health care administrator and board member, was part of the group of dedicated francophones who helped get the Centre up and running in 1999. | | | |
Celebrating Spiritual Health Awareness Week with CHAM | |
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This October, CHAM/IHCAM was proud to celebrate Spiritual Health Awareness Week—an annual event dedicated to recognizing the essential role of spiritual health in overall well-being. This week provided an opportunity to explore how spiritual care enhances the healing journey, offering support that reaches beyond physical and mental health to address the spirit.
To mark the occasion, CHAM/IHCAM organized an inspiring Interview Series with Spiritual Health Practitioners. This series featured interviews with a variety of spiritual health professionals who shared insights on topics such as the role of spirituality in healing, the power of compassionate listening, and the ways spiritual care helps patients find comfort and meaning during challenging times.
For those who missed the live sessions, the full series is available to view on our YouTube channel. This video series provides a unique window into the daily practices, challenges, and rewards of spiritual health practitioners, offering valuable perspectives on how they support patients and families.
We encourage everyone to watch and share these videos to gain a deeper understanding of spiritual health’s profound impact. You can view the full series on our YouTube channel @SpiritualHealthManitoba.
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Social Bridges Project Update: Call for Volunteers!
We’re thrilled to announce a unique opportunity to bring generations together through our upcoming Intergenerational Initiative. We’re calling on volunteers of all ages—young, old, and everyone in between—to join us in creating meaningful connections across generations. This program will provide opportunities to share experiences, learn from one another, and build a stronger, more inclusive community.
Whether you’re interested in sharing your skills, learning new ones, or simply want to make a positive impact, we welcome you to be part of this rewarding journey. Volunteers will have the chance to participate in various activities, from storytelling and mentorship to community projects designed to foster understanding and connection.
Interested in Volunteering?
If you’re ready to contribute to this meaningful initiative, please reach out to us! Contact us at admin@cham.mb.ca . Together, let’s bridge generations and enrich our community!
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The Marriage Milestone Anniversary Mass Celebration hosted by the Archdiocese of Winnipeg has concluded, and it was a truly memorable event. Held at St. Mary’s Cathedral, couples celebrating 10, 25, 40, 50, and 60+ years of marriage gathered to renew their vows and receive blessings from Archbishop Richard Gagnon. The Mass honoured the commitment, love, and resilience of these couples, celebrating their journeys with family, friends, and the broader community.
The Archdiocese has shared a video of Archbishop Gagnon’s message, capturing his reflections on marriage as a sacramental journey and the strength it brings to the Church community.
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Non-Indigenous Roots of Reconciliation Workshop Registration -Winnipeg, MB, November 26-29, 2024.
Workshops are in person unless otherwise indicated. They run daily from 9:00 am to 4:30pm unless otherwise detailed on event listing, doors open at 8:30 am.
Workshop details will be provided to you by the RTS training team closer to the date.
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