Services & Outreach

OUTREACH AND SERVICES OVERVIEW

The Church is people.

In Matthew’s Gospel, we read this inspiring passage:

“Come, you that are blessed by my Father,
inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;
for I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
I was naked and you gave me clothing,
I was sick and you took care of me,
I was in prison and you visited me.”
Then the righteous will answer him,
“Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food,
or thirsty and gave you something to drink?
And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you,
or naked and gave you clothing?
And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?”
And the king will answer them,
“Truly I tell you,
just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,^*
you did it to me.” 

(Matthew 25:34-40)

The actions by which Jesus says that he will know his followers are:

Feeding the hungry and reaching out to those in need.

The various Christian denominations in inner city St. John’s cooperate to sponsor Emmaus House, which offers food and other services available to the poor and the needy.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has branches in several parishes in St. John’s. This Catholic organization is dedicated to providing assistance to those who need food, clothing, and sometimes shelter.

Welcoming those who need a place of rest.

In the Archdiocese, The Sisters of Mercy and Sisters of the Presentation collaborate to welcome our poor and lonely sisters and brothers at The Gathering Place.

These communities of sisters also undertake many forms of outreach in the inner city of St. John’s, in our rural and outport communities and in our womens’ and youth correctional facilities.

The Lantern, a Christian Spirituality Centre, is an outreach of the Presentation Sisters. It offers many programs, events and opportunities for ongoing adult education and spiritual development.

Caring for the sick.

We offer pastoral care and chaplaincy services at:

• The Waterford Hospital
• St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital
• The General Hospital/Health Sciences Complex
• The Janeway Child Health Care Centre
• The Leonard A. Miller Centre
• St. Patrick’s Mercy Home
• The Hoyle’s-Escasoni Home
• Glenbrook Lodge and Chancellor Park

Visiting those in prison

The Archdiocese of St. John’s and the Sisters of Mercy and Sisters of the Presentation offer pastoral care and chaplaincy services at:

• H.M. Penitentiary
• Work to care for young people, women and men in all areas and aspects of the justice system.

Outreach to youth and Young Adults

The Archdiocese is active in:

• Chaplaincy at Memorial University
• Offering training and formation for leadership in Youth Ministry
• Supporting parishes in their local efforts to reach out to youth and young adults
• Partners with CYAN (Catholic Young Adults of Newfoundland)
• Gathers, accompanies and provides catechesis for those attending special events, such as World Youth Day.

We extend to you an invitation to join us in this mission of love!

Share the Good News!
You may be the Gospel your neighbour needs to hear today.