University of Saskatchewan Ecumenical Chaplaincy

"I’m looking for the chaplain," said the voicemail message last November when I was out of town. "Please, can you help? We need winter coats, toques and mittens. Every day girls and women come to our office and we’ve run out of winter clothing to give out."

Alexia, a peer minister at the Chaplaincy, picked up the message. She called back and spoke with Laura, a former student, who explained, “I’m now working at an agency which helps women and girls get off the street and build new lives. We really need your help.” By the time I returned to work, Alexia and the other peer ministers had already begun to organize a very successful clothing collection. Since then the peer ministers and I have visited the agency, met with the staff, and have plans to have a staff member give a presentation on campus.

We are grateful to the Presbyterian community and Canada Ministries for the support we receive for the Ecumenical Chaplaincy at the University of Saskatchewan. I feel very privileged to serve in this rewarding and worthwhile ministry.

The peer ministers work as a team with me providing activities and pastoral support. It hasn't always been this way. While at times the Chaplaincy has hired a student assistant, most years I’ve struggled as a part-time chaplain with the constraints of limited time, energy and resources for the ministry. The idea of a team ministry presented itself last October when four very capable students indicated an interest in helping with the Chaplaincy.

The peer ministry program provides the opportunity for both peer ministry training and work. The four students bring their own vision, skills and enthusiasm, while I provide the experience and connections that only come with time. Although still in its early stage, the program has already energized the ministry, so I look forward to seeing how it develops!

We are grateful to the Presbyterian community and Canada Ministries for the support we receive for the Ecumenical Chaplaincy at the University of Saskatchewan. I feel very privileged to serve in this rewarding and worthwhile ministry.

— The Reverend Ursula Wiig, University Chaplain