Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan news release
The Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan (CHAS) has announced the appointment of Peter Oliver of Saskatoon as Executive Director.
CHAS is a provincial organization that provides a network of support and resources for all who share in the healing ministry of Christ, whether in hospitals, care homes, parishes or in the community. CHAS also works to protect and promote Catholic health care.
Peter Oliver brings a rich background in ministry to the position — first as an Oblate of Mary Immaculate in temporary vows, later as a Pastoral Associate at St. Michael Parish in Leduc, Alberta, then as a chaplain with provincial and federal corrections in Saskatoon.
When not at the CHAS desk, he is involved in a ministry that responds to couples experiencing a marital crisis. Oliver has also worked intensively with people suffering from mental and physical disabilities in institutional and private settings.
He took up his new role on Nov 1, 2021.
Archbishop Donald Bolen, a member of the CHAS board of directors, expressed his appreciation for Oliver’s willingness to serve with CHAS saying, “It is with gratitude and real hope that we embark with Peter on a journey, one that can bring true transformation to a world that is still gripped by the difficulties arising from the pandemic – a world that longs for the Good News that is so central to our vision for Catholic health care today.”
Board of Director Chair Ethna Martin welcomed Oliver to his new position with CHAS at the organization’s 2021 Annual General Meeting. She also thanked Blake Sittler who served as the Executive Director at CHAS since April 2019. Blake has been Director of Missions at St. Paul’s Hospital since March 2021 but remained with CHAS until the new Executive Director was hired.
Oliver said he wants to bring to the position a very personal appreciation for the gift of Catholic Health Care, his love of the Church, and fortitude that is grounded in prayer. Oliver said that he is looking forward to his new role at CHAS and hopes he can soon visit all 16 of the institutions that CHAS serves in Saskatchewan.
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