The Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan (CHAS) 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 brings to the position a rich background in ministry — first as an Oblate of Mary Immaculate in temporary vows, later as a Pastoral Associate at St. Michael’s 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. Peter 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, who is appointed to 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 Peter to his new position with CHAS at the CHAS AGM 2021. She also thanked Blake Sitler who had been the Executive Director at CHAS since April 2019. Blake has been Director of Missions at St. Paul’s Hospital since March 2021 but very kindly 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. 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.