Is the Church truly universal? Does Christ’s compassion extend around the world? If the answer to those questions is ‘yes’, then we are invited to help bring Christ’s compassion to the world through Chalice.

Chalice is a charitable organization with a global reach that assists children and families in developing countries. It is also an organization that instantly mobilized in response to the earthquakes in Haiti last January and more recently to the families left homeless by the war in Ukraine. This year is special, as Chalice is celebrating 30 years of life-changing, compassionate work.

Chalice was formed in Springhill, Nova Scotia, 30 years ago by Father
Patrick Cosgrove, who remains dedicated to Chalice as their president
to this day. Tucked away on Union Street in Bedford, a dedicated staff coordinate a worldwide relief and development agency that improves the lives of thousands.

One of the ways Chalice stands out among the many agencies assisting those most in need is by ensuring that any money donated is at work to make lives better. Their records show that 90.5 percent of all money donated go directly to assisting families and children in need, which has garnered Chalice many awards and recognition. Another significant part of Chalice’s culture is faith. They want to bring ‘Christ to the poor, and the poor to Christ,’ as their purpose statement says. Their mission is to reveal God’s love in action by serving the poor with the global Catholic community.

Through Chalice, Saint Benedict Parish has sponsored two children: Fiella, who is 14 years old and lives in Manila, The Philippines, and Prosper, who is also 14 years old, and lives in Random, Ghana. Over the years, our parish’s children have donated at the ‘little church’ (the small model of our church building at the altar steps) every weekend to support Fiella and Prosper. (During these restricted times of the pandemic, the physical ‘little church’ had to be put aside, but you can still give to the fund online by going to saintbenedict.ca/give, clicking on Online Giving, and selecting ‘Little Church’ for your donation.)

In communities fraught with war, natural disasters, and starvation, Chalice is a beacon of hope in an uncertain world.

“We all want to stand on our own and be independent, and usually we are,” says Fr. Pat. “But in that small moment of need, and that small gift of kindness, we experience God in our world. And when we are that person for another, we discover the truth of Mother Teresa’s words, ‘God has no hands but yours.’”

For 30 years, this amazing gem of Christian love has grown and thrived right here in our province. Let’s take time to celebrate the continuing impact this amazing organization has. Let’s all celebrate in prayer. Happy 30th Anniversary, Chalice!

If you wish to sponsor a child or make a donation to Chalice’s projects, visit them online at chalice.ca. You can also take time to read a few of the touching stories shared there.