New Mission and Outreach Coordinator

With deep gratitude and a heart full of emotion, I share that I have been hired as the Mission and Outreach Coordinator at St. Mary’s Parish in the Diocese of Saskatoon—a brand new role, never before existing, but so urgently needed to serve our unhomed, our poor, those struggling with addictions, and our most vulnerable neighbours.

This ministry is rooted in building relationships with those who are often forgotten or cast aside—those abandoned, suffering addictions, and living without shelter. It’s also about awakening a zeal for Christ in our community by collaborating with parishes, support networks, and individuals to put the Gospel into action.

I am humbled beyond words to be entrusted with this sacred mission—especially knowing that a number of other wonderful candidates also discerned and applied for this role.

On the glorious Solemnity of Pentecost, Fr. Kevin McGee (he is the heart of this mission for he is the one that breathed it to life) commissioned me for this ministry, invoking the Holy Spirit and surrounding me with the prayers and blessings of our parish community. As he extended his hands in prayer and the congregation joined him, I felt the love of Christ poured out through His Church. It was a sacred moment—one I will treasure all the days of my life. My heart was overcome with emotion, and I knew with certainty that this calling is not mine alone, but one shared in communion with the Body of Christ. With the strength of those prayers, and the fire of the Holy Spirit within me, I offer myself fully to this mission—heart, mind, and soul—out of love for God and His people.

In 2023, when our parish was prayerfully discerning whether to open our hall as an overnight warm-up centre for the homeless. In that moment of uncertainty, I turned to my boys for reflection. Their response was immediate and unwavering: “Yes.” There was no hesitation—only conviction that this is what Jesus would want. Their yes reminded me of Mary’s yes—faithful, humble, and wholehearted.

From that moment forward, we didn’t just speak about compassion—we lived it. With my sons beside me, and friends occasionally joining us, we began to serve those who felt forgotten by the world. We met people, we built relationships. Through their eyes, I witnessed the purest form of mercy in motion. And from those encounters, a family ministry was born.

Supported by generous hearts—from businesses and schools to parishes and individuals—we offered food, clothing, hygiene supplies, and the consistent presence of love and dignity.

Now, stepping into this new position offers something more: the opportunity to continue this work in a formal way, with greater potential to collaborate with other incredible community services, build lasting partnerships, and create meaningful pathways for many others to join in this growing movement of love and compassion.

My heart was moved with deep empathy and sorrow long before this role existed.

I have witnessed people I’ve loved lose their battles with addiction. I’ve watched friends and community members grieve the loss of their children, siblings, cousins, and dear friends. The heartbreak is real—and I carry those stories with me into this mission. I want to mend hearts. I will do this work in their memory.

At the heart of it all is one question:

What does it mean to be the Face of Christ?

For me, it means showing up in the hard places. It means seeing the person for who they are, not simply the weight they carry. It means offering dignity instead of judgment. Being fully present so that others may feel heard, known, and loved. I pray that when others encounter me—and those who will choose to join this ministry—they encounter Christ Himself.

“Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me.”

— Matthew 25:40

I know there will be sadness within this ministry—moments of heartbreak and heaviness—but Christ will shine like a lighthouse in the storms, guiding us through even the darkest nights. Thankfully, our Lifeguard walks on water.

This calling comes with sacrifice. I ask for prayers as I navigate this with my family.

Shifting from many of the parish ministry roles that have long been part of my identity also brings heavy tears—I want to give my full heart and focus to those who need it most.

Though I feel unworthy, I say yes.

Though the path ahead may hold challenges, I say yes.

Because God’s grace is enough—and I believe that this ministry will stir hearts, change lives, and perhaps even save them... I say yes.

Please pray for me—for strength, for humility, for health and for the Spirit to guide every one of my steps.

Please also pray for my boys—for the sacrifices they are making in this time of change.

Pray for those I will serve—that they may encounter love, dignity, and hope.

And pray that many others will be moved to join this mission of mercy.

“As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord.”

— Joshua 24:15

All for Jesus, Jennifer Nunes