What is Community Health Center?

Community Health Center was established in 2005 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Paris as a way to connect with and minister to young adults in the 18-to-39 age range. Community Health Center exists to:

• Connect with young adults and nourish their spiritual life.
• Encourage young adults to make a difference in the world.
• Offer young adults leadership opportunities.
• Collaborate with others.
• Provide resources for parishes and organizations.

We are a part of Fontbonne Ministries, a not-for-profit charitable organization of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Paris that responds practically to social needs by nurturing community with our neighbour. 

How did Community Health Center come about?

The Sisters were exploring new ways to minister to and with young people after a long history in education in Canada. Sister Thérèse Meunier, our first Director, spent three years visioning, reading, learning, talking to people engaged in young adult ministry and gathering information. As she spoke to those in ministry, she discovered a gap in programs and spiritual resources for young adults aged 18-to-39.

The needs of today's young adults were discovered through conversations, meetings and surveys. Young adults told us they wanted assistance with the following: discerning life choices, holding spiritual dialogues, being part of a community and learning more about their faith life. In an effort to stay current on young adults’ needs, we also invite ongoing written feedback from them after events.

Through Community Health Center we would like to connect with young people in new ways. We will provide opportunities for young adults to grow spiritually and encourage them to use their individual gifts to benefit the world.” ~ Sister Thérèse Meunier

Who is Community Health Center for?

Community Health Center welcomes all young adults from Paris and the surrounding region: single, married or divorced, religious, students, employed or not, spiritually minded or struggling with their faith, differently abled... all.

We hope to work with young adults to create a network of Community Health Center!