Annual Convention 2026
The Catholic Health Associations of Saskatchewan’s Annual Convention will be held October 29-30, 2026 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
The most beautiful sound you will ever hear in your life is the voice of God. That stands to reason because God is beauty itself and all that is beautiful has been created by God.
The title of the CHAS Convention this year is, Shared Vision, Sacred Work: Growing Healing Communities. At the heart of this title is a beautiful calling – the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. It is the mission of Catholic Health Care; it is our mission. We discover that mission when we hear the sound of God’s voice inviting us to share in a sacred work that grows healing communities.
Meet Our Speakers:
Most Reverend Susai Jesu, OMI, Archbishop of Keewatin-Le Pas, will be our keynote presenter opening this year’s CHAS convention. Archbishop Susai brings a profound depth of pastoral experience, academic insight, and a heart for reconciliation to our gathering. He will set the tone for our time together with a foundational presentation on Mission, exploring how we can continue to strengthen and live out the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.
Physician lead for the SHA Palliative care Provincial Clinical Network
Assistant Professor at the University of Saskatchewan (Department of Family Medicine)
Board Member of the Canadian Society of Palliative Medicine
Ryan Straschnitzki is a renowned keynote speaker, sharing his powerful story of survival and resilience after the Humboldt Broncos bus crash that left him paralyzed from the chest down.
Through his inspiring talks, Ryan motivates audiences by discussing mental toughness, overcoming adversity, and the importance of positivity in the face of life’s challenges.
As the founder of the Straz Strong Foundation and a Paralympic hopeful, Ryan’s mission is to use his platform to raise awareness about disabilities and inspire others to pursue their goals, no matter the obstacles.
Carrie Dornstauder, RN and Lecina Hicke, BA, CFRE
Carrie Dornstauder is a registered nurse with 27 years across urban, rural, and provincial healthcare. Now, she is Executive Director at St. Paul’s Hospital and Hospice at Glengarda. Carrie previously led Maternal and Children’s Provincial Programs for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, with a track record for building major projects like the Prince Albert NICU and Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, plus doing trauma-informed work on child-apprehension prevention. Carrie is grounded in Catholic healthcare’s mission of dignity and community.
Lecina Hicke is the CEO of St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, leading a 14-person team and 15+ years at the intersection of philanthropy, healthcare, and governance. Lecina helped launch the Foundation’s new shared identity “Together, for Good” rooted in the Grey Nuns’ legacy, and drove two major campaigns.
Dr. Chartier is a clinical psychologist with over 40 years of experience in private practice, community service and postsecondary education at St. Thomas More College. He founded CASA Psychological Services in 1989, which has grown into a prominent group private practice in Saskatoon.
Dr. Christine G. Taylor, D. Min.
Director of Evangelization and Catechesis with Oversight of the Diocesan Pastoral Care Ministries for the Diocese of Prince Albert
Breakout Sessions
Attendees can choose to either attend both breakout sessions or attend the Mount St. Joseph’s Tour.
Breakout Session: Constructing human centered health care in the age of Artificial Intelligence
Inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, participants will be invited to continue building on the ‘construction site’ of Catholic health care. This workshop aims to develop practical steps to ensure that AI is used to promote integral human development in our hospitals and care homes.
Michael MacFadden, MN-NP(PHC) CHPCN© CHE
Breakout Session: What Makes a Good Last Chapter?
This session will help us understand what matters most in end-of-life care. By exploring what dignity, comfort, faith, culture, family, and choice can look like near the end of life, participants will learn the importance of communication and relationships as the facilitators of compassionate, people-centred service.
Mont St. Joseph Home Tour
Discover Compassionate Care in Action: Mont St. Joseph Home Tour
Founded in response to a visionary request from Bishop Blais in 1953, Mont St. Joseph Home has grown from its original 1956 sanctuary into a recognized provincial leader in Dementia and Palliative Care. Sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Prince Albert, Mont St. Joseph stands as a beacon of compassionate care—anchored in Catholic ethics, Christian values, and a mission to serve the mind, body, and spirit.
On this special tour, you will step inside a vibrant community that puts personhood first. Discover how Mont St. Joseph weaves its faith-filled mission into everyday life through the Seven Domains of Well-Being: Identity, Growth, Autonomy, Security, Connectedness, Meaning & Joy.
Come see firsthand how history, faith, and forward-thinking care unite to create a place where residents don’t just reside—they truly thrive. Click here to view the virtual tour on their website.
Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan 