Sharing Christ’s Love at McMaster: Ecumenical Chaplaincy  

A Welcoming Presence on Campus 

At the heart of McMaster University, the Ecumenical Chaplaincy Centre is a place of compassion, spiritual care, and belonging. As campus life has returned to full vibrancy, the Chaplaincy has adapted to meet students’ evolving needs, offering a sanctuary for rest, connection, and holistic well-being. 

Ministry Rooted in Community 

Rooted in the Anglican tradition and ecumenical in spirit, the Chaplaincy Centre 

welcomes students from all backgrounds and faiths. Its mission is to walk alongside young adults as they navigate university life, providing spiritual and pastoral care, fostering relationships, and creating a safe space for exploration and growth. 

Every cup of soup served, every conversation held, and every event hosted is an act of love—an embodiment of the diocesan mission, “Called to Life – Compelled to Love.” The Chaplaincy’s work is a living example of faith in action. 

Programs That Make a Difference 

• Soup and Spirit:
  A cornerstone outreach, serving over 2,800 cups of soup last year. This weekly program nourishes students and offers a moment to pause, connect, and seek guidance. Seasonal treats and creative activities, like Valentine’s cookie decorating, have made it a beloved fixture. 

• Exam Hospitality:
  During stressful exam periods, the Chaplaincy provides a warm welcome, homemade cookies, and a quiet space to decompress. With over 1,800 student drop-ins the last school year, this volunteer-driven initiative is a lifeline for many, supported by local churches and businesses. 

• Chaplaincy Wellness Week:
  A new initiative focusing on holistic well-being—faith, friends, family, fitness, food, fun, and future. Collaborative events, from meal prep to creative workshops, help students build resilience and community. 

• Art in the Hallways:
  Launched during Black History Month, this annual event transforms the Chaplaincy’s hallways into a vibrant gallery, celebrating Black artists and interfaith dialogue, and reflecting the Centre’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural awareness. 

• Meditation Mondays (Launching 2025/26):
  A new program to cultivate self-awareness and compassion, providing a dedicated space for reflection amidst the busyness of campus life.

Building for the Future 

With McMaster’s student body growing in size and diversity, the need for faith-based mental health support and culturally sensitive spiritual care is rising. The Chaplaincy aims to expand its programs—serving over 5,000 cups of soup and increasing exam hospitality outreach—while introducing new initiatives that intersect with all aspects of student life. 

The return of Rev. Charles Meeks as Ecumenical Chaplain promises renewed collaboration with local Anglican churches, especially St. Paul’s in Westdale, strengthening the Chaplaincy’s Anglican roots and ecumenical partnerships. 

Why Your Support Matters 

The Chaplaincy’s impact is made possible by the generosity of Anglican, United, and Presbyterian partners, as well as individual donors. However, personal contributions have declined in recent years. In this era, where there is global economic vulnerability and an increase in housing and food insecurities, continuous support of the Chaplaincy is pivotal for all students at McMaster, particularly the most vulnerable.  

Every donation is an investment in the spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being of McMaster students. Your generosity enables: 

• Holistic care through diverse programming 

• Community building and belonging 

• Faith development and spiritual exploration 

• Outreach and inclusion for all backgrounds 

Join Us in Ministry 

As Anglicans, we are called to bear witness to Christ’s love in every corner of our communities. The Chaplaincy Centre at McMaster is a living example—serving, listening, and loving in tangible ways. Your prayers, presence, and financial gifts make this ministry possible.