The Welcome Home - A Mission of St. Alphonsus Inc.

The Welcome Home - A Mission of St. Alphonsus Inc. is a Canadian registered nonprofit organization and Catholic ministry based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Established in 1993, it operates under the spiritual guidance of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly known as the Redemptorists, a Catholic religious order founded by St. Alphonsus Liguori in 1732. The organization is dedicated to serving the poor and most abandoned, continuing the Redemptorists’ mission to preach the Gospel and provide compassionate outreach to marginalized communities[2][3][4].

Mission and Vision

The core mission of The Welcome Home is to "preach the Gospel to the poor and the most abandoned," reflecting the Catholic Church’s call to serve those on the periphery of society. It provides a welcoming and safe meeting place for the Catholic community and individuals experiencing poverty, emphasizing spiritual, physical, and emotional nourishment. The ministry embodies the spirit of St. Alphonsus and aligns with Pope Francis’s vision of "warming hearts and healing hurts" by offering Christ-like hospitality and inclusive care for those overlooked by church and society[1][3][4].

Activities and Community Life

The Welcome Home functions both as a ministry outreach and a live-in religious community. It offers weekly and monthly programs that provide support, fellowship, and spiritual growth opportunities for residents of Winnipeg’s North End and beyond. Volunteers and Catholic young adults often live in community alongside the Redemptorists, sharing in the mission and ministries of The Welcome Home. This communal living arrangement fosters deeper relationships and immersion in service to the poor, consistent with St. Alphonsus's requirement that Redemptorists live among those they serve[2][4].

Historical and Theological Foundations

Rooted in the tradition of the Redemptorists, The Welcome Home embraces a long-standing commitment to serving marginalized people, inspired by figures such as St. Alphonsus Liguori and Fr. Achilles Delaere, who ministered selflessly to underserved communities in Canada’s early 20th century. The organization’s theological foundation stresses direct, personal contact with the poor and the creation of "houses of hospitality" as vital expressions of faith and charity in every diocese[2].

Organizational Status

The Welcome Home is registered as a charity with the Canada Revenue Agency under business number 889406773RR0001. Its charitable status allows it to fundraise and operate with transparency and accountability, ensuring donations directly support its programs and outreach efforts[3].

Summary

The Welcome Home - A Mission of St. Alphonsus Inc. represents a living embodiment of Catholic social teaching and missionary zeal accomplished through community service, faith-based hospitality, and a dedicated commitment to those marginalized in both church and society. It continues to be a beacon of hope and a spiritual home for many, true to its founding principles and the ongoing mission of the Redemptorists.

This article is based on information from the official website of The Welcome Home, charity registries, and faith community reports[1][2][3][4].