Catholic Social Services

In 1961, the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton recognized several needs in the community that were not being met by existing resources. With the exceptional skills, passion and leadership of then "Father" Bill Irwin, Catholic Social Services commenced operation providing services to people of ALL faiths and cultures.Fr. Bill was 33 years of age when he was asked to lead what would become Catholic Social Services. On August 5, 1961, “Catholic Charities, the Archdiocese of Edmonton”, located at 212 Rene LeMarchand Mansion, opened. In its early days the Agency was mainly a professional family counselling service, but it was also a coordinating body for existing social services under Catholic auspices. The Agency started with Fr. Bill and two trained social workers, Sister Lydia Tyszko and Rosemary Holmes.

The mission of Catholic Social Services is "Inspired by God’s love, our communities will be transformed through service to people of all faiths and cultures."