Our time on earth is very short," says Al Pierog, former Chief Operating Officer of Catholic Social Services (CSS). "As a result, I feel we have an urgent responsibility to carry out our personal missions in life that support and foster Jesus' work."

Well-known and respected for his leadership and contributions to social services, Al is now carrying out his personal mission with Caritas. On November 1, he began his new post as Vice President of Continuing Care at the Edmonton General. "I feel fortunate to serve in yet another position where the organization's values are consistent with my own," said Al in a recent interview in his new office.

Al's journey of service with faith-based organizations began at CSS in 1979 as Program Supervisor. In 1996, with Monsignor Bill Irwin's retirement from his role as President of Catholic Social Services, AI was appointed Chief Operating Officer of CSS. He has served with numerous local and national organizations, and continues his membership with the Knights of Columbus and Rotary International. In 2003, Al received his Queen's Jubilee Medal for his work with Family Service Canada and the Child Welfare League of Canada.

In his new role at Caritas, Al provides leadership to Caritas Health Group continuing care, including the efforts of 900 staff and 350 volunteers who care for 430 residents at the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre. Al is excited to continue his participation in the healing ministry of Jesus. "I believe very strongly in the mission of Caritas, which is 'healing the body, enriching the mind and nurturing the soul,'" says Al only three days into his new position. "Spiritual needs are essential human needs. As a faith-based organization, Caritas has an important role to play in the broader health care system."

When asked what guides him in his career and life path choices, Al speaks of his sense of personal mission and Catholic social teaching. "Let courage, perseverance and integrity define my life and service to God,” is hand – scribbled inside the day-timer he carries from meeting to meeting. "Our Catholic social teaching gives us a clear context for approach to service of our community," continues AI. "I see this teaching very simply as the belief that each person is sacred. In this light, whether someone is poor or rich, a caregiver or in care-each has inherent value and dignity. Everything else-including the need to be respectful, thoughtful, caring and compassionate-simply follows from that basic tenet."