Meet Greg Kern, chaplain, St. Teresa Place
February 5, 2026
By Andrea Carter, communications advisor
For Greg Kern, chaplain at St. Teresa Place, a Covenant Care community in Calgary, chaplaincy is rooted in connection to people, to purpose and to moments that matter.
“It’s really about helping everyone feel part of something meaningful,” he says.
Greg is one of many chaplains across Covenant who support residents, families and staff by providing spiritual and emotional care. Working as part of the interprofessional care team, chaplains help ensure care attends not only to people’s physical needs but also to the deeper questions of meaning, belonging and hope that often arise during illness, aging and loss.
At St. Teresa Place, Greg provides spiritual and emotional care to residents of all faiths and backgrounds, as well as to staff and family members. He regularly visits residents, completes spiritual assessments and develops spiritual care plans that reflect each individual’s unique journey, culture and beliefs. His role is not to impose answers, but to listen and accompany people wherever they are.
"Everyone here suffers in some capacity. My work is to listen and to help them find strength in their spirit."
Chaplain, St. Teresa Place
In addition to providing one-on-one care, Greg leads weekly inclusive worship services for residents, including services tailored for residents living with dementia, and helps co-ordinate celebrations of life that honour residents with dignity and compassion. He also collaborates with recreation therapists and community faith partners to support inclusive programming that nurtures spiritual well-being and connection.
Greg’s work extends beyond residents. As an integrated member of the care team, he supports staff by providing informal check-ins, grief debriefings and ongoing presence, particularly after difficult situations or losses. His availability and willingness to listen help create space for staff to process the emotional realities of their work.
That approach reflects Covenant’s mission and values — particularly compassion and respect — in action.
“When we talk about compassion and respect, we’re talking about how we treat each other,” Greg says.
Greg plays a role in supporting Covenant’s mission, vision and values in other ways across the site. As part of staff orientation, he introduces new team members to Covenant’s purpose and ethical foundations, helping connect everyday care to a deeper sense of meaning and service.
“I tell them that when you serve with compassion and integrity, your work becomes more than a job. It becomes a calling. Everyone’s faith or background may be different, but the shared goal is the same: to serve with heart.”
Greg sees chaplaincy as a natural extension of his ministry and a form of quiet leadership, one grounded in presence, listening and care for the whole person.
“It’s about helping people flourish, feel valued and find meaning in what they do,” he says.