Interfaith Centre

As a SAIT alumnus, Art enjoyed a life of adventure in the air ambulance industry — bringing help and hope to some critical scenarios over the years.

His intense career experiences stirred in him difficult questions of life and death, meaning and purpose. Art says his journey has led him through a "theology of grace" into deeper spirituality, community and conviction.

What's a chaplain?

Oooo, great question. I feel it means different things to people. Some would look to us as pastors or priests with whom they can find like-minded community and spiritual guidance. Others are looking for a safe place to ask questions and gain perspective. Essentially, I guess we’re sounding boards — people who can speak encouragement and offer perspective.

Ask me about...

Anything! I absolutely love: hockey (sports in general, but come on, I'm Canadian), coffee (fresh, hand-ground in my office or in my "second office", The Odyssey), technology (ask me about my watch), family (I'm blessed with the best wife and son in the history of the world), spirituality (meaning and purpose — for me, the answers are nestled deep in my own faith journey), food and culture, the list goes on.

What does interfaith mean to me?

To me, interfaith is about not merely tolerating different faiths or non-faith but finding ways to celebrate each other while recognizing the differences.

Contact

art.kung@sait.ca
403.542.0414
Monday to Friday, 9 am – 4 pm

What's a chaplain?

A chaplain is someone who takes care of their related faith community. As the Catholic Chaplain I would provide pastoral care through spiritual direction, confession, growing in better relationship with God and connecting you with Catholic young adult events throughout the city. I am also a resource for those who are not Catholic as well and would be interested in comparing and contrasting faiths or learning more about Catholicism.

Ask me about...

Ask me about the St Francis Xavier Chaplaincy (SFXC) which is a hub for all young adult Catholics (university, young professionals, young couples) to gather in worship and fellowship and formation at St. Mary's Cathedral.

Ask me about how to connect with God. The Christian God is one who is waiting to reach out to you, in fact He is already seeking you out. The Christian life is not just about us seeking God, but God seeking us first and allowing him to find us. We are the ones running away from God.

What does interfaith mean to me?

Interfaith means sharing in the perspective of other religions and finding unity where we can but at the same time have honest dialogue about what makes us unique in our perspectives while at the same time engaging in a loving, respectful way.

Contact

Troy.Nguyen@sait.ca
587.288.6150 (text only)
Fridays, 10 am – 2 pm

Born and raised in Calgary, Margaret completed her post-secondary at U of A and Augustana University and her MDiv. In Saskatoon. Ordained into the Lutheran church, she serves not only as chaplain, but also a pastor of Historic Trinity Lutheran Church downtown. Although she’s not an athlete herself, she loves watching her children play sports and seeing them excel with gifts so differently from her own. Margaret loves the arts, especially painting, ceramics, stained glass, jewelry, sculpture, and architecture.

What is a Chaplain?

Depends on who you talk to... For me, it’s a person trained to provide Spiritual Care for people in the institution you work for. At SAIT, this would include students, staff, faculty, and alumni of SAIT. But the truth of the matter is that my position is funded by my faith community, and my faith community would expand the demographic to include the wider community and beyond. So, the question might be, what is Spiritual Care? For me, spiritual care is providing care and support for an individual’s sense of meaning, and purpose through either their relationship to the divine (God) and the World. This includes others through community, with ourselves, and with creation (nature). Sometimes we do this through rituals, being in community with others, introspection, and experiencing beauty and joy. I can’t say I have any answers, but certainly can provide a listening ear and resources to support others who are wanting to explore, or continue in their spiritual life.

Ask me about...

Anything… But I probably won’t have much to tell you because I prefer to listen. I love listening to the story of others and hearing what God is up to in the lives of others. But I can probably talk your ear off about my beloved pet Sam, a bearded dragon who went missing for 3 weeks this summer and survived our suburban neighborhood filled with magpies, cats, and hawks!

What does interfaith mean to me?

It’s the intentional conversation, understanding and work different faith groups do to manifest the goodness of one another and the world. This goes beyond just tolerating one another, but acknowledging the need and value of the different traditions, understandings and faiths that divide us so we no longer ‘other’ one another. In seeing and valuing the beauty of another, we can also see and value the beauty of our own traditions more fully.

Contact

Margaret.Koizumi@sait.ca
403.471.9895
Fridays, 11 am - 4 pm

I came from Hong Kong and received my high school, university and Seminary education in Saskatchewan. Later, I also completed my graduate studies at the University of Alberta. I was ordained by the Rhenish Church (Lutheran Denomination) Hong Kong Synod and served as parish pastor and the school principal in Hong Kong.

In 1990, I was accepted into the Clergy Roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and served as the parish pastor with the New Life Lutheran Church in Edmonton. In 2007, I was appointed by the Bishop of Alberta Synod, ELCIC, as the Mission Developer in the Northwest area of Calgary and later served as the parish pastor of the Mission Church — Abundant Life Lutheran Church in Calgary. In August 2022, the Lutheran Care Ministry was set up under the auspices of the Alberta Synod ELCIC to assist international students and their families from Hong Kong.

My wife Amy is a schoolteacher, and my daughter Debbie works with an accounting firm.

Contact

peter.chau@sait.ca
403.389.8145
Monday and Wednesday, 9 am - 4 pm

Sheikh Iqbal Gora, Islam (Sunni)

Iqbal is a proudly born-and-raised Calgarian Muslim. His spiritual and religious journey began with the memorization of the Qur'ān which then followed with completing a six-year intensive, graduating with 'Alimiyyah in Islamic Studies from Dār al-Ulūm al-‘Arabiyyah al-Islāmiyyah in Cape Town, South Africa. Iqbal served as Imam of Calgary's oldest masjid - Calgary Islamic Centre - SW Masjid for two years. Additionally, he led tour groups to the Islamic sacred sites of Makkah and Madinah, and served as principal of the Islamic Centre of South Calgary's Weekend Qur'ān School. Presently, Iqbal is serving as the resident Imam of NW Islamic Centre/Ranchlands Musallah with the Islamic Association of Northwest Calgary. He has been active in delivering Friday (Jumu’ah) sermons in the city for six years, and currently alternates between the NW Islamic Centre (Ranchlands) and Maryam Masjid (Beddington). Sheikh Iqbal is also a proud member of the SAIT alumni and graduated with a diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology!

What is a Chaplain?

A chaplain supports the spiritual and emotional needs of students and staff. Chaplains organize religious activities, provide counselling, and foster a sense of community and inclusion. From an Islamic paradigm, being a chaplain follows the Prophetic teachings of offering good will and sincere advice.

Ask me about...

Theology, public speaking, and... engineering! As a graduate of SAIT's MET program, I am always keen to discuss and learn more about the latest trends and developments in engineering (or help you on your homework!). I have a special interest in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and in aviation (I used to de-ice planes at the Calgary International Airport). Additionally, I enjoy the process of researching a topic and presenting it to large groups of people and teaching others the art of effective communication - a critical skill for any professional! Lastly, do you want to have a detailed dialogue on theology, the meaning of life and death, or ethics and morality? Let's talk!

What does interfaith mean to me?

As a Muslim, interfaith means adhering to three beautiful Qur'ānic principles:

1. We were created into nations and tribes so that we may get to know one another.
2. Finding common ground with one another.
3. Establishing conversations - and even debates, with exemplary character.

Contact

iqbal.gora@sait.ca
403.437.2325
Monday - Thursday, 3 - 4 pm

Hi, I’m Becky, an international student from Hong Kong. I am currently in my second year of studying Interactive Design, focusing on User Experience. I’m passionate about creativity and love all things blue because Stitch is my favourite Disney character; I even think I share some of his playful energy!

As an Interfaith Centre LEADS, I’m excited to create a welcoming environment where diverse perspectives come together. I look forward to fostering connections and supporting a community celebrating cultural and spiritual diversity where everyone feels valued and can explore their beliefs in a supportive environment.

My name is Owen Taylor, and I am in my second year of the Water Wastewater Treatment Operations program at SAIT. I was born and raised in Calgary, and I am a massive foodie. I love rock climbing and cross country and am proud to be on the SAIT Trojans Cross Country team.

I signed up to become a member of the Interfaith LEADS because one of my joys in life is exploring conversations about meaning, philosophy and spirituality. I am a long-time fan of the show "Closer to Truth" by Robert Lawrence Kuhn and am always open to having a thought-provoking dialogue.

My name is Neil, and I’m currently pursuing an Object-Oriented Software Development certificate at SAIT. Originally from the Philippines, I’m a family man with two kids and enjoy playing basketball and volleyball in my free time. I’m passionate about learning new technologies and working on innovative solutions.

As an Interfaith Centre LEADS, I’m excited to help build a sense of community and promote understanding among individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering meaningful conversations and connections. I look forward to supporting others on their personal and spiritual journeys.

Hi, I'm Clara from Taiwan! I have a passion for exploring new places and experiencing different cultures through travel. Being a foodie, I love trying out all kinds of foods and finding new favourite dishes. I'm currently on an exciting journey in Software Development at SAIT, where I'm expanding my skills and knowledge.

As an Interfaith Centre LEADS, I'm thrilled about the opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds, have meaningful conversations, and help create an inclusive and supportive community. I can't wait to see the positive impact we can make together!

My name is Hope; I'm a student at SAIT in the Business Administration program, majoring in Accounting. I am passionate about building bridges across different cultures and religious backgrounds.

I can speak French.

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