Director You obviously have some interest in travel, since you have come to this web site. I enjoy preparing for travel and traveling, and I try to do this as part of my special ministry. Ministry to Tourism
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Director: Who is Ralph Kleiter?
On July 1, 1999, Bishop James Weisgerber of Saskatoon Diocese appointed me to the "Ministry to Tourism." I have been involved in parish ministry for over 30 years, and I was in the tourism industry before my ordination. I have continued to have a keen interest in the phenomenon of leisure-tourism. I have been involved in specialized travel for over thirty years. Through this time, my major goal has been to help travelers "discover the Sacred in reflective travel."
The Pontifical Council of the Holy See is encouraging more and more dioceses to establish concrete pastoral or spiritual care for travelers. This is not to be limited to tourists being received, but in helping tourists become more enriched and responsible in their travels. I believe that the Church needs to have a presence, and to dialogue with all those who work with tourists (e.g. travel and hospitality industries.) The Ministry to Tourism is meant to be a response to the initiatives coming forth from Rome in recent years.
I am convinced that good travel design, whether by land, air or sea should reflect our journey through life. This is not unlike a good retreat experience. People can experience in a good travel journey, "a pivotal moment in their spiritual life."
There is an upsurge in the retreat movement and various types of spirituality. Tourism, especially in a Christian perspective, must have a holistic approach that sees the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit.
Director: Rev. Ralph Kleiter
Telephone: (306) 244-3747
Fax: (306) 374-1208
E-Mail: kleiter@shaw.ca
