Founder’s Chronicle

✠ Life and Vocation

Eric’s Parents, brothers, and sisters
Eric’s daughter, Karine, and the three grandchildren

✠ Introduction

The life and ministry of Éric Gagnon must be understood as a progressive journey of service, faith, and continual formation.

Like many works inspired by Providence, Eric Michel Ministries International did not emerge fully formed, but has grown and matured over time. Yet its foundation has remained unchanged:

to serve those most in need, in a spirit of charity, humility, and faith.

✠ Early Life and Formation

Éric Gagnon was born in 1951 in Gatineau (Hull), Québec, into a Catholic family as the first of seven children.

From an early age, a spirit of service marked his life. Beginning in 1960, through youth commitment and community involvement, he embraced a path oriented toward helping others—especially the most vulnerable.

✠ Search for Truth and Intellectual Formation

Since 1966, his life has been marked by a sustained search for truth across many disciplines: science, history, medicine, and above all, religion and spirituality.

This pursuit led to formal studies in communication, theology, and pastoral ministry, reflecting a lifelong discipline of learning and discernment.

✠ Pastoral and Ministerial Journey

Ordained to ministry on December 7, 1988, he began serving as a bi-vocational pastor.

In 2010, he founded Eric Michel Ministries International, later incorporated in Canada in 2014 as a non-profit religious organization.

His ministry developed through pastoral service, chaplaincy, teaching, and theological research, while progressively returning to the Catholic tradition, inspired by the spirituality of Saint Francis.

✠ Service to the Community

A defining dimension of his life has been concrete service to those in need.

Notably:

  • Street Outreach Worker (1993–2000) in the Outaouais region
  • Volunteer involvement in more than twenty non-profit organizations
  • Leadership roles, including Director, Vice-President, and President
  • Participation in community round tables addressing social and health needs

His work consistently focused on those facing hardship, addiction, and social vulnerability.

✠ Professional and Technical Experience

Alongside his ministry, he maintained professional activity in the field of computer services and technical support.

This bi-vocational path reflects a balance between practical work and pastoral mission.

✠ Chaplaincy and Ecclesial Development

In 2011, he formally entered chaplaincy ministry.

This marked a significant expansion of his pastoral work, including sacramental ministry, spiritual care, and the development of chaplaincy structures within the ministry.

✠ Ecclesial Affiliations and Service

His life of service is also expressed through membership in various organizations, including:

  • Royal Canadian Legion
  • Saint John Ambulance
  • Crown Society of Canada
  • Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association
  • International Federation of Christian Chaplains
  • United Religions Initiative
  • Charter for Compassion

These reflect a life lived at the intersection of faith, service, and society.

✠ Franciscan Vocation

In 2020, he embraced the spirituality of the Third Order of Saint Francis.

This vocation is characterized by prayer, humility, simplicity, and service to all, following the example of Saint Francis of Assisi.

It provides a spiritual unity and foundation to his life and ministry

✠ The Ministry Today

Eric Michel Ministries International continues as a Christian Catholic chaplaincy dedicated to:

  • Service to the poor and vulnerable
  • Pastoral and sacramental ministry
  • Teaching and spiritual accompaniment
  • Openness to all who seek with sincerity

✠ Co-Founder

Rev. Marie Yvonne Arnold

✠ Vocation and Background

Rev. Marie Yvonne Arnold is a co-founder of the chaplaincy and a central figure in the ministry’s development.

She is a mother and grandmother whose life has been deeply dedicated to the care and well-being of others, particularly through counselling and pastoral support.

✠ Formation and Ministry

Ordained in 2010, she pursued studies in metaphysics and counselling, equipping her for ministry in spiritual care and human development.

She has served as:

  • Chaplain and counsellor
  • Minister in pastoral care
  • Officiant for Christian ceremonies

Her work is marked by compassion, listening, and accompaniment.

Our Arnold Family, children and grandchildren.

✠ Faith Journey

With roots in both Catholic and Baptist traditions, her spiritual path reflects a sincere search for truth and understanding.

Her journey has led her to integrate faith, counselling, and ministry in a unified vocation of service.

✠ Role within the Ministry

As Co-Founder and Chief Chaplain, she contributes to:

  • Pastoral leadership
  • Counselling and spiritual guidance
  • Development of chaplaincy services

Her presence complements and strengthens the ministry’s mission through a shared commitment to service and faith.

✠ Conclusion

The lives and vocations of the Founder and Co-Founder are united by a common thread:

a commitment to serve, to seek truth, and to walk in faith.

In the spirit of Saint Francis:

“Let your words teach, and your actions speak.”

✠ Closing Line

Vita et Missio — Life given in service, guided by faith.