Saturday, November 14, 2009

Remembrance Day at St. Charles Parish

At 9:00am on November 11th, St. Charles parishioners gathered to remember, thank, honour and celebrate the Veterans of Canada. Parishioner Ron Labbe, who has recently retired from his job at Veteran’s Affairs, organized the morning event incorporated into our weekly Mass. We were very thankful to three young Cadets, brothers Adam and Ryan Daun as well as Tracy Walker, who helped with the Remembrance Day proceedings.

Gisele Simmons read “In Flanders Fields”, one of the best known poems of World War I written by John McCrae. Parishioner Simon Lemay and Cadet Tracy Walker proclaimed “The Act of Remembrance” in English and French. The prayers of the faithful were read by parishioner Pierre Bohemier.
Larry Lagace, a Veteran of the Korea Conflict, laid a wreath in memory of the Veterans and Therese Lambert, widow of Chuck Lambert, laid a wreath in memory of the widows.

One of the highlights of the service was the haunting rendition of “The Last Post” and “Reveille” played on the trumpet by Cadet Adam Daun.

Thank you to all of our Veterans for the freedoms we enjoy here in Canada as well as many other countries in the world. We greatly appreciate your service and sacrifice.





St. Charles Night Celebration (Story & Video)

On Saturday, November 7th, approximately 150 members of St. Charles parish, along with their friends and family, celebrated the feast day of our Patron Saint St. Charles Borromeo.

The evening commenced with Mass at 4:00 p.m. followed by cocktails at 5:00 and dinner at 7:00. Thank you to Chef Gerry Ellis for overseeing a delicious roast beef dinner with all the trimmings.

The St. Charles Men’s Association has organized this event for more than fifteen years. Fundraising was not the purpose of the evening. This dinner and dance was an opportunity for parishioners to socialize and build community. This year a special effort was made to include younger members of the parish by making their tickets more affordable. Ron Chase, chairman of the St. Charles Men’s Association, wishes to thank all the volunteers who helped set up the hall, prepare the food and clean up after the dinner. Ron would especially like to thank the young people who served the food on the buffet line.

The music, provided by Amie’s Music, kept many people on the dance floor most of the evening. The youth, with their spirited dancing, encouraged and challenged older dancers to try to keep up! A fun evening was had by all!