St. Charles Parish Prepares For Christmas

Thank you to all the wonderful parishioners who worked so hard to prepare St. Charles church for the Christmas season.

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Hike For Life 2013

This years Hike for Life was held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church located at the junction of Grant Avenue and Roblin Boulevard.  Hike for Life is a walk in support of Life's Vision, a pro-life non-profit educational resource centre which helps to educate others about pre-natal development, abortion, assisted suicide and euthanasia.  By supporting Life’s Vision we help them to continue their great work of promoting a culture of life here in our city and province.  This year there were approximately 120 people walking including 12 people from St. Charles Parish.   St. Charles Pro-Life Group would love to thank all those who participated from our parish.

The Year of Faith

The significance of the official logo of the Year of Faith is very simple.  The boat is the traditional symbol of the Church, and it is in movement of the waves; its mast is the cross, and the cross is the sign of the love of Christ and the sign of our faith.  And together with the sails the cross forms initials “IHS” which are Christian letters for ‘Jesus’.  The sun, behind the IHS, makes a Eucharistic host, and the Eucharist is, the centre of our lives and faith.

“The Year of Faith is intended to contribute to the renewed conversion to the Lord Jesus and to the rediscovery of faith, so that the members of the Church will be credible and joy-filled witnesses to the Risen Lord in the world today - capable of leading those many people who are seeking it to the “door of faith”.  (Taken from the Note from theCongregation for the Doctrine of the Faith)

To honor the fiftieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and the twentieth  anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI has announced a Year of Faith, which started October 11, 2012, and which will end on November 24, 2013.  The goal of the Year of Faith is to strengthen the faith of Catholics and draw the world to faith by their example.

10 Ways you can The Live “The year of Faith

1. Participate in Mass.  The Year of Faith is meant to promote the personal encounter with Jesus.  This occurs most immediately in the Eucharist.  Regular Mass attendance strengthens one’s faith through the Scriptures, the Creed, other prayers, sacred music, the homily, receiving Communion and being part of the faith community.
2. 2. Go to Confession.  Like going to Mass, Catholics find strength and grow deeper in their faith through participation in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.  Confession urges people to turn back to God, expressing sorrow for falling short and open their lives to the power of God’s healing grace.  It forgives the injuries of the past and provides strength for the future.
3. Learn about the Lives of the Saints.  The saints are timeless examples of how to live a Christian life, and they provide endless hope.  Not only were they  sinners who kept trying to grow closer to God, but they also exemplify ways a person can serve God: through teaching, missionary work, charity, prayer and simply striving to please God in the ordinary actions and decisions of daily life.
4. Read the Bible daily.  Scripture offers first-hand access to the Word of God and tells the story of human salvation.  Catholics can pray the Scriptures (through lectio divina or other methods) to become more attuned to the Word of God.  Either way, the Bible is a must to grow in the Year of Faith.
5. Read the documents of Vatican Council II.  The Second Vatican Council (1962-65) ushered in a great renewal of the Church.  It impacted how Mass is celebrated, the role of the laity, how the Church understands itself and its relationship with other Christians and non-Christians.  To continue this renewal, Catholics must understand what the Council taught and how it enriches the lives of believers.
6. Study the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  Published exactly 30 years after the start of the Council, the Catechism of the Catholic Church covers the beliefs, moral teachings, prayer and sacraments of the Catholic Church in one volume.  It’s a resource for growing in understanding of the faith.
7. Volunteer in the parish.   The Year of Faith can’t be only about study and reflection.  The solid grounding of Scripture, the Council and the Catechism must be translated into action.  The parish is a great place to start, and each person’s gifts help to build up the community.  People are welcome as ministers of hospitality. liturgical musicians, lectors, catechists and in other roles in parish life.
8. Help those in need.  The Vatican urges Catholics to donate to charity and volunteer to help the poor during the Year of Faith.  This means to personally encounter Christ in the poor, marginalized and vulnerable.  Helping others brings Catholics face-to-face with Christ and creates an example for the rest of the world.
9. Invite a friend to Mass.  The Year of Faith may be global in its scope, focusing on a renewal of faith and evangelization for the whole Church, but real change occurs a the local level.  A personal invitation can make all the difference to someone who has drifted from the faith or feels alienated from the Church.  Everyone knows people like this, so everyone can extend a loving welcome.
10. Incorporate the Beatitudes into your daily life.  The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) provide a rich blueprint for Christian living.  Their wisdom can help all to be more humble, patient, just, transparent, loving, forgiving and free.  It’s precisely the example of lived faith needed to draw people to the Church in the year ahead.

Thank You to St. Charles Parish

July, 2013 the Chemin Neuf Community held its first Cana session in Winnipeg with the help of St. Charles Parish.  This was a six-day session for couples to deepen their relationship with each other and with God.  The adults spent the day at the retreat centre while the children were cared for in the church.  Ladies from the parish cooked all the meals and helped with the children.  There were five couples who participated in the session.  A couple from California, a couple from Quebec, and a priest from France came to help us with the session.  So a big THANK YOU to the parish for allowing us to use the church and for all their help serving these families and the kingdom of God!  Ted and Nancy Wood, Chemin Neuf Community. St. Charles Retreat Centre.

The Grand Knight's Ball and Awards Dinner

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.  William Arthur Ward

On June 15th, at the “Grand Knight’s Ball”,  the Father Alan Hall Council Knights of Columbus expressed sincere gratitude to several members of St. Charles Parish and recognized their outstanding dedication and ministrations.

Lorraine Lemay and Deacon Robert Gate

Deacon Robert Gate thanked Lorraine Lemay  for years of service on Pastoral Council, Liturgy Committee, RCIA adult faith formation committee, children’s Catechism committee as a teacher and later for 5 years as the coordinator of that program.  

That her love and concern reaches into the world of the broken and homeless.  Every week  Lorraine prepares, bakes, bags and freezes 9 loaves of bread.  These loaves are donated to the drop-in, Our Place - Chez Nous, and are served every Tuesday to feed the hungry street people who cross the threshold.  That’s over 360 loaves every year.

“Lorraine is the most prayerful person I have ever known, with a profound and a living spirituality.  A spirituality that is lived out in action of service to others and to her church”, said Robert as he made the presentation.

Grand Knight Chris Souce and Laurette Noakes

In June of 2012, due to a retirement, St. Charles parish was left without a Religious Education Coordinator.  After months of appeals to the parish and several personal contacts with teachers and parents, September came with as yet no replacement.  We were even uncertain as to our status with teacher availability for the coming year.

St. Charles for the first time was faced with either canceling the program or facilitating parents with a home catechism instruction.

When Laurette heard of our dilemma, she responded unselfishly and humbly with “I think I could do that.”

Laurette is a gift from God and a model of coordination and dedication. Gathering and collaborating with the teachers to amalgamate some classes, Laurette and her team were successful in providing a full and rich Catechetical Program from kindergarten to grade 8 for 75 children of our parish.  Laurette has generously offered to continue yet another year as our coordinator.

Ron and Anna Desilets and Grand Knight Chris Souce

Forty-five years ago, in 1968, Ron and Anna Desilets found a home in St. Charles Parish. Ron and Anna are, for all of us, living exemplars of Christ the servant … our Lord “who came, not to be served, but to serve and to lay down their lives for others.”

Ron has served on absolutely every council and committee of the Church imaginable, not once but several times.  Pastoral Council, finance council, building, maintenance, hospitality, cleaning and counting committee’s, as well as the men’s group.

Ron was involved in the discussions, planning, fundraising and eventual construction of a new addition to St. Charles parish which was completed in 1988.  Ron was instrumental in serving on that building committee.  

Around the time of St. Charles expansion and renovations (circa 1987), Ron took it upon himself to identify and clarify the record of burial locations as well as renovate and restore the beauty of the cemetery we enjoy today.

Additional burial plots were clearly identified and organized as well as a beautiful columbarium erected for use by parishioners.

All under the inspiration and dedication of Ron Desilets, who continues to this day, spending countless hours planting and maintaining this beautiful and holy garden of peace and rest.

Anna served on the very first ever pastoral council for St. Charles, and on several others over the years since then.  

Again, with the encouragement of Fr. Frytek in 1974, Anna became the choir director for the first Sunday choir group in St. Charles.  Anna remained director for the next 29 years until retiring in 2003.  She still, after 40 years, remains an active member of the choir and director whenever needed.

Yet once again, with the reforms of Vatican II, Anna became a member of the 1st ever Liturgy committee which I believe she has remained in unbroken service and to this very day serves as our parish coordinator of all Sunday Liturgies and liturgical celebrations throughout the year.

Anna dedicated her life as well to the protection and defense of the unborn child.  She served for 24 years in the pro-life movement from 1973 until retiring in 1997.

In that time Anna served on the board and as president of League for Life Manitoba, editor of “Pro Life News Canada”, and executive director of Alliance for Life.

In fact, on December 15th, 1985, Anna was awarded the Papal Medal of Honor (Benemerenti) by Pope John Paul II for her exceptional accomplishments and service.  She received this award for those 24 years of work in the pro-life movement and for her overall service and dedication to her beloved Church.

Grand Knight Chris Souce, Myrna, Nicholas and Nick Whitelaw
The Knights of Columbus Family of the Year

It is only through selfless giving and dedication by individuals and sharing their gifts that any organization is able to sustain itself and continue to grow.  

This family has been involved in assisting with social events - cooking, and setting up before and cleaning up after the events. They have vacuumed and cleaned our worship area and served at liturgical celebrations, weekend Masses, funerals and special solemnities like Christmas and Easter.

We, at St. Charles Parish, are blessed to have a family who exemplifies team effort  and in doing so has discovered that special treasure hidden in the field of loving service.  We are happy to announce that Nick, Myrna and Nicholas Whitelaw, are our Knights of Columbus Family of the Year.

Grand Knight Chris Souce, Marilyn and Remie Van Achte
Knight of the Year

This quiet Knight has been overseeing and cooking our Pancake Breakfasts and Rosary & Spaghetti Knight Dinners at St. Charles Parish for two years or more.  His willingness to use his gifts and abilities has strengthened the mission and ministry of this Church and the Father Alan Hall  Council.  He has been an example of servant-leadership and giving.  

We are happy to announce the  Knight of the Year - Remie Van Achte.

2013 Winnipeg March for Life

Below is a short report from Angela & James Bowman who attended The 2013 Winnipeg March for Life along with other members of St. Charles Parish.

"The 2013 Winnipeg March for Life was a huge success, with 850 people attending, a dramatic increase from last year. Being there, I sensed that support for pro life issues is becoming stronger and stronger. Although marching for a serious issue, the faces of the people there were anything but. We smiled, laughed and talked with each other as we marched down Broadway to the Legislature. What a joyous experience! It was especially heartwarming to see so many young people there. Without a doubt, the pro life movement is gaining momentum. It cannot be stopped - the culture of life will defeat the culture of death."

St. Charles Retreat Centre - Chemin Neuf Community

Chemin Neuf (“new way”) Community is a Roman Catholic community with an ecumenical  vocation which grew out of a prayer group in Lyon, France in 1973.  It now has over 1,500 members in 27 countries in Europe, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East.  

Couples, families, singles, and celibates have chosen the adventure of community life to follow Christ, poor and humble, in order to serve the church, the Gospel, and the world.  

 Some members live a common life in community houses and others live in their own homes and help with the missions of the community.  Missions  include the Cana mission for married couples, sessions for young   people, and spiritual retreats.

 The Chemin Neuf Community has a passion for unity of all kinds, especially unity among Christians. It is an apostolic community influenced both by the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola and by the Charismatic Renewal.

 There are currently three houses in Canada—a    parish and retreat centre in Quebec and St. Charles Retreat Centre in Winnipeg.

 The Chemin Neuf  Community came to Winnipeg in 2010 at the invitation of the Archbishop of St. Boniface.   A year later the Missionary Oblate Sisters generously donated the St. Charles Retreat Centre to the Chemin Neuf Community. The retreat house now serves as a centre for the community’s missions.  The house is also available for other Christian groups to book for meetings and retreats.  

Come away. . . rest. . .  pray. . . the community offers space for personal retreats – one day or several.

Upcoming missions of the community:

Cana: Summer Retreat for Couples and their children:   a six-day live-in session for couples to strengthen their marriage, July 7-13, 2013.   The session includes talks, prayer, time together as a couple, relaxation, and celebration.   Children stay at night with their parents but during the day follow their own program of activities.  While children are welcome, you don’t have to have children to come!  It is open to couples of any Christian denomination.   

A Year of Grace – for students and working young adults:     “. . .to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour”  (Luke 4:19).  Jesus used this phrase to describe his mission.  The reference was to the Jubilee year, a special time set aside to put things right with God and neighbour, a year of grace!   The Chemin Neuf Community will offer an opportunity for a small group of young adults (18-30) to live such a time while they are students in Winnipeg or working.  It will be a time to grow in your relationship with Jesus, live together in a Christian community, better hear God’s call for future directions.  This will take place September, 2013 to April, 2014. 

For more information contact Ted & Nancy Wood StCharlesRetreat@hotmail.com or (204) 885-2260, www.chemin-neuf.org

"The generous gift of this house to the Chemin Neuf community is a huge moment that allows us to begin here in Manitoba," Ted Wood said.

House of Hesed Dinner Theatre Presents Bellagio 'Eh Inn

Ron Labbe setting up before the show.

Community theatre enriches the lives of those who take an active part in it, as well as those in the community who benefit from live theatre productions.

The House of Hesed Dinner Theatre was started in 2008 by David Turnbull and his mother Denyse, with a goal in mind to raise money and awareness for the House of Hesed.  Over the last five years, the group has raised over $100,000.  Everyone, both cast and people working behind-the-scenes, is a volunteer.

House of Hesed provides a home to men and women living with HIV/AIDS. It supplies physical, emotional and spiritual support, regardless of race, creed, gender or sexual orientation. 

In this transition house, the residents can stay from 3 to six months, or longer.  Besides providing meals, laundry, personal care and 24-hour awake staffing, it advocates with social services agencies, AIDS service organizations, medical and home care, counsellors and spiritual advisors.

About 30% of their annual program expenses are covered by EI or Disability.  The remaining 70% comes from individuals, churches and local businesses.  

This year the House of Hesed Dinner Theatre presents Headed South from the Great White North, written by Pat Cook and adapted for HoH Dinner Theatre by David Turnbull, who is also the director.

I asked producer Ron Labbe what motivates him to continue to be involved in the dinner theatre.  He said, “Its about giving back to the community.  It’s also about working with people, like Moe Feakes,  who inspire me with their dedication.  (Moe was unable to get involved this year because of health issues.)  

This weekend (April 26, 27, 28) there will be performances at St. Charles Parish.  Next weekend (May 3, 4, 5) there will be performances at St. Martyrs Parish in Windsor Park, St. Boniface.

The tickets, which are $30, include a delicious meal, some great entertainment and support for a worthy cause.  For more information call Ron Labbe @ (204) 885-2817.

The cast members are ready to put on a great show!

St. Charles Pro-Life Group Activities For May

May is a busy month for the St. Charles Pro-Life Group.  On May 1st, at 7 PM in the parish hall, there will be a speaker from Winnipeg Against Abortion talking about Pro-Life Apologetics.

Winnipeg March for Life will be on Thursday, May 9th.  Supporters are asked to gather at the Forks in front of Johnston Terminal at 5:30 PM. Following an opening prayer, the participants will walk down Broadway to the Legislative Building, arriving at approximately 7 PM. The evening will conclude with few people giving their testimonies at the steps of the Legislature.

Respect for Life and Family week is May 12 to May 19. Information on more events will be provided at a later date.  

For informaion on how to become involved with the St. Charles Pro-Life Group call Angela or James Bowman at 204-804-8155.

26th Annual Ways of the Cross

James and Angela Bowman

Christians around the world marked Good Friday by holding events that represent Jesus Christ’s journey to Crucifixion. Hundreds of people took part in the Archdiocese of Winnipeg’s 26th Annual Public Way of the Cross on Friday, March 29, 2013.  The walk is held in a different neighborhood each year, this year it was held at St. John Cantius Parish. 

Parishioners James and Angela Bowman attended the Stations of the Cross walk.  James shares his experience.

“This was indeed the first time we've done the Stations walk. We were made aware of it by Lorraine Lemay, who asked us if we'd like to come. Speaking for myself, I found it to be a very moving and joyous experience. The sight of so many people coming together in public to show their love and devotion to Jesus Christ made an impression on me that will not soon be forgotten. I would urge all of our parishioners to participate in this event. As followers of Christ, we need to remember that our devotion to Him isn't just something that we do in church. We should be proclaiming him in the streets, giving Him praise and glory everywhere and always. Pope Francis says, "In Revelation, Jesus says that He is at the door and knocks. Obviously, the text refers to his knocking from the outside in order to enter, but I think about the times in which Jesus knocks from within so that we will let him come out". We need to let Jesus pour out of our hearts, into the very heart of our community.”

Leaving St. John Cantius Church

Come To A Deeper Relationship With God

Sister Dora Tetrault

The CWL general meeting will be hosted by St. Charles Parish on Monday, April 22, at 7:00 PM.  Has the voice of God become dull in your life? Throughout scripture when God had something to say to an individual, he spoke in a still, small voice. If your mind is filled with mental chatter, God's word is going to be drowned out most of the time. Getting still before the Lord in meditation will help you to clear out the mental clutter and create a greater sensitivity to God's voice. Come and experience Christian meditation, a practice used to quiet our minds and usher us into a state of BEING and ONENESS with God.  Guest presenter Sister Dora Tetrault will lead us through a Christian meditation session.  Everyone is welcome.

Serving One Another

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.  As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.  1 Peter 4:8-10

This verse focuses on parishioners using their talents to serve others, and to adapt their skills to fit where they are needed.  Being kind and serving gladly are tremendously important assets for a church community.

Thanks to all the parishioners for their hard work in preparing for the Christmas Season.

  

New Years Celebration

An enjoyable dinner and dance, sponsored by Father Allan Hall Council Knights of Columbus #08604, was held on New Years Eve.  The semi-formal affair was at the Assiniboine Golf Club on Ness Avenue.  Cocktails at 6:30 PM, were followed by a delicious dinner, featuring baron of beef, clam bake and trifle.

Great music, provided by Aime’s Music Services, resulted in a very busy dance floor. 

The raffle, a $500 gift certificate for Elkhorn Resort, was won by Jennifer Chase. Jennifer very generously passed along the gift to her grateful parents, Ron and Joan Chase.

Thank you goes out to the Knights of Columbus and everyone who helped them make this a very memorable evening.  

All profits from the event goes to St. Charles Parish.