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.