"There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land."
-Deuteronomy 15:11
Throughout the year, St. Charles parishioners are very generous to those less unfortunate, but they are even more generous at Christmas time. In the last several years, Samaritan’s Purse has been the benefactor of our generosity. This year it was time for a change and we chose support another worthy cause. Those of you who have been at the Church will notice the tree and table exhibit in the foyer displaying information about I Chalice.
Walter, Madelaine and Luke Kotowich are spearheading this endeavor. I asked Walter how he heard about this organization. “We first heard about I Chalice in the Prairie Messenger last year. Later we used this charity's gift catalogue for our son Luke's First Holy Communion. It was a big hit with family and friends who wanted to give Luke a monetary present. They were all very impressed that Luke wanted to use the money for needy families in poor countries. They were very supportive and very generous!”
I asked Walter to tell me about the organization. He explained, “I Chalice is one of many fine charities helping the poor in needy areas. It was recognized this past year by MoneySense Magazine as one of the best run Canadian foreign aid charities. The organization has very low financial overhead; thereby ensuring that a higher percentage of donated money actually goes to those in need instead of toward expensive advertising and office expenses.”
When I asked Madelaine how this involvement in I Chalice has affected their family she told me, “Luke feels good about helping families in the Third World. He especially likes ordering items from the catalogue! It's a practical way for children to learn a deeper appreciation of Christmas and become a little more connected to the rest of humanity in the neediest areas in this world.”
We all like to shop. Why not buy a meaningful gift for someone who really needs the help? A purchase through I Chalice can change someone's life forever!
St. Charles Parish is a vibrant, Catholic Church located at 320 St. Charles Street. We are currently seeking a Catholic adult who has experience leading youth. This opportunity involves planning and leading a two hour Friday evening youth gathering (eg. 7-9pm) once a month (except July and August) for children of various ages. In the future, there is a possibility the frequency would increase to twice a month. A stipend will be paid for planning and leading each youth gathering. The individual would also be responsible for coordinating volunteers to assist at the youth group gatherings. These gatherings would need to include both social/recreational and spiritual activities. Support will be given to the Youth Group Leader by the Parish’s Youth Ministry Committee. The Youth Group leader will need to comply with the Safe Environment procedures as outlined by the Archdiocese of Winnipeg and will need to ensure all volunteers are also in compliance. Any questions, please call Kim at 467-8671. Interested individuals should forward a resume outlining their youth leadership experience and any other relevant information to tkholtmann@rainyday.ca by January 17th, 2011. This position is available immediately. Applications will be reviewed by the Parish Pastor and other designated individuals; please note that only successful applicants will be contacted for an interview.
On December 1st, twenty-eight members of St. Charles Ladies Group met for their annual Christmas Pot Luck Supper. They enjoyed an informative presentation by Chris Fougere, owner of the Fude Restaurant. Chris spoke on the restaurant business and gave the ladies some interesting cooking tips.
Father Paul was presented with a cheque for $3000, which will be used to help with parish expenses. This money was raise by the Ladies Group from various catering events.
Maureen Southam reported that the Ladies Retreat will be held at St. Charles Church on Saturday, February 12th, 2011. Father John Kracher will be coming back by popular demand and will speak on the topic “Getting to Know God Better”. There will be a $20 fee which will cover a hot lunch. An invitation will be extended to ladies from other parishes in the surrounding area.
The ladies were reminded about Chili Sunday on February 13th. This is an annual event when members of the parish provide a hot meal for the Immaculate Conception Soup Kitchen.
There will be a “Social Justice Afternoon” held at St. Charles Church on February 20th, 2011 at 1:30 PM. There will be presentations from Sr. Leslie from the House of Peace and Shelly Glover,MP.
On March 04th, 2011, St. Charles parish will be hosting the World Day of Prayer. This event is a worldwide movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year. St. Charles will facilitate the service and provide a reception to ladies from other churches in our area.
Ladies Group president Rita Tully informed its members that they will soon be celebrating the group’s twentieth anniversary. The Ladies Group was originally formed to encourage families to meet and socialize. Rita said the group deserved to be proud of the work that it has done over the years.
Every year the Knights of Columbus Father Alan Hall Council # 8604 awards academic bursaries to students. Worth $250 each, one bursary is reserved for a member of a Knight’s family while the other is available to any student from St. Charles Parish. The bursary is intended to assist young adults with funding their post-secondary education.The bursary winners are expected to have excellent academic standing and show a history of Parish and Community service. Chris McGillis, the Knights of Columbus Youth Director, presented this year’s awards to Janelle Thibert and Dominique Gibson. Janelle Thibert is the older daughter of Lorraine and Norbert Thibert. Janelle recently graduated from Westwood Collegiate where she was in the IB (International Baccalaureate) program and graduated with an IB certificate. Now, Janelle is taking a Science Degree at the University of Manitoba leading up to a career in emergency medicine. Janelle says,” I have attended St. Charles my whole life, and consider it my second home.” Her involvement in the parish includes, teaching Sunday School, participating in the Youth Band and being a Communion Minister. Janelle appreciates winning the financial support and says, “I would like to thank the Knights of Columbus of St. Charles for this bursary to help fund my education”.
Dominique Gibson is the older son of Brian and Veronique Gibson. Dominique volunteered as an Altar Server for five years, participated in the World Youth Day dinner theatre productions, taught Sunday school and is a Lector at St. Charles. Dominique is attending the University of Manitoba pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree which he plans to follow with a degree in Law. Dominique says “I’m very thankful for the reception of this award, I appreciate the support our church community has always demonstrated”.
Have you noticed the beautiful water color on the wall in the church hall beside the kitchen window? It was very generously donated to St. Charles Parish by one of its long time members, Joan Chase. Painting has been her passion for the last eight years. The painting was created using a mixed medium with water color technique creating a floating, transparent effect.
Joan described how the people of St. Charles Parish inspired her to do this painting. “I was most impressed with how hard the parishioners worked and the togetherness and the fellowship extended to one another and to our family. There is such a beauty in all of this and it is truly a feeling of comfort to be part of it. I feel that I am among the most beautiful angels and this gives me peace as I have never felt so loved.”
I inquired about the symbolism in the painting. Joan explained,”Charlie’s Angles represents the people of St. Charles Parish. In the front are the younger members seeking nurturing and guidance. In the center are the women with their gentle determination and approach to what needs to be done. In the back, the non-faces represent the men and the silent workers as well as those who are with us in spirit”.
When I asked Joan what she gets out of her painting experience she quickly said,”It gives me peace. We all need to escape now and then. When I pick up a brush, I feel God’s hand on mine as He helps me to paint the world and its miracles. It is He who taught me that there is an artist in everyone. This is a belief I prove as I teach others to paint”.
St. Charles hosted over 650 Parishioners and members of our community for a delicious turkey dinner on September 26th. Check out this video with all the details.
Sunday, September 26th marks a special day in our community - St. Charles Parish is hosting its Harvest Supper.
For over 20 years, St. Charles has been welcoming Parishioners and members of the Community for this much awaited dinner. The menu is fresh and offers the best of the harvest– a delicious roast turkey dinner and homemade desserts. Many have attended every year and are sure to purchase tickets well in advance. With over 600 guests a year, the event often sells out.
An event of this size involves a lot of coordination and manpower. Each year, over 100 volunteers come together to make the Supper a reality. “Over the years we have found that our Harvest supper meets a number of goals”, says Anna Desilets, Harvest Supper coordinator. “Not only does the Supper raise much needed funds, it also provides a project that encourages community building. While new parishioners meet current ones, they work together and learn about each other and the Parish. We are always happy to welcome and meet persons in our neighborhood and beyond. It is truly a win win situation.”
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Church’s website at www.saintcharles.ca or call the Parish Office at 889-3248.
Prayer shawls are traditional forms of praying for others in a tangible, physical way. It is one thing to say “I’m praying for you”, but another to hand someone a physical object. Usually, prayer shawls are given to people who are in a time of suffering and need of healing. They can go to people you know, or you can donate them to total strangers.
A hand made shawl represents comfort and reminds people of care and love because it shows the thoughtful consideration of the creator and the time spent creating the shawl.
We already have a group of St. Charles parishioners working on Prayer Shawls. If you are interested in joining them and learning more about Prayer Shawls you are invited to attend a meeting at St. Charles Parish Hall on Tuesday, July 27th from 1pm to 3pm. Call Bertha LaFleche @ 895-1667 or Eva Arsenault 895-4108 for further details.
We have a St. Charles tradition which marks the beginning of Summer. Each year, on the last Sunday of June, our community celebrates Mass in the Cemetery behind the Church. Thanks to Ron Desilets, our Cemetery is in excellent condition with well maintained gravestones and beautiful trees. Parishioners placed their lawn chairs among the graves of their friends and family members and some took this opportunity to plant flowers to beautify the headstones.
Following the Mass our congregation relocated across the road to the beautiful banks of the Assiniboine River to have a potluck lunch and barbeque. Games were organized for children and Pickles the Clown was busy face painting. The weather was sunny with enough cloud to keep it cool and enough breezes to keep away the mosquitoes.
What a great way to begin the lazy days of summer!
On Saturday, June 26th, over 200 Parishioners, friends and family of Father Paul Tinguely gathered at St. Charles Parish to celebrate his 25 years in the priesthood. In attendance were former Parishioners from some of Father Paul’s former parishes - Shoal Lake, McCreary, Ste. Rose du Lac, Stonewall, Ste. Eustache and Ste. Lazare.
Father Richard Arsenault, moderator of the Curia brought greetings on behalf of Archbishop James Weisgerber, who was unable to attend because of a prior commitment. Father Michael Nault from Shoal Lake Parish and Father Sebastian Susairaj from the Kateri Tekakwitha Parish also attended.
A delicious roast beef dinner was prepared by St. Charles Youth Group. It was an honour to welcome visitors to our Parish and to pay tribute to our Pastor on this important occasion.
Eva Arseneault put together this video tribute for the event. Enjoy!
“at the end of their journey the students were standing in the middle of a garbage dump taking off their shoes and handing them over to a Haitian refugees with a broken mismatched pair of flip flops they found while searching through the garbage..”
Jeannine Regnier, the 20 year old nursing student and middle daughter of Estelle and Claude Regnier, has been a member of St. Charles Parish since she was seven years old. While at Silver Heights High School, Jeannine saw a presentation about Hero Holiday and was immediately intrigued by the idea of volunteering overseas with other students.
Hero Holiday is a program run by Absolute Leadership Development, a not-for-profit organization which was founded in 2000 and is a federally incorporated charity. Over the years it has taken hundreds of students to developing nations to engage in humanitarian relief work.
Eva Arsenault spoke to Jeannine about her experience with Hero Holiday.
How long is the trip? For first timers, the trip is 10 days. If you wish to return as a student intern, the trip is extended to a month.
How many Hero Holiday trips have you taken? Currently, I have been on three trips to the Dominican Republic with Hero Holiday. The first year, I had a blast! I learned so much about the corrupted history of Haiti and Dominican Republic which continues to cause distress for the residents of both countries today. It was refreshing to be surrounded by like-minded people from across Canada who wanted to make a difference. I continue to do these volunteer trips because I am simply hooked, I live for these trips!
What projects did you work on while in the Dominican Republic? Every year the projects vary. I have helped build 3 schools, 1 medical clinic, 3 homes, and 1 orphanage. I also participated in much needed renovations to a children’s hospital. Every year Hero Holiday works with an orphanage, where volunteers play with and feed the children and also help clean the facility. My most memorable project is working in a dump. This dump is the workplace of approximately 100 Haitian refugees who sift through trash to collect recyclable items. These workers consist of orphaned children, pregnant young single mothers with several children at home, and the elderly. They live off less than $1/day. Volunteers work alongside these people in order to increase their income for that day. Volunteers also distribute food and clean water. Later, that same day, volunteers go to the town the dump workers live in to see how they live.
Are you permitted to bring small gifts for the children? Hero Holiday encourages all volunteers to bring supplies. Such supplies may be toothbrushes/paste, gently used shoes and clothes, children’s books, school supplies, baby items, and sports equipment (especially baseball and soccer equipment).
Do you fear for your safety when you are this far from home? I can honestly state that I have never once feared for my safety while on my trips. Safety is Hero Holiday’s number one priority. Volunteers stay at a resort which provides 24/7 guarded security. While working on the worksites, there are several qualified staff members who are familiar with the culture, language, and location. Volunteers under the age of 19 are not permitted to leave the resort or worksite without a staff member.
What does it cost for a Hero Holiday to Dominican Republic? The cost of Hero Holiday Dominican Republic is $2385. This includes: food, accommodation, return flight from Toronto, transportation to and from work projects, translators, health insurance, 24/7 staff support, and building supplies. I was responsible for my flight to and from Toronto, immunizations, passport, and food purchased at the airports. Costs for Hero Holiday trips to other countries vary.
Do you raise funds to help with your expenses? I have fundraised most of my trips in the past by organising socials, selling a calendar I created, and by simply asking for donations. Cash donations of $10 or more will receive a tax receipt. Fundraising requires commitment; however, it is worth the time and effort. I paid for 2 trips by fundraising – however, I chose not to fundraise for my last trip due to the large work load I had in University. I worked two jobs in order to pay for my last trip.
How has your Hero Holidayexperience influenced your future career choice? These trips have encouraged me to pursue a career in nursing. As a nurse, I will be able to provide a skill that is vital all around the world. I will be given ample opportunity to continue to volunteer overseas. With only 2 years left of my education, I am convinced that nursing is the ideal career for me.
What do you get out of being involved in the Dominican Republic project? I feel the greatest sense of fulfillment and pride as I am carrying out God’s plan for me. I recently got a letter regarding the school I helped build in a small community in Dominican Republic. The school has been officially recognised by the Dominican government! I was overjoyed to read this because I was there for 3 trips building that school and playing with the students who attended it. Knowing that these children are receiving an education that they would not have had if it wasn’t for Hero Holiday is the greatest reward. I learned not to take for granted the opportunities that a life in Canada provides me and the importance of sharing my experiences with everyone. I have developed unforgettable memories and incredible friendships with other Canadians as well as several families residing in Dominican Republic.
What would you tell another youth considering a Hero Holiday trip? Do it! It will change your life forever. You will be wiser, you will be inspired, you will make change, you will meet friends that will last a life time; you will get to spend 10 days in one of the most amazing countries in the world… what more do you want from a trip? You could go alone and have a great time or you can share the experience with a friend or parent, either way you will have no regrets!
Is there anything else that you would like to add? The last two years, I was asked to be a staff member with the organisation. This meant that I would be leading teams of students. This gave me the opportunity to share my experiences as I guided students on their first volunteer trip and for some their first time out of their home Province. As teams came and went, I noticed a pattern. At the beginning of the trip students would compare their I pods and other fancy gizmos with one another. However, at the end of their journey the students were standing in the middle of a garbage dump taking off their shoes and handing them over to a Haitian refugee with a broken mismatched pair of flip flops they found while searching through the garbage. I was able to see each group of students transform right in front of me and all it took was10 days!
This year I have decided to travel to Brazil during the month of August. I will miss working in Dominican Republic; however I am excited to experience a new country. I am planning on working in an orphanage or with street children while I am there. Donations are always appreciated!
If you want more information on Hero Holiday, visit their website If you wish to help with Jeannine’s travel expenses or to donate small gift items to distribute to the less fortunate in Brazil, please contact her at jeannine_regnier@hotmail.com
On Sunday, April 25th at the 11:30 Mass, 19 young boys and girls made their First Communion at St. Charles Parish. Many thanks to Jackie Carey their Sunday School teacher and Bo Hancox the coordinator for the Sunday School Program.
2010 was declared by the Church as "They Year of the Priests". In solidarity with the many Priests who serve throughout the World, the Knights of Columbus are encouraging Catholics to pray the following prayer:
A Prayer for Our Priests
We thank you, God our Father, for those who have responded to your call to priestly ministry. Accept this prayer we offer on their behalf: Fill your priests with the sure knowledge of your love. Open their hearts to the power and consolation of the Holy Spirit. Lead them to new depths of union with your Son. Increase in them profound faith in the Sacraments they celebrate as they nourish, strengthen and heal us.
Lord Jesus Christ, grant that these, your priests, may inspire us to strive for holiness by the power of their example, as men of prayer who ponder your word and follow your will. O Mary, Mother of Christ and our mother, guard with your maternal care these chosen ones, so dear to the Heart of your Son. Intercede for our priests that, offering the Sacrifice of your Son, they may be conformed more each day to the image of your Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
St. John Vianney, universal patron of priests, pray for us and our priests.
This icon shows Christ in Mass vestments with a gold pelican over his heart, the ancient symbol of self-sacrifice. At the bottom is an altar prepared for Mass, and at the sides are Melchizedek, whose sacrifice of bread and wine prefigured the Eucharist, and St. John Vianney.
Beginning Monday April 5th in the Church Library following the 9:00am Mass - a 10 week session. We will be taking a look at “Faith, Covenant & Community in Exodus & Deuteronomy” with Rev. Richard Rohr.
This is an in depth look into how we are called into faith by "I am who I am" into a covenant with "I am who I am" and thus forming community as was for Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses found in Exodus & Deuteronomy.
The Faith Sharing Group will be starting a new program on Wednesday, Jan. 20/10. We will be studying the Gospel according to Luke as presented on Video by Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M. Luke is from Rome, probably from a rich family, probably a physician, maybe a Gentile convert. He is well educated, broadminded, a second generation Christian and has never known Jesus. He is writing a Gospel 80 years after Jesus. He is dealing with sending out missionaries to a Jewish and Gentile community who are persecuted as a church, as a people. There will be ten sessions in this program. We continue to meet on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 (after mass) in the St. Patrick’s library in the church. If you are interested, please come and join us. For more informaton about faith sharing, visit our website.
Do you need an exceptional reason to brave the cold winter weather? Well here it is. Come out and enjoy an evening of scrumptious food, spirited company and hilarious entertainment. St. Charles Parish is the venue for a dinner theatre presentation of the “How to Tame the Wild, Wild West in a Dress”. It is a musical comedy and features a number of St. Charles parishioners – David Turnbull, Nicole Friesen, Dominique Gibson, Patrick Thibert, Ron Labbe, Jolene Senecal, Kaitlyn Lee and Jasmine Magnus Osborne. This is the third consecutive year the group has presented a dinner theatre show as a fundraiser for The House of Hesed.
Hesed is a Hebrew word used in the Old Testament to illustrate the “eternally loyal, unrestrained, compassionate, merciful love of God”. The House of Hesed is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian Organization established in response to the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. This three story residence on Edmonton Street is able to house ten individuals along with an in-resident staff person. House of Hesed is committed to affirming the value of each person who resides there, and strives to educate the community about HIV/AIDS to help dispel the stigma and fear surrounding those living with HIV, replacing it with a spirit of compassion. Parishioner Ron Labbe said, “My decision to participate in the dinner theatre was easy as I was looking for something different to do. Helping the House of Hesed has been so rewarding for me personally and I have never had so much fun volunteering. We have really made a difference for the House of Hesed and it feels so good.” David Turnbull is the director and producer of the show as well as part of the cast. He is a second year Creative Communication student at Red River Community College. David is using his efforts towards the production as his ‘Independent Professional Project’ in his course. “At first I just wanted to act and have fun,” said David, “But because the practices were at the House of Hesed, I got to meet many of the people who live there and developed a personal connection – it makes us realize who we are doing this for”.
The tickets for the show are $25 and this includes a three course meal and a show which runs about 90 minutes. Starting January 4th the tickets will be available to purchase from any cast member. There will be performances at St. Charles on February 26th, 27th, and 28th and at St. Martyrs Canadien Parish in Windsor Park on March 5th, 6th and 7th.
The group rehearses for 1 ½ to 2 hours every Monday night from September to the end of February. Here are some photos from one of their rehearsal in December. They looked like they were having way too much fun!
For more information on the House of Hesed, check out their website www.houseofhesed.ca or contact David Turnbull at 885-2847 to purchase tickets.
