I Chalice

"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!

Youth Group Leader Opportunity

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.

Ladies Group Christmas Pot Luck

On December 1^st, 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 13^th. 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 20^th, 2011 at 1:30 PM. There will be presentations from Sr. Leslie from the House of Peace and Shelly Glover,MP.

On March 04^th, 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.