Our Place/Chez Nous Christmas Dinner

"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist.... Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus." - Francis Pharcellus Church

On Saturday, December 17th at the Vineyard Church on Main Street, there were abundant signs of Christmas spirit through “love, generosity and devotion”. The 23 volunteers from Our Place/Chez Nous hosted a Christmas dinner for the homeless people who visit them throughout the year. The change of venue from the regular location allowed increasing the number of guests from around 100 to 150. The delicious dinner consisted of ham, meatballs, perogies, coleslaw, buns and cake for desert.

The Parish of Our Lady of Victory paid for the dinner as well as donated $5 towards the purchase of a gift for everyone. The present consisted of a warm hat and a pair of gloves that were wrapped in a fleece neck warmer. The material for the neck warmers was provided by St. Charles Parish and they were sewn by volunteers from the St. James - Assiniboia Catholic Women’s League.

A festive atmosphere was created by the Christmas tree and festive music as well as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause circulating among the guests.

Bake Sale Thank You

A big thank-you to the members of the St. Charles Ladies’ Association who donated the baking and to the parishioners who purchased the baking. The Bake Sale raised $616 which was donated to the North Point Douglas Women’s Center. Pictured above are volunteers Joan Chase and Stella Ryan.

Advent Chalice Campaign

Our Advent Chalice fundraising campaign was another huge success! This year, 40 donation order forms were filled out for Chalice to purchase 75 gift items worth a grand total of $3,490. These gifts go a long way to improve the lives of many needy families in third world countries. Thank you St. Charles Parish for making Christmas a little more special for so many people around the world.

Thank you to Walter, Madelaine and Luke Kotowich for organizing the Advent Chalice Campaign.

Women’s Centre Guest Speaker

The St. Charles Ladies’s Association held its Christmas Pot Luck on Wednesday, December 14th in the church hall. There were 27 members present.

Following the meeting was a video presentation on the North Point Douglas Woman’s Centre. Elaine Bishop, Executive Director, spoke on the activities and work of the Centre. Ms. Bishop was presented with a cheque for $616 which was the profit from this year’s bake sale. The ladies attending the dinner also donated a number of items from the Centre’s wish list including tissues, toilet paper, laundry detergent, garbage bags, office supplies and craft supplies.

Ms. Bishop expressed her sincere gratitude for the generosity of the ladies attending the meeting.

Rossbrook House Donation

Rossbrook House co - executive directors receive mitts, hats and

neckwarmers from St. Charles parishioners.

Some St. Charles parishioners have been busy knitting and sewing to provide warm clothing for the children who attend Rossbrook House. One of our parishioners knitted 77 pairs of mittens while she was recovering from hip surgery and several others met for two days making over 65 neck warmers. When the articles were delivered the co-executive directors Phil Chiappetta and Sister Maria Vigna were overwhelmed. Phil said,”When we have outside activities some of the kids show up without suitable clothes, so this will really help”.

Founded in 1976, Rossbrook House is a neighbourhood centre for children, youth, and young adults who in Winnipeg’s inner city. It offers a constant alternative to the destructive environment of the streets. The operational philosophy at Rossbrook is based upon two fundamental principles: self-help and self-referral. Rossbrook staff are drawn from the community of regular attenders, allowing for realistic understanding of the needs and aspirations of the participants. The hopes, dreams and ideas of the youth are what determine the programs and direction of the centre. All those who come to Rossbrook House make a free choice; an alternative choice to the destructive life of the streets.

A Successful Retreat

The St. Charles Ladies’s Association advent retreat was well attended by parishioners as well as guests from all across Winnipeg. Fr. John Kracher lead the retreat and the participants were able to spend a day reflecting and being with the Lord. A big “Thank You” to the youth who helped prepare the snack and meal and did the entire cleanup. Pictured above is Chris Souce introducing Father Kracher and members of the youth group.

Mixed Retreat at St. Charles November 26th

Retreat at St. Charles Parish on November 26th, 2011

Sponsored by the St. Charles Ladies’ Association

"A spiritual retreat is where the seekers are seeking God. It is where God is seeking the seekers. It is a meeting place".

Changes are occurring in our lives at an ever-rapid pace. Our roles as parents, partners, caretakers, and employees all compete for our time and energy. The need to slow down, reconnect with ourselves and reflect on what is important to us, is a form of self-care that has become crucial to our well being. Retreats are an excellent way to accomplish this.

A Mixed Retreat means both women and men (not necessarily couples) are invited to attend. The doors open at 8:00 am. The retreat begins at 9:00 am and ends at 3:30 pm. Mass is celebrated at St. Charles Church at 4:00 pm. Lunch and snacks will be provided. If you have dietary concerns please contact Maureen at 895-0331 before Sunday, November 20th.

Facilitator for the retreat is Father John Kracher. His topic will be Advent: A Peaceful Time, A Time of Waiting. The $20 per person fee must be pre-paid. To register call Maureen at 895-0331.

Mental Health Issues

Here are some public education sessions on Mental Health Issues which are sponsored by the Spiritual Health Committee of the Manitoba Multifaith Council.

“Spiritual Perspectives on Complexity of Bipolar Disorder”

October 26^th

Program Coordinator: Rev. Lynn Granke – Manager of Spiritual Health Services at Victoria General Hospital,

plus Sarah Clarke – Physician’s Assistant in Mental Health

“Spiritual Perspective on Mental Health Issues in Corrections”

November 2^nd

Program Coordinator: Greg Dunwoody – Chaplain at Headingley Correctional Center,

plus Michael Pierre – Aboriginal Spiritual Care Provider,

Khaled Al-Nahor – Muslim Chaplain, and Faye – reflecting on family experience.

Each panel will provide clinical information, sharing of personal experience and spiritual reflection.

ALL SESSIONS WILL BE HELD AT:

St. Peter’s Anglican Church, (corner of Grant & Elm St.)

from 7:30pm to 9:00pm

~Wheelchair Accessible and Hearing Assist available~

(Suggested donation is $5 per session)

St. Charles Parish Feeds the Poor

"When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return, and repayment come to you. But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." Luke 14:12-14

On Sunday, October 16 th, St. Charles parishioners provided the meal for “the poor, the crippled, and the lame...” Volunteers prepared 8 very large vats of turkey soup, and transported them along with 288 dinner buns, 3 cases of bananas, 25 boxes of cookies and 56 liters of milk to the Immaculate Conception Drop In Centre at 181 Austin Street, in the heart of Winnipeg’s North End. It provided a hearty meal to 210 people and the remaining food was put in containers for people to take home.

St. Charles Parish was involved with the Drop In Centre for a number of years in the ‘80s. It was resumed and has continued for the last 15years. Originally parishioners provided chili once a year but later it was decided that they would like to provide a second meal. As a result, a hearty turkey soup is prepared in the kitchen at St. Charles church hall in October.

The Sunday Drop In at Immaculate Conception Church was begin by the Sisters of the Holy Names in the late 70's because there was no social services available for street people on Sundays. It is open every Sunday from September to mid June from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and serves lunch to between 200 and 300 people.

The folks served at the Drop In are primarily male and aboriginal. Some are working but most find that they are unable to feed themselves consistently week to week. More than 30 different organizations provide the healthy lunches. These organizations include parishes, student groups and charitable organizations. The meal providers are asked to include protein, fruit and milk in their menu.

I asked Ruth, the Immaculate Conception Drop In-Coordinator to tell me about the volunteers. She said, “Each volunteer is a gift. Each one, unique. We have youth volunteers who come through school community service programs and stay long after their programs are completed. We have volunteers who come with their parishes and continue to volunteer regularly. We have volunteers who come from the Point Douglas neighborhood who are empowered by the opportunity to serve their community.”

When I asked Ruth what else she needed for the Drop In besides food she replied, “Personal care items such as small shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and feminine products are very helpful.”

Ruth is starting her 7 th year at the Drop In. I asked her what motivates her to continue in this ministry. She replied, “Our faith teaches us that we are to love one another. I experience this love most profoundly at the Drop In. Sharing this with so many others transforms my day to day experience. Each one of us moves beyond fears, beyond stereotypes, and little by little, week to week, hearts and minds are transformed.”

St. Charles Western Night Dinner & Dance

An evening of fun and camaraderie is planned for St. Charles Parish Western Night Dinner and Dance on Saturday, November 5th, 2011. Cocktails will be at 5:30 PM followed by dinner at 6:30 PM. The evening includes dancing, a silent auction and a 50/50 draw. The event is co-sponsored by the Father Allan Hall Council # 8604 Knights of Columbus & The St. Charles Ladies Association. Gluten free and lactose free dinners can be arranged by calling Rita @ 864-2137 before October 29. Dinner $20 per person. All profit from the evening goes to St. Charles Parish.

Faith Sharing Programs for October and November

St. Charles Faith Sharing Group continues to meet at the St. Charles Retreat Centre on Wednesday morning at 9:30 AM. Here are programs planned for October and November. For further information call Fran at 889-7348.

Oct. 19th/2011 “Heaven’s Key to Peace”

Filmed on location in eight countries, Heaven’s Key to Peace builds an overwhelming case that the message of Fatima is not just our only chance for peace, but our last chance. At Fatima the Blessed Virgin Mary warned the “various nations will be annihilated” if the Church did not honor Her requests in time - including the Consecration of Russia to Her Immaculate Heart. This film states that the Message of Fatima is the only key to peace in the world.

Oct. 26/2011 “Called Through The Mystery”

Called to the Mystery through the “Theology of the Body” is the topic of Fr. Thomas J. Loya. He is currently the pastor of Annunciation of the Mother of God Byzantine Catholic Church in Chicago. Fr. Loya is an artist and holds a Masters in Counseling and Human Services. Fr. Loya preaches on the Theology of the Body using iconography and art as his teaching aid.

Nov. 2/2011 “Flight From Pain”

In our culture, everything invites us to flee our suffering. But, it’s important to face our suffering in truth and to let Jesus transfigure it. Jesus came so we could pass from life to death. Our suffering can become, by His grace, a place for our salvation and joy. Jean Vanier, founder of the international movement of L’Arche, presented this topic at a retreat in Antigonish, N.S. in 1985.

Nov. 9/2011 “The Prayer of Jabez”

This DVD has four parts and will be viewed at several different sessions. In session one we’ll discover what it means to come to God to ask for the blessings He already longs to give us. Session two helps us to get ready to take on more, accomplish more, and enjoy more in the service of God. Session three tells how God wants to empower us for awesome ministry. Session four helps us discover how to pray and stand firm in the face of temptation. Presentation by Bruce Wilkinson, author of the book of the same name.

Another Year of Interesting Presentations

St. Charles Faith Sharing Group has been meeting for close to twenty years. Many members have come and gone, and a few of the original members remain. All have become friends and have supported each other through many of life's ups and downs.

The morning begins with 9:00 AM Mass in the beautiful chapel at St. Charles Retreat Center which is across the street from St. Charles Church. After Mass the group moves to the St. Charles Retreat Center meeting room. The presentation materials are borrowed from various education centers and media centers throughout the city. After greetings and a hot cup of coffee, the presentation goes on for approximately an hour followed by some personal sharing. The members of the group keep confidential any personal information which is discussed at their meetings.

New Members are Welcome. For more information contact Fran 889-7348. Here are the programs coming in September.

Wednesday, September 14 - The Meaning of Femininity with Steve Pokorny

What does it mean to be a woman? There are so many images that our culture promotes that fail to reveal the full glory of a woman's dignity. These confusing notions ofter leave a person lost, causing a great mistrust of others (especially of God and men). Through Steve's unpacking of John Paul the Great's understanding of the 'feminine genius', women can begin to reclaim their intrinsic dignity as a beloved daughter of God and learn how to receive the love that every woman deserves.

Wednesday, September 21 - Follow Jesus with Jean Vanier

Hope erupts in our lives when we follow Jesus, because He teaches us to love as He loves, to look at others as He sees them, to act according to His heart. Jesus wants us to enter into theTrinity's communion of light and love and therefore reveal the closeness of God to us.

To follow Jesus is to become an artisan of peace and to discover Him present in the humble and the poor of this world.

September 28 - The Theology of the Body & Art: The Naked Truth with Fr. Thomas Loya

This presentation puts an end to the controversy over whether or not it is truly possible for men and women to see each other as God intended from the beginning. Fr. Loya clearly demonstrates, with the help of works of art and volunteers from the audience, what it means to be a man or a woman living according to God's design. We have a choice: we can either live in fear of our bodies and our sexuality or we can follow Fr. Loya's recommendations and live in freedom as sons and daughters of God. Our culture lends itself to a total devaluation of the body and sexuality. Fr. Loya calls us to take seriously the power of Christ's death and resurrection and be transformed in mind, heart and body. By living the theology of the body we will begin the transformation of our culture!

2011 St. Charles Mixed Golf Tournament

The Knights of Columbus sponsored another successful Golf Tournament this year. The proceeds went to St. Charles Parish - watch this video:

Dragon Boat Race

Louise, a long time member of St. Charles Parish, is on a paddling team which will be participating in the Manitoba Dragon Boat Festival. She will be collecting for the Canadian Cancer Society - please give generously. The following is Louise’s story.

Dragon boat racing is an ancient Chinese ceremony that symbolizes humanity’s struggle with nature and its fight against deadly enemies.

Each year, the Canadian Cancer Society Manitoba Dragon Boat Festival brings together corporate and community teams for a weekend of fun, entertainment and racing. Over 150 teams race on the Red at the Forks National Historic Site, the second weekend of September.

Each team will do 3 races, on a 500 meter course in a boat that measures 12 meters in length and weighs 1,500 pounds. A team is composed of 20 paddlers, a steers-person and a drummer. My team, named “Bold strokes”, was formed in 2001 and I was invited to join the team in 2003. We are bold women from a variety of professional backgrounds - nurses, teachers, a physiotherapist, and a lawyer.

We prepare for our weekend of races by monthly meetings starting in early spring, and in July and August we practice on the river. I personally prepare by walking every day as well as doing arm strengthening exercises.

Our team has consistently has been one of the top ten fundraising teams and one of the top women’s teams in terms of race times. In 2010, our team was the female champions.

The personal connection the group’s members have to cancer is what keeps our efforts in the Dragon Boat Festival alive. Research is important as each minute discovery is a link to finding a cure for cancer.

All the money raised stays in the province and is donated to our Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute - Manitoba Division.

I continue to do this for the cause. It’s hard work, but it is my way of contributing to find a cure for this disease.

Our Annual Outdoor Mass and Picnic

St. Charles Parish Cemetery has stood on the banks of the Assiniboine River since 1868. Once a year the parishioners gather there to celebrate Mass around grave stones marking the final resting place of many of our friends and family. Thank you to Ron Desilets and his volunteers for keeping the cemetery in excellent shape - cutting the grass, planting trees and flowers, repairing the headstones, requires many hours of hard work.

After Mass the parishioners relocated by the river, under the beautiful oak trees and enjoyed a picnic. The children participated in organized games including tug-of-war. Thanks to the Knights of Columbus for the hot dogs and hamburgers and the ladies of the parish for the salads, baked beans and dainties.

Here is a video

"Good Work" at St. Charles Parish

“But let our people, too, learn to devote themselves to good works, to supply urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive”. Titus 3:14

A heartfelt “thank you” to the fifteen parishioners who have donated prayer shawls over the last year. Upon completion, the shawls were blessed by Father Paul and distributed to over 52 of our friends and family members who are experiencing difficulties of one kind or another. The Prayer Shawl meetings are cancelled for the summer but will resume on Tuesdays at 1:00 PM beginning on September 6 ^th.

The Prayer Shawl group has also done other activities such as making neck warmers for Our Place/Chez Nous and “bunny ears” for the Teddy bear Picnic at Assiniboine Park. If anyone has suggestions for future projects or wishes to inquire about prayer shawls contact Eva @ 895-4108 or Bertha @ 895-1667.

Dinning Out in St. Francois Xavier

On Tuesday, June 21 st, the St. Charles Parish Birthday Gals gathered for their monthly luncheon, at the Whitehorse Gift Emporium and Tea Room in St. Francois Xavier . Everyone enjoyed the scenic drive through the country side as well as a peek around the boutique which claims to be "Manitoba's Largest Gift Shop".

The twenty ladies enjoyed a lovely lunch in the sunny tea room with the enormous mural depicting some historic moments in the history of the area.

The St. Charles Birthday Gals have been celebrating each other's birthdays for over 17 years. The meetings are usually on the third Tuesday of the month. Lunch begins at 11:30 AM and the reservations are made at various restaurants in the St. James area. Along with good food and pleasant conversation, there are several door prizes.

There is an open invitation to all ladies of St. Charles Parish as well as any of their friends or family members who would like to attend. The July 19th gathering will be a Pot Luck at one of the lady's home. For further details, please contact Claire at 885-2724.

Thibert Family Recognized for Service to Church and Community

A St. Charles Parish Knight of Columbus and his family have received the fraternal organization’s 2011 Family of the Year Award for the province of Manitoba. The honor was presented to Norbert Thibert, a member of the Knights of Columbus Father Alan Hall Council #8604, and his family at the Knights of Columbus Convention at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg on Sunday, May 8th.

The Knights of Columbus is an international lay Catholic organization with 1.75 million members who belong to more than 13,000 affiliated councils. It annually recognizes families for their commitment to the organization’s principles and involvement in related activities.

The parishioners of St. Charles Parish would like to congratulate Norbert, his wife Lorraine, his son Patrick, daughters Janelle and Celeste and daughter-in-law Mellysa.

The Thibert family gives real meaning to the K of C motto, “In Service to One, In Service to All.”

Micah House Newsletter

“Earth is mother of all that is natural, of all that is human,” noted Hildegard of Bingen. “The blowing wind, the mild, moist air, the exquisite greening of trees and grasses – in their beginning, in their ending, they give God their praise,” declared the 12^th century mystic. On April 22^nd, the United Nations invites us to celebrate International Mother Earth Day. More can be found at www.earthday.org (international) and www.earthday.ca (Canada).

The Earth Charter is a declaration of core principles to ensure a just, sustainable and peaceful global society. Its inclusive, ethical vision seeks to inspire in all peoples a new sense of global interdependence and shared responsibility for creation. See www.earthcharter.org For resources on environmental justice, go to: www.silk.net/RelEd/environment.htm

A new website is available to explore the visionary initiatives of Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim, directors of the Forum on Religion and Ecology. The site focuses on the forum, as well as the Journey of the Universe project and Earth Charter: www.emergingearthcommunity.org

• Inexpensive, biodegradable plastic food containers are now available. (Plastic is polluting and plastic recycling is energy intensive.) The Farberware Company, for example, offers biodegradable containers made in U.S.A. and sold in shops such as Bargain Store. To raise awareness and increase availability, we might also ask other store managers to carry such products. Glass food storage is always an option.
• Laundry detergent sheets (unscented preferred) are also available and effective. Working in cold water and all machine types, they eliminate the need for detergent packaged in large plastic bottles or boxes. The Dizolve brand is manufactured for and distributed by Prelam Enterprises Ltd. based in Moncton, N.B.
• Recycle bins for ink cartridges, small batteries and electronics may be found in such outlets as Staples, Superstore and Future Shop.
• Good news: Statistics Canada indicates Ethical Consumption is on the rise in Canada. We can make a difference by practicing ethical consumption. When and where possible, we can choose produce and products that are healthy, local, environmentally friendly and/or certified fair trade. (Carl Duivenvoorden, Green Consultant based in New Brunswick: www.changeyourcorner.com)

With the current federal election campaign underway, the Commission for Justice and Peace of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a guide inviting Catholics to vote with discernment. Go to www.cccb.ca and click on “Federal Election 2011 Guide.”

Citizens for Public Justice invites us to view the federal election campaign through the lens of public justice. The faith-based organization focuses on four key election issues: poverty and inequality; immigrants and refugees; the environment and taxation. CPJ also highlights Aboriginal concerns; Afghanistan; Arctic sovereignty; criminal justice and electoral reform. As we prepare to vote May 2^nd, CPJ invites us to visit their website often for updates: www.cpj.ca

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Share Lent Campaign ~ The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace and Canada’s Catholic bishops invite us to give generously to the Share Lent collection. Solidarity Sunday is April 10^th. Lenten and ongoing donations help generate justice among partners in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Share Lent materials also raise awareness in Canada. See www.devp.org or check with your parish or social justice co-ordinator.

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April 4^th marks Refugee Rights Day in Canada (http://ccrweb.ca). This year, the United Nations also invites us to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the UN Refugee Convention. The key legal document defined who is a refugee. It also outlined refugees’ rights and the legal obligations of governments and states toward refugees. www.unhcr.org

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April 4^th also marks the UN International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action to raise awareness about landmines and make progress toward their eradication.

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World Health Day ~ April 7^th ~ 2011 Theme: Antimicrobial resistance: No action today, no cure tomorrow. The UN World Health Organization is launching a worldwide campaign to stem the global spread of resistance to urgently needed medicines. www.who.int

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Global Day of Action on Military Spending ~ April 12^th ~ The international commission of religious for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC) calls us to join millions of others in observing this day (http://demilitarize.org). The date was chosen to coincide with the release of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s annual report on military spending (www.sipri.org). The JPIC commission notes that in 2010, $1.53 trillion dollars were spent on the military worldwide. Meanwhile, “the World Food Summit estimates that $30 billion a year could eradicate world hunger. That’s what our world spends on the military in a single week” (http://vd.pcn.net/en). Canadian research on military spending is available from Project Ploughshares, the ecumenical peace centre of the Canadian Council of Churches: www.ploughshares.ca We are invited to pray; learn more about military spending and partner with others to act for peace with justice.

A Very Entertaining Evening

Baba and Gido’s 50^th Anniversary

This was the third consecutive year that the House of Hesed Dinner Theatre Production Company has produced an evening of hilarity and appetizing cuisine. David Turnbull directed an adaptation of a play called Baba and Gido’s 50^th Wedding Anniversary written by Liz Reynolds. For three nights in St. Charles church hall, the thirteen member cast worked hard to provide lively entertainment for the sold-out audiences – and they succeeded.

Everyone involved in the dinner theatre is a volunteer and over that last three years, the dinner theatre company has raised over $70,000 for the House of Hesed.

It is the only facility in Manitoba offering a home to men and women living with AIDS. The House of Hesed opened it doors 14 years ago. To date it has been home to approximately 70 men and women ranging in age from 19-65. In most cases an individual moves into Hesed because they have nowhere else to go. Some need to come because they require further convalescence and care after a lengthy hospital stay. Others who are dealing with mental or physical health issues may need ongoing support to ensure they are attending their doctor appointments, taking their medication and eating healthy foods.

House of Hesed continues to rely on the generous donations from churches, foundations and individuals to cover most of its operating expenses.

For more information about the House of Hesed you can go to their website houseofhesed.ca