Wednesday, November 14, 2012

St. Charles Parish Honors Its Veterans


Chief Warrant Officer Sandra Spragg, Dorothy Murphy, Lynda Ann Smith Chief Warrant officer (Re't) and Simon Lemay Master Corporal (Re't)


Ron Labbe reciting In Flanders Fields

Remembrance Day commemorates civilians and military personnel who lost their lives in armed conflicts.

On Sunday, November 11, St. Charles Parish incorporated some heartfelt activities into the Sunday liturgy that recognized our veterans. 
A Remembrance Day wreath was laid for all veteran by Chief Warrant Officer Sandra Spragg and Simon Lemay, Master Corporal (Ret’d).  Dorothy Murphy and Lynda Ann Smith, Chief Warrant Officer (Ret’d), laid a wreath for the widows of all veterans.
The congregation concluded Mass with the singing of O Canada.  Ron Labbe recited In Flanders Fields and the Last Post was played on the trumpet by Daniel Tully.



Friday, October 26, 2012

CWL Begins Another Year



Chris Carlyle, President of the St. James-Assiniboia Catholic Women's League 
and Claire Lacroix, contact for St. Charles Parish.


St. James-Assiniboia Catholic Women's League is begining another year of activity.  Below is a brief review of important information.

Spiritual advisor is Father Paul Tinguely of St. Charles Parish and the president is Chris Carlyle.

The contact person for each parish: 
Blessed John XXIII  contact person Elsie Rosler 204-832-5390
St. Ann’s contact person Joie Muirhead 204-783-9535
St. Charles contact person Claire Lacroix 204-885-2724
St. Paul the Apostle contact person Stephie Wasney 204-832-1182

General meetings will be held on the 4th Monday of each month at 7:00 PM   at one of the four parishes which comprises the St. James-Assiniboia Council.

Programs for General Meetings 2012 - 2013:

September 24 - location St. Paul’s  topic - Newsletter and membership kick off
October 22 - location St. Charles - Guest speaker Karen Tool
November 26 - location BJ 23 - ELECTIONS
December 3 - location St. Paul’s - Christmas Party
January 28 - location St. Charles - Resolutions
February 25 - location BJ 23 - Missing &/or Murdered Aboriginal Women or           
Senior’s Housing
March 25 - location St. Paul’s - Legislation  / Health and Education
April 22 - location St. Charles - Life’s Vision (40 Days of Life)
May 27 - location BJ 23 - Pot Luck Windup




Thursday, October 11, 2012

Journey Deep Into the Faith 




The CATHOLICISM program provides us with a tremendously realistic renewal of the basic teachings of our Catholic faith, showing the timeless and universal richness and beauty of our Church and its effect on the world.  Filmed in 50 locations throughout 15 countries, the CATHOLICISM DVDs reveal these truths in a visually breath taking and compelling way.
The last 5 Episodes of the series will be presented at St. Charles Parish on following Tuesdays at 7pm. EXCEPT Episode 9, which will be on MONDAY, December 10.

Episode 6: Tuesday, November 20, 7:00pm ( Mass at 6:30pm)
THE MYSTICAL UNION OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH”
Clearly answering the question, “What is the Church?” Father Barron presents the reality of the Church as “one, holy, catholic and apostolic.”   This episode also explores the Catholic conviction that the life and presence of Christ continues to embrace humanity in all its joys and sorrows through the presence of the Church.

Episode 7: Tuesday, November 27, 7:00pm ( Mass at 6:30pm)
THE MYSTERY OF THE LITURGY AND THE EUCHARIST”
Father Barron explores the ancient practices of the Church’s worship that endure to this very day.  Considered by the Catholic Faith to be “the source and summit” of its identity and mission, the Eucharist is the central practice of the Church’s culture. Father Barron describes all the parts of the Mass, and shows how the Sacred Liturgy embodies the whole of the Faith.

Episode 8: Tuesday, December 4, 7:00pm ( Mass at 6:30pm )
"A VAST COMPANY OF WITNESSES: THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS"
The story of the Church is told in the examples of those men and women who dedicated their lives to knowing and serving Jesus Christ. We are all called to be saints.  Highlighting Katharine Drexel, Therese of Lisieux, Edith Stein, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Father Barron tells the story of the Church as a vast company of witness who are called by Christ to be a Communion of Saints.

Episode 9: Monday, December 10, 7:00pm ( No Mass)
“THE FIRE OF HIS LOVE: PRAYER AND THE LIFE OF THE SPIRIT”
Catholic spirituality is centered on prayer, and so Father Barron explores different types of prayer: contemplation; adoration; petition; and intercession. In telling the stories of Catholics like Thomas Merton, St. Theresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, Fr. Barron demonstrates how the human person can be transformed through prayer that manifests a deep, spiritual commitment centered in Christ.

Episode 10: Tuesday, December 18, 7:00pm ( Mass at 6:30pm)
“WORLD WITHOUT END: THE LAST THINGS”
Explore the Church’s conviction that life here and now is preparation for an extraordinary world that is yet to come – a supernatural destiny. Father Barron presents the Catholic vision of death, judgment, heaven, hell and purgatory.
The vision of the Church sees beyond this world and invites us to consider a world without end. Father Barron shows how this vision is supported by the mystery and truth of the Resurrection of Jesus.

Everyone is invited to attend.

.


Sunday, October 7, 2012

Knights of Columbus Bursary Awards 2012



Pictured above is Greg Chase, Janelle Thibert, Chris Souce (Grand Knight) and Nicholas Gibson.


Each year the Knights of Columbus Fr. Allan Hall Council 8604 awards two $250.00 bursaries to candidates who demonstrate parish and community service and academic achievement.  This year’s bursaries were awarded to Nicholas Gibson and Janelle Thibert.  Nicholas is a graduate of Sturgeon Heights Collegiate and is attending the University of Winnipeg in the pre-med program.  Janelle is a graduate of Westwood Collegiate and attending the University of Manitoba with plans to have a career in nursing.




Friday, October 5, 2012

Alzheimer Disease and Dementia Presentation Hosted by St. Charles


Over the years, many myths have evolved about what Alzheimer’s disease is, who gets it and how it affects people who have it. These myths can add to the
stigma attached to the disease and stand in the way of our ability to understand and help people with it.

Charles Parish will be hosting a one hour (free) information session on brain health and  the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer Disease and Dementia.  The program will be presented by the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.  The date is October 25, 7:00 PM.  Everyone is invited.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Young Missionary Travels to Kathmandu

Dominique Gibson with parents Brian and Veronique
Long-time parishioner Dominique Gibson, presented an informative speech and slide show about his trip to Nepal volunteering with MountainChild.  MountainChild exists for the purpose of raising awareness, resources and financial aid for humanitarian work carried out amongst impoverished children living in the Himalayas.  This organization is urgently working to improve the lives of these children by bringing food, medical aid, education and love to children who have little chance of survival amongst such hostile conditions.

I asked Dominique a few questions about his experience.

How did you hear about this organization?

In late 2011, my friend Cait heard about MountainChild from a woman she met in Assiniboine Park. Nepal had been on her heart for a few years leading up to this moment, and when a stranger approached her in the park and told her she should go serve with MountainChild, a child and family based development agency located in Kathmandu, Cait didn't hesitate to contact her friends to see who would be interested in joining us. After some research and prayer, I decided to go with her to Nepal, along with six other young adults.

What insight have you gained from this experience?

This insight has broadened my view of the world that I live in. Having never previously gone any further than Dominican Republic (on vacation), South-East Asia presented new experiences of culture shock, ethnic diversity and different ways of life. After experiencing the world as through the lens of the poor in the Himalayas, I now see that the world is not as small as I had originally imagined, but I can also see that the world is small enough that none of us have an excuse to not go and help. It is extraordinary that I can get on a plane for just a few hours, and end up in a place as foreign and otherworldly as Nepal, but it made realize that not going to help out with their suffering comes out of a selfish distrust in God.

What was the biggest challenge in this adventure?

Although we were surrounded by some of the biggest mountains in the world, and some of the most difficult trails to trek, the biggest challenge was summoning the courage to reach out and pour a part of ourselves into the inhabitants of the Himalayas. We have almost nothing in common with them, so to try and interact with them in order to alleviate their suffering was extremely difficult. Even with the help of translators, the work of development is extremely challenging and slow in Nepal, which can frustrate even the most committed missionary. It was only by the grace of God that we found the strength to continue to serve in Nepal, even when the situation seemed hopeless.

How has this experience affected your life?

This experience has, as mentioned, changed the way I see the world around me, but it has also changed the way I see my own lifestyle and spending habits. I had previously imagined that I was going to go to Nepal and teach the Nepalese how to live a better life - in other words, how to become more like a Canadian or an American. I was shocked, however, to discover that we had far more to learn from them - although they are "poor," they are rich in generosity and hospitality, partly because they do not have materialism surrounding them on a daily basis. Here in North America, we often insulate ourselves from God and each other with objects and lifestyles (such as being overly committed to work, school, etc.), but in Nepal, they are forced in a simpler lifestyle that allows them to depend on God in ways that we never could.

Will you have further involvement with this organization and if so, how?

My further involvement with MountainChild will involve regular financial contributions, as well as continued prayer. I'm uncertain as to whether or not God will be calling me back to Nepal to serve with MountainChild, but I know that the experiences and skills I gained in Nepal will prove extremely useful as I travel to other parts of the world to do His work.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Begins



The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (often abbreviated RCIA) is the process through which interested adults and older teenagers are gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic faith and way of life. St. Charles invites those who are not baptized or baptized in a different faith tradition and wish to inquire about becoming part of the Roman Catholic Church to contact Claude Lambert at 204-832-1338 or the church office at 204-889-3248. The journey begins Oct. 10th, 2012 so please do not hesitate too long!

Friday, June 22, 2012

Holy Names House of Peace OPEN HOUSE

Parishioner Wendy Phaneuf Sikora, Board Member at the House of Peace, helps as a tour guide at the Open House.


Holy Names House of Peace held an open house on June 20th at its 211 Edmonton Street location. It welcomed the community to tour the newly constructed addition of a third and fourth floor. This extra space allows 17 immigrant and refugee women to live at the House of Peace in a safe and supportive home. The length of stay varies from one month to 26 months; the average is 1 year. Room and Board varies according to the circumstances.


While living here the women can heal from past trauma and adapt to Canadian culture. They can set goals and make informed choices, find employment and/or further their education. The women learn how to establish healthy relationships, develop skills and make the transition to safe affordable housing.


Since 2004, House of Peace “Neighbours” project has been home to 53 newcomers. They are from 17 different countries: mainly Africa, Asia and Middle East. These women represent 10 different faith traditions.





Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Get Ready for the 5th Annual St. Charles Parish Mixed Golf Tournament


For the fifth consecutive year, the St. Charles Parish Mixed Golf Tournament will be hosted by the Knights of Columbus Father Allan Hall Council #8604.


The mixed tournament will take place at the Assiniboine Golf Club, 2045 Ness Ave on Sunday, August 12, 2012. Last year's tournament was a tremendous success and the Knights are anticipating another highly successful and well attended event!


The cost is $50.00 per player and this includes golf fees, golf balls and tees as well as supper. There will be an extra charge for golf carts and club rentals. To arrange this, contact Assiniboine Pro Shop at 204-988-9313.


If you wish to attend the supper without golfing the price is $25.00. It is guaranteed that everyone who attends the tournament will win a prize.


The organizing committee is inviting donations of golf-related prizes for the prize table as well as sponsors. All sponsors will be issued a tax receipt for their cash donation.


The registration deadline is Friday, August 3 for all those who wish to golf as well as those who wish to attend the dinner.


Contacts to register or for more information:


Chris Souce 204-837-3112 Cell 204-981-7142

Eugene Phaneuf 204-837-6704 Cell 204-996-6704



Saturday, June 9, 2012

News from St Ann’s Parish



St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church is located at 271 Hampton Street in Winnipeg. Their summer Mass schedule, from June 17 until September 8th, will include an English Mass on Saturday at 5:00 pm as well as a Latin Mass on Sunday at 10 am and 8 pm. All are welcome.


Thursday, June 7, 2012

Manitoba Provincial Catholic Women’s League Convention Hosted by St. James-Assiniboia Council

The Convention Planning Committee

Chris Carlyle (St. James-Assiniboia Council President),
Father Paul and Claire Lacroix

Members of the St. James-Assiniboia Council

The Hospitality Committee

Keewatin Otchitchak (Northern Crane) Traditional Women's Singers


The 64th Annual Catholic Women’s League of Canada Manitoba Provincial Convention was held on June 2-3, 2012. The convention was hosted by the Winnipeg Diocesan Council and the St. James-Assiniboia Parish Council. The St. James-Assiniboia Council was formed in 1986 and consists of four parishes - Saint Paul the Apostle, Blessed John XXIII, St. Charles and Saint Ann’s.


St Charles Church was the venue for the 110 delegates who attended the gathering. Janice Butler, Chair of the Convention Committee, together with her ten member team, worked for over a year preparing for the event.


The Convention began at 4:00 pm with a special Mass at St. Charles Church, celebrant was V. James Weisgerber, Archbishop of Winnipeg. Among the special guests at the banquet were Archbishop Weisgerber as well as Betty Ann Brown Davidson, National President-Elect and Chairperson of Organization for the Catholic Women’s League of Canada. In keeping with the theme of the Convention, “Women of Faith and Justice”, Archbishop Weisgerber reminded the delegates that “faith calls our lives and our communities to work for justice”. The entertainment for the evening was provided by Keewatin Otchitchak (Northern Crane) a group of traditional women singers, accompanied by the drum.


Jacqueline Nogier, Manitoba Provincial President, stated “Convention time provides another opportunity to educate members on a range of topics”. An effort is being made to schedule the three Diocesan Conventions on different weekends to allow members to attend more than just their own convention. “This allows the women to be exposed to happenings in all areas of the province”, said Jacqueline.


The Convention was an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of members of the League throughout the province. Janet Brunger, Winnipeg Diocesan Council President, commented, “To each one of us, the little bit that we do is not much but when we

multiply that little bit by many hands, many hours and many coins, it becomes an incredible gift”.


Mary-Margaret Patterson, Chairperson of Community Life, reported the multitude of ways members of the Catholic Women’s League are living the advice of Jesus, “whatever you do for the least of these, you do unto me”. She also stated “Our members support numerous women’s shelters, half-way houses and crisis centers. Hampers of food and household goods were gathered and delivered to many different venues – missions for street people, drop-in centers and inner-city community centers. Work parties visited several soup kitchens to serve and houseclean. Infant formula, clothing and necessities were collected and provided to Pregnancy Support Services and shelters for underprivileged women. In all of this activity, the needs of the Aboriginal community were included in the decisions as to where the support was directed”.


One of the primary tasks of the CWL is to address social justice issues and ethical questions. The CWL seeks to influence legislative and administrative bodies at all levels to preserve the dignity of the human person. Politically, one of its major roles is to prepare and lobby to the government resolutions which are representative of the beliefs of Catholic women.


Four resolutions were presented this year by the Manitoba Provincial Council at the convention – Improved Living Conditions for First Nations and Inuit Communities, Mandatory Drug and/or Alcohol Rehabilitation in Correctional Facilities, Canadian Blood Services ID Number for The Catholic Women’s League of Canada, and Expanded Powers for Inspection and Enforcement of Medicinal Marijuana License Provisions.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Could she be the next "Mother Teresa"?

Sr. Cyril Mooney, IBVM, shares stories from her life and work in India over 50 years. As head mistress of Loreto Day School Sealdah, she has transformed a once private enclave into a model for equality-based educational change. Loreto Sealdah is open to everyone, including 250 street and slum girls in the Rainbow Program who live on the top floor.

The school’s community outreach initiatives include the innovative Barefoot Teacher Training Program which prepares unemployed youth to work as primary teachers in Kolkata’s slums and surrounding villages. Sr. Cyril has received many awards including UNESCO’s NOMA Award for Spreading Literacy and India’s Padma Shri Award for social service to the nation. On May 31 she received an honourary doctorate from the University of Manitoba in recognition of her innovative contribution to education and social service work among India’s poor.

WHERE: St. Paul’s College Fr. Vince Jensen Theatre, Room 100

University of Manitoba, 70 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MB

WHEN: Monday, June 11 th at 7:00 PM

Open to public | free parking

For more information call: 204-474-8575


Thursday, May 31, 2012

Walking The Labyrinth








St. Charles Faith Sharing Group has finished another year. As is our custom, we took a day-long car trip to some interesting sites outside the city, along with a stop for lunch.


This year the group was guided through St. Benedict’s Retreat and Conference Centre by Director Mary Coswin. We ended the tour by joining the sisters for noon day prayers in the chapel. We strolled the grounds and silently walked on the labyrinth. The original function of labyrinths remains elusive, but some labyrinths, like Chartres in France, were used as a substitute for pilgrimages to the Holy Land during the Crusades. Today labyrinths are enjoying a revival as stress relievers and meditative tools.


Our next stop was Captain Kennedy Museum and Tea House which was built in 1866 by Captain William Kennedy an explorer, entrepreneur and trader. The glassed-in tearoom overlooks English gardens and the river. We enjoyed a delicious lunch and beautiful view.


We continued the day by visiting St. Andrews on the Red Anglican Church, which is the oldest stone church in Western Canada being used as a place of worship. The church was built between 1845 and 1849. Luckily the minister was in the church and he happily told us the history of the church and answered our questions.


We made a short stop at Lockport, where a dam and lock span across the Red River. This dam causes fish to congregate just below the locks. The fish attract flocks of white pelicans who station themselves at the locks and gorge themselves on the fish.


And what car trip would be complete without a trip to the ice cream store? Yum!


The faith sharing meetings are over for the summer and will resume in September at St. Charles Retreat Centre. The Wednesday mornings begin with Mass in the chapel at 9:00 AM followed by our meeting from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Everyone is invited. For more information call Fran 889-7348.


Wednesday, May 30, 2012

K of C Host Rosary & Spagetti Dinner Evening





On Sunday, May 27, the Fr. Allan Hall Council of the Knights of Columbus, hosted a Rosary & Spaghetti Supper Night for St. Charles parish.


Before the Rosary was recited, Father Paul Tinguely blessed a statue of the Blessed Mother for the Villa family.


To acknowledge the various cultures within St. Charles parish, each decade of the Rosary was recited in a different language; Spanish, Portuguese, French, Filipino and English.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Confirmation Class 2012









At St.Charles Church on Friday, May 25, we witnessed the Confirmation of 9 young adults. Archbishop James Weisgerber spoke to the candidates about their uniqueness and how they should not be swayed by the commercialism of modern society.

Confirmation is one of the sacraments through which Catholics pass in the process of their religious upbringing. According to Catholic doctrine, in this sacrament they receive the Holy Spirit and become adult members of the Catholic Church.

As the person is anointed during the Confirmation ceremony, the Bishop say, 'Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit'. This gesture and the words accompanying it express clearly the effects of the giving of the Holy Spirit. Signed with the perfumed oil, the young person receives the seal of the Lord and the gift of the Holy Spirit, drawing them closer to Christ and to the ministry for which all, as baptized Christians, are called.

Congratulation to all the candidates!


Thursday, May 24, 2012

A Big Thank You to the Knights






On Wednesday, May 23, ten men from Father Allan Hall Council #8604 Knights of Columbus spent their evening sweeping and painting the parking lot of St. Charles Church. Thank you to the company which donated the sprayer and thank you to the Knights for paying for the paint. The parking lot will look clean and neat in anticipation of our guest for Confirmation on Friday and for the provincial Catholic Women’s League Convention June 2 and 3.