On June 7, 2014 at the “Grand Knight’s Ball”, the Father Alan Hall Council Knights of Columbus #8604 expressed sincere gratitude to several members of St. Charles Parish and recognized their outstanding dedication and ministrations.
Berthe LaFleche has been in St. Charles parish since 1950. Her husband Martial (Bouncer) LaFleche was born here, lived here all his life and is resting in St. Charles cemetery.
Berthe has volunteered at Sunday School, picnics, Fowl Suppers and various activities both at St. Charles Academy and St. Charles parish. Responding to the receiving the award, Bertha commented,”We have a beautiful community at St. Charles and we hope to keep it that way”.
Gerry Desjardins arrived at St. Charles Parish in 1948. Gerry has done painting as well as maintaining and repairing the furnaces, the air exchangers, the air conditioners, kitchen appliances and light fixtures . He worked on many construction projects: the new restrooms, the brick garage, and an addition to the Sanctuary for a one time production of the Messiah. He continues to pour cement for sidewalks and markers in the work of maintaining and improving the St. Charles cemetery along with Ron. He has contributed to the building of the church office when it was moved from the rectory to the church and helped to rebuild the coat room, the storage room and the stage.Gerry has looked after the bar-tending duties at almost every joyous occasion at our parish.
Father Allan Halls Family of the Year:
The Thibert Family
For many years the entire Thibert family has been active in the St. Charles Youth Group. Patrick, Janelle and Celeste are qualified group leaders with the Catholic School of Evangelization. The family is involved in the Charismatic Catholic Prayer Group and attends its many conferences and events. Norbert, Lorraine and Janelle also serve as Ministers of Communion at St. Charles Parish.
Norbert is the financial secretary for the Knights of Columbus and does an outstanding job paying the bills and keeping the finances in good shape. Patrick is also a member of the Knights of Columbus having the position of recorder. He helps out regularly at the pancake breakfasts.
For many years Norbert has been on St. Charles Pastoral Council and has served as St. Charles Parish representative on the St. Charles Catholic School Board. Norbert is also actively involved with Baseball Manitoba as an umpire.
In addition to being a teacher, Lorraine is a musician who plays several instruments, her favourite being the drums. Lorraine accompanies the 9:30 choir on Sunday morning and belongs to a six piece Christian rock band called “One In Spirit”. Her band has raised thousands of dollars for a wide variety of charitable causes.
Janelle and Celeste help with the St. Charles Parish initiative called “Children Loving Children”. Every week the parish children drop their coins in a jar which is used to support three disadvantaged children from other parts of the world. Janelle and Celeste pick up, sort, wrap and count the coins and return them to the counters to deposit.
Father Allan Hall's Knight of the Year: Brother Abe Froese
(Because Abe was out of town, the award was presented to his son.)
Abe Froese is a past Grand Knight, an Altar Server and a Communion Minister. He has been an active parishioner for many years and a valued knight. He was involved in repairing the church bell and restructuring the support. Abe painted the interior of the church and painted the lines in the parking lot . Weather a church event or Knights of Columbus function he is one of the first ones to offer a helping hand setting up, serving or cleaning afterwards. Being a dedicated Knight of Columbus he advanced to 4th degree and has been ICCD chairman for the past two years.
Abe is a Knight who is willing to take on any task for the betterment of all.
