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

St. Charles Has Got Talent

Have you ever wondered who is playing the drums at the 9:30 Mass? Lorraine Thibert shares her talent with us at St. Charles and also belongs to a rock band called One in Spirit.

One In Spirit has hosted and participated in many fundraising events. This band helps raise thousands of dollars for charitable causes. Built on a foundation of precise drum rhythms and rock solid bass, this six piece band tears it up with rockin’ guitar, edgy vocal harmonies and songs ranging from forceful to quiet with an excellent stage presence that pulls you right in. Driven by their intense creative focus and musical talent, their selections also include catchy popular songs - they have something for everyone.

I asked Lorraine a few questions about her musical interests.

Tell me a little bit about your involvement in bands - when did it begin, to what groups did you belong?

I stared by playing guitar in church when I was 16. Later, I played guitar with other musicians for praise and worship at a Charismatic Catholic Prayer Group. When the leader asked me to do percussion for the group, I jumped at the chance. I played percussion at the first Charismatic Conference and I have been playing drums ever since. That was about 18 years ago. I was also invited to play at the Christmas concert with the Miles Mac Jazz band-that was a treat.

What is your favourite instrument ?

Although I have taught myself rhythm guitar and some piano, I am a drummer. I took lessons when I was a teenager but never had a chance to use it until I was in the praise and worship band and they asked me to play percussion for them. I returned to taking weekly lessons five years ago and enjoy it immensely. One can never master any instrument and learning more is extremely fulfilling.

Does your group have any particular message it wants to get to its audience? Our message is that rock music can be extremely positive and uplifting. We specifically choose music that will do that. I see my drumming and my music as a great gift God has given to me for my connection to Him and to share with all whom He allows me to reach.

What genre of music do you play? Do you have any original music? Christian Rock from popular artists like: the Newsboys, Superchick, Barlow Girl, Third Day, Rebecca St. James, Fireflight, Natalie Grant. We are currently writing originals with the goal of setting down tracks by early fall this year. Our hope is to have a complete 10 song CD.

What do your kids think about Mom being a drummer in a "rock band"? I think they think it’s cool. Sometimes their friends call the house and hear me practicing. When they find out that it’s the mom playing and they say – “that’s weird”, my kids answer – “no it’s not”. Once time my daughter’s friend, also a musician, wanted to be introduced to me which my daughter found really awkward.

What are some recent events where your group has played?

Some recent events are: Canada Day at the St. Boniface Cathedral; "Rock 'Til We Drop" (a one-band, 24-hour live music marathon that raised over $13,000 for Siloam Mission); “Brick by Brick”, a concert for Gawad Kalinga which raised funds to build 3 homes in the Philippines; "Turn On The Tap", a three-band concert which raised funds to purchase 20 Bio Sand water filters for Samaritan's Purse; Ride for Eternity fundraiser for Teen Challenge; Catholic School of Evangelization fundraiser at St. Charles Parish and Jesus ManiFest, Dauphin.

For more information about One In Spirit go to their website www.oneinspirit.ca

Wanted: a Bass Player

Are you a bass player who is looking for something different than the bar circuit and endless songs where you play root and fifth? Do you have a full time job but just need to play music? Are you the kind of bass player who understands teamwork, comes to practice knowing the songs, and can be serious but have fun? One In Spirit practices weekly and plays out every couple of months. Our events range from fund raising benefit concerts to outdoor festivals. We have even done a 24 hour concert! You will be challenged musically, but positive attitude and dedication will beat out talent for this position.

If you know music by the Newsboys, Fireflight, Barlow Girl, Superchik and the like, you need to call us! For more information, e-mail info@oneinspirit.ca or call 415-9709.

Human Trafficking Conference

You are invited to a conference on Human Trafficking at St. Charles Church, on Sunday, February 20 ^th , from 2 to 4 pm.

Noted speakers, Joy Smith MP (Kildonan St. Paul), Shelly Glover MP (St. Boniface) and Sister Lesley Sacouman, House of Peace will address the following questions.

What are the issues? What is being done? How can WE help? A question period and coffee will follow.

Doors open at 1:30. Admission is free. For information contact Florence at 889-4941.

A Morning of Fellowship and Growth

St. Charles Faith Sharing will begin on January 12th, 2011. The meetings will take place in the church library after the 9:00 A.M. Mass on Wednesdays. This is a six week series with different topics each week. The subjects of the DVDs are as follows:

The Life and Faith of C.S. Lewis - The Magic Never Ends - Narrated by Sir Ben Kingsley - The inspiring chronicle of C.S. Lewis' remarkable life.

The Secrets of the Dead Sea Scrolls - Now Science Reveals the Truth -This program unfolds like a great mystery - a real life mystery. It fascinates you with its secrets and leaves you closer to the truth than ever before.

The Gates of Jerusalem - A History of the Holy City - These spiritual gateways will play a vital role in Israel's past, present and perhaps future.

Jean Vanier - To Become an artisan of peace In A World Of Conflict - What attitude must a Christian have when faced with suffering? Jesus teaches us to become artisans of peace offering to others a listening heart filled with respect, confidence and love. A Christian then lives out Saint Paul's invitation: "In all, be like Jesus".

"So, who is this Jesus?" - A life like none other but for all others - presenter Russelll Boulter provides answers to the question in a down-to-earth, no nonsense style. This program has been designed specifically to help people with no previous knowledge of Jesus to have a better understanding of who he is. For those who already know Jesus, it will give them an even greater understanding of Jesus' life and the joy of knowing him better.

New Life in the Trinity - An Eastern Christian Introduction to the Mysteries of Christian Initiation. This program is suggested for the enrichment of clergy, religious and laity alike. Roman Catholics may be especially interested in this video which explains why Eastern Christians administer Chrismation and Eucharist at Baptism.

For further information call Fran Blanchard 889-7348

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!