Fostering a Thriving and Resilient Community

Rita Tully and Rhonda Elias-Penner, Executive Director of Thrive Community Support Circle

On Saturday, January 11, the St. Charles Ladies' Association hosted a general meeting and potluck event. The featured guest speaker was Rhonda Elias-Penner, Executive Director of the non-profit organization Thrive Community Support Circle.

Since its founding in 1973, Thrive Community Support Circle has provided free support services and programs to Winnipeg's west end and surrounding communities. Thrive is committed to empowering individuals and families throughout every stage of life, fostering a connected and resilient community. Their wide range of services includes drop-in programs, pregnancy support, parenting classes, specialized programs for men and women, as well as counselling and therapy services. Their mission is to ensure community members receive the assistance they need to thrive on their personal journeys.

Thrive operates an early learning and licensed childcare centre that offers an inclusive and supportive environment for children. Thrive partners with other childcare professionals to encourage and support healthy preschool development, working together to create a brighter future for children.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Elias-Penner for her inspiring and informative talk.

“Thrive’s Purpose Statement:
We believe in the potential of every person and the strength of community. we provide inclusive and compassionate support to all, meeting people where they are on their unique path toward empowerment and growth. Together, we are building a thriving, sustainable community, where every person has an opportunity to lead a fulfilling life.”

— Thrive website

St Charles Parish Hosts a Safe Environment Workshop

On Saturday, November 9, St. Charles Parish hosted a Safe Environment Training and Information Workshop. Chris De Lima, a Human Resources Generalist from the Archdiocese of Winnipeg, led the workshop. Sixty-five people from five parishes attended the event, which lasted two hours. It covered the Archdiocese of Winnipeg’s initiatives in education, prevention, victim support, proper handling of misconduct allegations, and ensuring due process for the accused. These protocols align with Canon law and are guided by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The Archdiocese of Winnipeg is committed to fostering a safe, secure, and respectful environment for everyone participating in church activities. This policy applies to all employees and volunteers working with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Its primary goal is to prevent abuse and eliminate potentially compromising situations.

All volunteers working with vulnerable individuals are also required to undergo both a child abuse registry check and a criminal record check.

Preventing abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults is ultimately about building strong, open, and well-informed communities.

To protect vulnerable people, including children, the elderly, and those with disabilities, a community must take proactive steps focused on awareness, education, support systems, and safe environments.

Food, Fun, and Fellowship: A Fundraising Event to Remember

St. Charles Night Dinner and Dance began with a land acknowledgment by Elder Barb Nepinak, a band member of the Pine Creek Ojibway First Nation. Barb is a highly respected Traditional Knowledge and Wisdom Keeper and serves on the Special Indigenous Advisory Council for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. As a Cultural Ambassador for Canada, she has represented the nation internationally, traveling to countries such as Brazil, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, and Chile. Thank you Barb.

Some lucky attendees went home happy, winning a variety of prizes, including a 50/50 draw, two Jets tickets, a romance basket, four Moose tickets, a handmade quilt, and a lottery ticket tree. We also drew the winning tickets for our special "Lower the Temperature" cash draw, with proceeds dedicated to replacing our air conditioner.

A new highlight of the evening was the Photo Booth provided by Kenrein PhotoBooth. Many guests took the opportunity to capture fun moments with their friends and family.

The dancing was especially vibrant thanks to the talents of our DJ, Terrence Mazon. The hall came alive with a kaleidoscope of flashing lights, casting bursts of neon colours across the room in perfect sync with the music.

A big thank you to all our volunteers, including the ticket sellers, bartenders, and those who helped set up, decorate, and clean the hall. We also want to express our gratitude to Jamie, our Masters of Ceremonies, Gloria, who handled sponsorship, Landon who created the sponsorship video and Joanne, our event chairperson. All our volunteers worked together seamlessly to make this event a great success!

A heartfelt thanks to the 20 businesses who sponsored the event. A complete list of sponsors, along with their website links, is available on our website.

https://www.saintcharleswpg.com/dinner-dance-sponsors

Western Social Justice Canada Conference

On October 6, St. Charles Parish was honoured to welcome special guests at our Sunday Mass. They were  members of Western Social Justice Canada.  Among the attendees was Most Rev. Jon Hansen, C.Ss.R., Bishop of the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith, accompanied by a small group representing various regions of Western Canada, including Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories.

This group of 19 participants stayed at the St. Charles Retreat Center for the three-day duration of their conference. United by a commitment to social justice and peace, they gathered to discuss local initiatives, share ideas, and support one another in their work.

The group discussed a variety of pressing social issues during their time together. They explored the challenges faced by Afghan human rights defenders who have sought refuge in Canada, highlighting the struggles and resilience of refugees. Homelessness was another focal point, with a representative from Siloam Mission speaking on the situation in Winnipeg and examining its root causes. The topic of drug addiction was addressed by a bioethicist, who delved into the moral complexities surrounding safe consumption sites for individuals caught in cycles of addiction. Finally, an environmental activist from Nigeria shed light on the world’s dependence on fossil fuels, emphasizing how this reliance not only harms the planet but also strains human relationships and undermines a healthy, sustainable future.

In his homily, Bishop Jon reflected on the impact of Jesus’ work in a small part of the world. With limited power and influence, Jesus focused on building personal relationships, offering healing, and teaching rather than directly challenging unjust societal structures. Bishop Jon emphasized that social justice efforts may sometimes feel like trying to scratch a diamond with a fingernail. However, he reminded us that work done in the name of the Lord is never in vain.

Bishop Jon encouraged self-transformation, urging each person to focus on changing their own heart rather than trying to change the world on their own. He stressed the importance of God’s grace and the support of a faithful community, both essential for success in social justice and family life alike.

Life-Saving Information You Need to Know

The St. Charles Ladies' Association warmly invites all parish ladies to join us for a potluck meal, followed by a brief general meeting and an important presentation that could potentially save lives. The event will take place on Thursday, October 17 at 5:30 PM in the Parish Hall. Our guest speaker, Patrick McInnis, an Advanced Care Paramedic with EMS Public Education from the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, will be presenting on two critical topics: the E.R.I.C. Program (Emergency Response Information Kit) and Fall Prevention. Come and bring a friend!

Children Helping Children

Have you ever wondered why the children at St. Charles Parish drop their change in the big glass jar during Mass? This tradition, which has been practiced for over 20 years, involves collecting money that goes to Chalice Canada to help children from around the world.

Founded in 1992, Chalice Canada (CHC) is a Catholic international aid charity that has earned an A rating from Charity Intelligence's Top 100 charities in Canada. It is one of the largest charities in the country in terms of Canadian donations. In 2023, CHC received $34.3 million in donations and special events revenue, with total overhead spending at 10%. This means that for every dollar donated, 90 cents directly support the cause.

Since its inception, Chalice has been restoring hope and dignity to people in developing countries through its sponsorship program. Children are selected for sponsorship based on need and family circumstances, regardless of race, age, ability, gender, or religion. CHC runs programs in 13 countries across 4 continents.

In 2023, CHC's Sponsorship program, which constitutes 79% of its program spending, received $23.4 million and sponsored 48,727 individuals. Each of the 57 sponsor sites operates under local direction, allowing them to effectively address the challenges of poverty through local knowledge and insight.

St. Charles Parish’s annual sponsorship donation of $504 per child is making a real difference. Each year, if there is a surplus in the account it is sent to Chalice for ‘most urgent needs’.

Thank you to the children of St. Charles Parish for donating to the Chalice Sponsorship program and helping Cherline, Elijah, and Elsa. Sponsorship provides children with the support they need to attend and stay in school and helps families provide nutritious food and better care for their children. With these funds, families can take the first and most important step in breaking the cycle of poverty.

Elijah Kaluba

Elsa Gonzales Lopez

Cherline Edmon

Elijah Kaluba, a 14-year-old from Zambia, celebrates his birthday on August 1. He is currently in grade 9, with mathematics being his favourite subject. In his free time, he enjoys studying and playing soccer. Elijah aspires to become a police officer in the future.

Elsa Gonzalez Lopez is a 15-year-old from Bolivia, born on September 25. She enjoys reading books and playing soccer. Elsa is in the 4th year of secondary school and dreams of becoming an agricultural engineer. Her favourite subject is music.  Recently, Elsa recovered from dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection, and she is now healthy.

Cherline Edmon is a 17-year-old young lady from Haiti, born on October 29. She enjoys reading books and playing soccer. Cherline is in her third year of secondary school, where geology is her favourite class. She aspires to be a diplomat. Cherline is pleased to share that she is healthy. Recently, her family acquired electricity and a refrigerator, a significant milestone.

St. Charles Parish Annual Outside Mass and Picnic

On Sunday, June 23, St. Charles Parish held its annual outdoor Mass with a large group of parishioners, their friends, and family in attendance. Although the clouds were threatening, we experienced no rain during the Mass. Afterward, we began setting up for a picnic on the banks of the Assiniboine River. However, a sudden downpour forced everyone to relocate to the church basement, where we enjoyed a barbecue and picnic together. Thank you to everyone who made the morning a success: Father Rainerio, Deacon Claude, the hospitality ministers, altar servers, lectors, communion ministers, Greg and Terence who set up the sound equipment, and the 11:30 Sunday choir, who provided the wonderful music. A big thank you to the Knights of Columbus who purchased and barbecued the hamburgers and hot dogs as well as all the parishioners who provided the lovely salads and desserts.

Karaoke Cabaret

Ticket Sellers for the Silent Auction

Winners of the Grand Prizes.

Congratulations to the winners of the door prizes, silent auction, and 50-50 draw at the Spring Fling! A heartfelt thank you extends to all who contributed to the event, as well as to the dedicated volunteers who ensured its success. Together, we've raised nearly $3800, a significant stride towards acquiring a new air conditioner.

Cradle of Care: Organizations Offering Assistance to Mothers and Infants

In February, parishioners of St. Charles gather items for babies and mothers, which are then donated to two meaningful organizations: Villa Rosa and the Family Support Centre.

Villa Rosa serves as a sanctuary for single pregnant individuals, predominantly teenagers, although there are no age restrictions for the services provided. Residents live at Villa Rosa without charge, with funding sourced from various entities such as the Province of Manitoba, the United Way, First Nation communities, and numerous foundations and donors. The organization offers housing, individual counseling, life skills training, education, and community support to approximately 300 prenatal and postnatal individuals annually. Last year, Villa Rosa accommodated 87 expectant parents, each given the opportunity to complete high school education and access scholarships for post-secondary education. With a capacity exceeding 90% occupancy across 25 spaces, the average stay spans 3 to 4 months. To date, Villa Rosa has assisted over 14,000 parents and their children.

The Family Support Centre, established in 1985, has aided numerous women, men, and families in resolving their challenges over the years. Offering a diverse array of supportive services, all assistance is provided free of charge and held in strict confidence. These services include emotional and practical support for pregnant women and families with young children, guidance for women facing planned or unplanned pregnancies, parenting classes, peer counseling for relationship and life struggles, and grief support for those impacted by infant loss.

Thank you to all who donated so generously to  these worthwhile organizations.

Lenten Acts of Charity and Solidarity

"40 Cans for Lent" is a charitable endeavour commonly undertaken by diverse religious groups and organizations during the Lenten season. Its premise is straightforward: participants are encouraged to donate one can or non-perishable food item daily throughout the 40 days of Lent. These contributions are then gathered and distributed to local food banks, or charitable organizations aiding those in need. This initiative not only offers crucial food assistance to vulnerable individuals and families but also fosters acts of charity and solidarity among participants towards the less fortunate during Lent. Through collaborative efforts, the 40 Cans for Lent campaign endeavours to make a meaningful impact in addressing hunger and poverty within communities.

Once again this year, the Father Allan Hall Council #8604 Knights of Columbus at St. Charles Parish led the "40 Cans for Lent" initiative. Members of the parish, alongside students from St. Charles Catholic School, collected 770 pounds of food and $75.25 in cash donations.

The recipient of this generous outpouring of support was N'Dinawemak, a term in the Anishinaabe language meaning "our relatives" or "our kin," symbolizing the interconnectedness and care within Indigenous communities.

In Winnipeg, where an estimated 1,250 individuals currently lack shelter, N'Dinawemak stands as a beacon of hope. Housed in the former Levi’s Leathers guitar-strap factory at 190 Disraeli Freeway, this Indigenous-led warming centre provides refuge to those in need. With 150 beds available to both men and women facing homelessness, along with amenities such as showers and nourishing meals, N'Dinawemak also serves as a hub for distributing clothing and food, as well as facilitating access to resources and employment opportunities through partnerships with Indigenous-led non-profit organizations. While the centre offers short-term emergency housing, its primary focus lies in assisting individuals in transitioning to stable housing situations, although it does not directly provide permanent housing solutions.

Gratitude is extended to the Knights for their coordination of this initiative, as well as to all who contributed food and funds to support the "40 Cans for Lent" endeavour.