St. Charles parishioners were looking for a way to celebrate the feast of our partron St. Charles Borromeo (November 4). Typically a very active and sociable parish, the pandemic brought all social activities to a standstill.
Colleen Bevan and Jamie MacDonald organized previous St. Charles’ Dinners. Despite all the uncertainty and rules changing continually, they decided to take a ‘leap of faith’ and start planning a parish social.
COVID restrictions complicated the process of selling the tickets, serving the food, setting up the hall and providing the entertainment but with faith and determination they worked through all the obstacles.
When November 6 arrived, 93 parishioners attended and 29 people got ‘take out’ dinners.
St. Charles hall looked elegant with autumn decor, lights dimmed and centrepieces flickering on the tables. The kitchen crew worked all day preparing a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
A video production of “St. Charles - Dancing With the Stars” featured ten musical numbers starring St. Charles parishioners.
Ron Labbe was our fast-talking auctioneer at the cake auction. Seven beautifully decorated and delicious cakes were sold to the highest bidder.
The evening concluded with karaoke. Who knew St. Charles Parish had such talent!
This event was not intended to be a fundraiser. The objective was to have fun and revive the spirit of our parish after many months of social isolation with COVID restrictions. Coming together with members of our faith community helped to remind us that we are not alone in this world - the St. Charles Parish family is the place where we belong.