Speak Lord, For Your Servant Is Listening

The St. Charles Ladies’ Association held a winter retreat on March 23 under the theme "Meeting God in the Small Things of Everyday Life." Deacon Philip Durant served as this year's presenter. Throughout the day, attendees engaged in assigned readings, followed by periods of reflection and meditation, culminating in small group discussions.

Deacon Philip brought attention to the distractions that frequently occupied our thoughts and encouraged us to take slow breaths, relax, and envision inviting the Lord to sit beside us for a conversation. Emphasizing that prayer is predominantly about listening, he advised us to pose our questions to God and await His responses.

The afternoon concluded with a Surrender Prayer, during which Deacon Philip underscored the significance of yielding to Jesus for healing and empowerment. He stressed the potency of surrender, noting that it is in our moments of weakness that we often find Jesus to be the most powerful. Urging attendees to wholeheartedly embrace Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, he emphasized the importance of saying "yes" to Jesus with heart and soul.

Pictured below with Deacon Philip are Anna Desilets, Spiritual Co-ordinator, and Diana Hooper, President of the St. Charles Ladies’ Association.

May the Lord Bless You Abundantly

Once more, the generous St. Charles parishioners have displayed their kindness through donations, providing enough chili to nourish 300 individuals at the Immaculate Conception Soup Kitchen. Using the financial contributions from parishioners, the Ladies’ Association acquired buns, bananas, bottles of water, and cookies. May the Lord bless you abundantly for your benevolence. (Ruth 1:8)


St. Charles Hosts Winter Retreat

St. Charles Parish invites you to join our Winter Retreat on Saturday, March 23, 2024, centered around the theme “Meeting God in the Small Things of Everyday Life." The Winter Retreat welcomes both men and women. Guiding the retreat is Deacon Philip Durant, who brings a wealth of experience, having served as a chaplain at Headingley Correctional Centre for 10 fulfilling years—the highlight of his career. Additionally, he offers over 50 years of expertise in Bible Study and Faith Formation.

The day's schedule runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and the registration fee is $20, covering lunch. Ensure your participation by pre-registering before March 20. To register, please reach out to Anna at 204-895-2420 or annadesilets6@gmail.com, or contact Kathy at 204-230-6279 or kdecle55@gmail.com. Don't miss this opportunity to explore spirituality in the simplicity of daily life.

St. Charles Ladies' Association Year in Review

Our annual Evergreen workshop raised funds for the Christmas Cheer Board.

The St. Charles Ladies’ Association regularly hosts speakers who enlighten our group  on Social Justice issues, inspiring us to engage in outreach efforts for those less fortunate in our community. On May 17, we had the privilege of hearing Julia Kraemer, Winnipeg City Coordinator for the Leftovers Foundation, discuss their impactful program. The Leftovers initiative actively addresses food waste by collecting surplus food from stores and restaurants and redistributing it to service agencies like food banks, community housing projects, and shelters. Julia's presentation left us with much to contemplate.

On October 18, Pam Hadder from Willow Place shared insights into the Violence Prevention Shelter Program. Willow Place is committed to addressing the pervasive issue of family violence by offering specialized support to women and their children facing abuse. In December, the Ladies’ Association extends an invitation to the parish to contribute items from the Willow Place’s Most Needed list. This includes household essentials, food items, infant care necessities, program and activity supplies, and personal care essentials, fostering a sense of community engagement and support.

The St. Charles Christmas Craft & Bake Sale took place on December 2 and 3. We extend heartfelt appreciation to everyone who generously contributed and those who made purchases. The $2,000 profit generated from the event was donated to the parish to support ongoing expenses. Special thanks to Alice for coordinating the bake sale and to Annette, who oversaw the craft table. Your efforts were instrumental in the success of this fundraising initiative.

On December 13, Dodie led a pair of workshops focused on creating enchanting Christmas centrepieces. In response to popular demand, we introduced a second evening class to accommodate those with scheduling constraints in the afternoon. We express our gratitude to Dodie and Shelmerdine’s for generously supplying a diverse array of evergreen boughs. The entire proceeds from these workshops will be contributed to the Christmas Cheer Board.

In February, the Ladies' Association embarks on a annual project titled "Fill the Cradle with Love." We have selected two deserving organizations to support through this initiative. Villa Rosa, dedicated to offering lodging before and after childbirth, focuses on providing crucial support to single mothers, infants, and their families. Their services are accessible to unmarried, pregnant women, and new parents in need. Villa Rosa expresses gratitude for contributions such as baby clothes, blankets, handmade items, diapers, and personal hygiene products.

The second beneficiary of this project is the Family Support Centre on Broadway West. This Christian organization is committed to delivering non-judgmental, compassionate care, and companionship to women, men, and children navigating challenging situations. Through "Fill the Cradle with Love," the Ladies' Association aims to make a positive impact on these organizations and the individuals they serve.

The Ladies’ Association is planning another retreat in 2024.

In March of last year, we organized a retreat centred around the theme of 'Finding God in Our Everyday.' Sister Cathy Laviolette, the presenter from the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, led the insightful sessions. The event drew participation from sixty-six women and men representing various parishes. Encouraged by its success, the Ladies' Association is currently in the process of planning a similar retreat for the upcoming year.

St. Charles parish provides two meals a year to the Immaculate Conception soup kitchen. Mark your calendars for February 4! The Ladies' Association is rallying parishioners to come together and provide nourishing homemade chili meals for up to 300 adults and children.

The St. Charles Ladies’ Association actively engages in ongoing activities dedicated to serving the St. Charles Parish. Led by Florence, the funeral committee plays a pivotal role in setting up the hall and preparing lunch receptions upon request. The ladies extend their support by providing receptions after First Communion and Confirmation celebrations. Periodically, they contribute by supplying lunches for St. Charles when hosting deanery meetings. Furthermore, the St. Charles Ladies’ Association takes charge of organizing coffee and dainties between masses on Sunday mornings.

The Ladies’ Association provided the lunch reception for the St. Charles Confirmation class.


If you would like to know more or become a volunteer for any of these activities, please contact our president. Kim phone number 204-803-3177.

The Ladies Association hosts three potluck gatherings annually, with the upcoming event scheduled for Saturday, January 13th, at 11:30 am. All the women in the parish are warmly invited to attend. No membership dues are required; being a St. Charles parishioner automatically makes you a member of the St. Charles Ladies’ Association! Feel free to bring your favourite dish and a friend to join us in the celebration.

"Let the Little Children Come to Me..."

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd stands as a Montessori-inspired Catholic faith formation initiative, designed to nurture the spiritual growth of children aged 3-12. This program fosters a deep connection with God through immersive encounters with Scripture and liturgy, addressing the fundamental needs of each child and facilitating a personal relationship with the divine.  

Originating in 1954 in Rome, Italy, this transformative catechesis was founded by Sofia Cavalletti, a Scripture scholar, and Gianna Gobbi, a Montessori teacher. Their collaboration over the subsequent six decades led to the development of materials and curriculum specifically tailored to unlock the religious potential within each child. Today, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has extended its reach to more than 37 countries worldwide.    

St. Charles Parish hosts The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd gatherings on Sunday between the 9:30 am and 11:30 am Masses in the atrium.  The atrium is located on the second floor overlooking the assembly and serves as a sacred space meticulously crafted to cultivate the Christian faith in young minds. Unlike a conventional classroom, the atrium transcends into a realm of communal contemplation and worship. Employing hands-on materials, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd introduces essential themes to children, drawing them into the mysteries and creating a platform for a meaningful dialogue with the "Inner Teacher," identified as the Holy Spirit. Noteworthy is the fact that these materials are painstakingly crafted by dedicated catechists and parent volunteers.                                                                

For more information, call Parish Office 204-889-3248 or email: stcharls@mymts.net

A Night to Remember: St. Charles Borromeo Feast Celebration at St. Charles Parish

On Saturday, November 4, the vibrant community of St. Charles gathered in full force to celebrate the feast of St Charles Borromeo, the patron saint of our parish. Held in St. Charles Hall, the event was a resounding success, with a sold-out crowd.

We were privileged to welcome Barbara Nepinak, an esteemed Ojibwe elder, knowledge keeper, and captivating storyteller, to commence the evening with a land acknowledgment and prayer. Adding to her distinguished achievements, Barbara has just returned from Dubai, where she was honored with an award from UNESCO for her significant contribution to education.

The night was not only a spiritual celebration but also a lively social event, filled with activities that brought the community closer. One of the highlights of the evening was the announcement of the raffle winners. The lucky recipients included Aida B, who won the 50-50 draw, Colleen Z, the proud owner of a Jets jersey, Wendy S, who secured Jets tickets, and Rick T, the winner of the Tree of Treasures Draw.

Entertainment took center stage with 'St. Charles Got Talent,' a video presentation showcasing singing and dancing prowess of parishioners. A heartfelt thank you was extended to all the participants, whose enthusiasm and talent added a special touch to the evening.

Melodies echoed through the atmosphere as the spotlight turned to the karaoke machine. Attendees, especially those from St. Edwards Parish, showcased their vocal talents. Laughter, applause, and cheers resonated through the hall as the community came together to enjoy each other's company.

The success of the event didn't happen overnight. The weeks leading up to the celebration were marked by meticulous planning and hard work. From advertising and selling tickets to cleaning the kitchen and hall, setting up decorations, and shopping for, preparing, and serving delicious food—the dedication of the community members was truly commendable.

The menu for the evening featured a mouthwatering roast beef dinner, followed by delectable cheesecake and pie for dessert. The culinary delights were a testament to the effort and care put into ensuring that everyone had a memorable dining experience.

The night continued with lively dancing, bringing the celebration to a fitting conclusion. As the last notes of music played and the laughter echoed through the hall, it was clear that the feast of Saint Charles Borromeo had not only been a religious observance but a joyful and communal celebration, reinforcing the strong bonds within the St. Charles Parish.

St. Charles Annual Christmas Craft & Bake Sale

Join us at the St. Charles Christmas Craft and Bake Sale on Saturday, December 2nd, and Sunday, December 3rd, following all masses.

Get ready to embrace the festive season with the delightful St. Charles Christmas Craft and Bake Sale, where you can find an array of homemade treats and exquisite handmade crafts. This event is an opportunity to support our parish community while enjoying delicious goodies and shopping for unique holiday gifts.

If you'd like to contribute to this event, we will accept donations on Saturday, December 2nd, between 1:00 PM and 3:45 PM. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

For your safety, please be aware that some of our baked items may contain nuts. We will also have baking which is gluten-free. We'll have clear labeling to help you choose the treats that are just right for you.

The St. Charles Ladies' Association is proud to announce that all profits from this event will go towards helping with parish expenses. Your participation and contributions will make a meaningful impact on our parish community.

For information about baked goods, please call Alice at 204-832-6167.

If you have questions about the crafts, please get in touch with Annette at 204-889-1391.