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.

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 Supports Newborns and Their Moms

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