Preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage

Left to right – Raymond and Betty Ballacer, Wendy and Ed Sikora, Celes and Enah Isidro, Father Sarce

Introducing the St. Charles Parish Marriage Preparation Team

Accompanying Engaged Couples Toward a Joyful, Faith-Filled Life Together

The time leading up to a wedding is often full of excitement—engagement celebrations, venue decisions, invitation lists, and endless details that fill calendars and minds. Amid these joyful and busy moments, it’s easy for couples to lose sight of the heart of their vocation: preparing not simply for a beautiful wedding day, but for a holy and lasting marriage.

At St. Charles Parish, we believe that preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage is essential. This process invites couples to step out of the busyness and into a time of grace—reflecting on what truly matters, deepening communication, nurturing spiritual growth, and strengthening their relationship with one another and with the Lord. The months of engagement are not just a countdown to the big day; they are the beginning of the lifelong journey of living your vocation as a married couple.

A Team Dedicated to Journeying With You

We are delighted to introduce St. Charles Parish’s Marriage Preparation Team, a group of dedicated married couples who are active in parish life and who joyfully accompany engaged couples through a process rooted in faith, mentorship, and community.

Our fully integrated marriage catechumenate process is designed to support couples step-by-step as they prepare to enter the Marriage Covenant.

Drawing from trusted and time-tested Catholic marriage preparation resources, our program offers a comprehensive and personal approach to preparing for a strong, faith-filled marriage.

What Couples Can Expect

1. Personal Welcome & Mentor Support

Couples begin with a welcome meeting to discuss the joys and stresses of wedding planning, and the deeper importance of preparing for the sacrament. Together, we get to know each other.  Based on this introduction, we assign a mentor couple who will accompany them throughout preparation, providing guidance, support, and a witness of Christian marriage in everyday life.

2. Formation Sessions That Strengthen Your Relationship

Over several months, engaged couples participate in sessions that address:

• Communication and conflict in healthy, faith-centered ways

• Prayer and spiritual development – individually and as a couple

• Intimacy and family life, building the domestic church

• Finances and stewardship

• Faith foundations and the meaning of sacramental marriage

These sessions give couples the chance to step away from wedding details and to focus intentionally on their future together.

3. A Meaningful Retreat Experience

As the wedding approaches, couples join the team and our parish clergy for a retreat that includes speakers, time for reflection, and planning their wedding liturgy. This helps couples ground the final preparations in prayer and peace rather than stress.

4. Support Beyond the Wedding Day

Marriage doesn’t end at the wedding altar—and neither does our support. Newly married couples continue to receive encouragement through gatherings, mentor check-ins, and invitations to parish ministries that help them stay connected and supported well into their first year of married life.

Walking With Couples Into a Grace-Filled Future

Marriage is a beautiful calling—a lifelong journey of love, sacrifice, joy, and deep companionship with God at the center. Our Team looks forward to meeting each engaged couple, praying with them, supporting them, and helping them build a firm foundation to  carry them into the years ahead.

We can’t wait to be part of your journey.
Whether you’re newly engaged or beginning to plan your future together, we are ready to walk with you.

For more information or to register, please contact the Parish office and we will follow up with you.  stcharls@mymts.net or 204-889-3248

St Charles Annual Evergreen Workshop

This year, the proceeds from the workshop will be donated to Threads of Hope. Here is some information about this very worthwhile organization.

About Threads of Hope – Winnipeg

Threads of Hope is a volunteer-driven initiative in Winnipeg that provides handmade quilts, blankets, and comfort items to people in need throughout our community. Their small team of dedicated volunteers and supporters transforms donated fabrics into gifts of warmth and dignity, sharing hope with families, newcomers, shelters, and anyone facing challenging circumstances. Every item is crafted with care and given at no cost — a simple act of kindness that makes a meaningful difference across our city.

St. Charles Night 2025 — What a Celebration!

On November 8, St. Charles Parish hosted its much-anticipated annual St. Charles Night — and wow, what a night it was! With a full house and plenty of excitement, the evening was filled with laughter, community spirit, and unforgettable moments.

Guests enjoyed a delicious catered roast beef dinner, followed by fresh fruit trays and tasty dainties — the perfect finishing touch!

The dance floor came alive thanks to our DJ, who kept the music going for dancing and karaoke… and yes, we even kicked up our heels with some line dancing!

Families and friends captured memories in the photo booth — big thanks to KENREINPHOTOBOOTH for providing this fun addition to the evening. So many wonderful smiles were saved to look back on!

 Fabulous Prizes!

We were thrilled to offer an exciting lineup of prizes:

Winnipeg Jets game tickets for two — valued at $480

Six Moose game tickets + $200 Smitty’s gift card — valued at $400

Stock the Cellar! 32 bottles of wine — valued at $500

Grocery Giveaway gift cards — valued at $415

Fill Your Freezer! $300 meat pack + $75 M&M gift card — valued at $375

Congratulations to all our lucky winners!

This event wouldn’t be possible without the generosity and support of so many. Thank you to everyone who donated toward the prizes, to our sponsors, to the organizing committee, and to all our hardworking volunteers who helped bring it all together.

Most of all — thank you to our parish community for showing up in such a big way. Your support, laughter, and energy made this year’s St. Charles Night one to remember!

See you next year! 

A Time to Celebrate: St. Charles Parishioners Unite for Our Major Fundraiser

Join us for  St. Charles Night on November 8 at the St. Charles Parish Hall, 320 St. Charles Street, Winnipeg. The evening begins with cocktails at 5:00 p.m., followed by a delicious dinner at 6:00 p.m. featuring roast beef. Enjoy an evening of dancing, karaoke, and fun, with a 50/50 draw, raffles, and a cash bar. Tickets are $40 for adults (14+), $15 for children ages 5–13, and free for children 4 and under. Support tickets are available for $20. Come for the food and stay for the great company and entertainment!

Knights of Columbus Bursary Winner Announced

Each autumn, the Knights of Columbus Father Allan Hall Council has the special privilege of awarding a $1,000 post-secondary bursary to a deserving young member of our parish community. Guided by a strong commitment to the well-being of our community, the Council dedicates time and effort to fundraising throughout the fraternal year. These efforts make it possible for us to support a range of important initiatives—benefiting our parish, our youth, and the wider community. The annual bursary is just one example of the many ways the Council strives to make a meaningful impact year-round.

This year, we are delighted to announce that the 2025 recipient of the Knights of Columbus Father Allan Hall Council annual post-secondary bursary is Maksim Thomas!

A recent graduate of St. Paul’s High School, Maksim has already begun the next exciting chapter of his academic journey at the University of Winnipeg. He is currently enrolled in a five-year double major program in History and Education.

Maksim’s dedication to both his faith and his education exemplifies the values we hold dear as a council and parish. His contributions to the community and his commitment to personal growth are truly inspiring, and we are proud to support him as he works toward his future goals.

Congratulations, Maksim! May the Lord bless you throughout your academic journey.

Submitted by Greg Chase, Father Allan Hall Family Director

Pilgrimage to Jubilee Churches in Winnipeg

Members of the St. Charles Faith Sharing Group on a Jubilee Pilgrimage, June 4, 2025.

Since 1300 A.D., the Church has regularly celebrated Jubilee Years. For Jubilee 2025, Pope Francis invited Catholic Bishops around the world to designate specific locations within their dioceses as Jubilee Sites.

In response, The Pilgrim’s Guide to Jubilee Churches and Shrines was published as a resource for Roman Catholics and Ukrainian Catholics. It highlights a number of unique shrines and grottoes across southern Manitoba. The faithful are encouraged to make formal pilgrimages or simple pious visits to these sacred places, where they may experience a special outpouring of grace and mercy.

The St. Charles Faith Sharing Group traditionally takes a field trip before summer break. This year, after consulting the guide, we chose to visit two Ukrainian Greek Catholic churches in Winnipeg.

The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church—also known as the Eastern Rite Ukrainian Catholic Church—originated in 1596, when a portion of the Orthodox Church in what is now Ukraine and Belarus entered into full communion with the Pope. While maintaining its Eastern liturgical traditions and identity, it recognizes the Pope as the head of the universal Catholic Church. It is one of the 23 autonomous Eastern Catholic Churches united with the Holy See.

Today, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is particularly strong in western Ukraine, where it is one of the largest religious communities. It also serves millions of faithful in the Ukrainian diaspora, notably in Canada, the United States, Brazil, and Australia. Throughout history, especially during times of persecution—such as under Soviet rule when it was banned from 1946 to 1989—the Church has played a key role in preserving Ukrainian religious and cultural identity.

On Wednesday, June 4, our group of nine began our pilgrimage at Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Cathedral, located at 115 McGregor Street. We attended the 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy. Following the service, a knowledgeable tour guide introduced us to the cathedral’s distinct architectural and artistic features. This magnificent spiritual centre is adorned with beautiful religious art, including paintings, stained glass windows, and icons. Of particular note are the stained glass windows, which depict the church history of Ukraine and were created by internationally acclaimed artist Dr. Leo Mol who was a parishioner and regularly attended the cathedral.

Our next stop, was the Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky National Martyr’s Shrine at St. Joseph’s Church, 250 Jefferson Ave, in Winnipeg. Our faith sharing group had viewed the 30 minute video, “Steadfast and Faithful” prior to our visit so we were aware of Blessed Vasyl’s story.  Our knowledgable guide explained the various personal items on display and told us interesting first hand accounts of Blessed Vasyl’s personal life.

Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky (1903–1973) was a Ukrainian Greek Catholic bishop and martyr.  He was arrested multiple times by Soviet authorities for his faith and pastoral work, enduring years of imprisonment and torture. After his release in 1972, he was exiled and settled in Winnipeg, where he died in 1973 from injuries sustained during his imprisonment.  Blessed Vasyl was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2001. He is venerated as a courageous witness to the faith under communist oppression. His relics rest in Winnipeg at the Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky National Martyr’s Shrine.

Upon the announcement of Bishop Vasyl’s beatification in 2001, his body was exhumed. Upon examination, the body was found to be fully intact. His holy body was re-vested and sealed in this stainless steel sarcophagus.  

We concluded our adventure with lunch at a charming restaurant nestled in the beautiful surroundings of Kildonan Park. A day well spent and enjoyed by all!

“ We gained a deeper appreciation for the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people, and witnessed firsthand the universal nature of our Catholic Church—one that extends far beyond the boundaries of our local parish.”

— Eva Arsenault

Friendship, Faith, and Service – Together in Christ

The St Charles Ladies’ Association executive for 2025–2026. Back: Eva, Annette, Irene, Anna, Denyse, and Lynda Ann. Front:Diana and Florence. (Missing is Kim )

Rooted in faith and driven by service, the St. Charles Ladies’ Association has had a year filled with compassion and commitment to others.

With the help of the St. Charles parish community, we remain committed to the Immaculate Conception Soup Kitchen in Winnipeg, providing two meals each year. On September 22, we funded a well-received hot dog meal, and on February 2, parishioners donated homemade chili or contributed financially toward a chili dinner. The soup kitchen now serves 400 people every Sunday, an increase from 300 last year.

Our generous St. Charles parishioners donated enough chilli to feed 400 guests at the Immaculate Conception soup kitchen.

Through our Cradle of Love Project, we supported Villa Rosa by donating baby clothes, blankets, hygiene products, diapers, and handmade items to assist young mothers before and after childbirth. We also provided baby formula to the Family Support Centre on Broadway West, a Christian organization offering compassionate care to individuals facing hardship.

Our parish continues to support Willow Place, a local violence prevention shelter. A donation station in the church foyer offers parishioners a list of needed items, and the Ladies’ Association coordinates the delivery of contributions to the shelter.

This year, we hosted two informative guest speakers. Patrick McInnis, an Advanced Care Paramedic with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, spoke about the E.R.I.C. (Emergency Response Information Kit) Program and Fall Prevention. Rhonda from Thrive Community Support Circle shared how Thrive assists individuals and families through counselling, parenting classes, and pregnancy support.

We had a successful year in fundraising. In December parishioner Dodie Labbe led two Christmas centrepiece workshops using fresh evergreens, raising $720 for Willow Place. Our annual Christmas Craft, Bake & Decoration Sale raised $2,515.65 for the parish.

In support of our clergy and parish families, the Association provided meals for the Priests’ Reconciliation Dinner and the Deanery Meeting. We will also host receptions following Confirmation on May 1 and First Communion on May 29. In addition, the Association approved a $150 donation to support the annual Birthday Party for Jesus. St. Charles Parish hosted a Safe Environment Workshop, which welcomed 65 participants from across the Archdiocese of Winnipeg. The parish hosted the workshop and the ladies did the set up and provided refreshments.

Our annual retreat was held on April 5, led by Deacon Phil Durant. This year’s theme was “Reflecting on the Our Father,” and we were pleased to welcome 28 participants, including three men.

One of the most meaningful ministries offered by the Ladies’ Association is the preparation of funeral lunches for grieving families. This service is made possible through the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers.

The strength of our association lies not only in the work we do but in the fellowship we share—a fellowship that continues to shine Christ’s light in quiet, powerful ways. To every volunteer, donor, and supporter: thank you. May we continue to serve joyfully, grow spiritually, and walk together in faith, one act of kindness at a time. 

Singing Sisters Rock the Stage for Charity

Prairie Spirit United Church was a perfect venue for the Sisters of the Holy Rock concert on March 22

On March 22, the audience at Prairie Spirit United Church on Thompson Drive enjoyed a fantastic evening of entertainment with the Sisters of the Holy Rock.

Clad in classic nun attire, the ensemble put on an energetic 90-minute show featuring well-known songs, captivating harmonies, and a generous dose of comedy.

The cast and crew are volunteers who, after covering their expenses, donate the remaining proceeds to charity. Since their first performance, they have taken the stage over 500 times, delighted more than 200,000 audience members, and raised an astounding $3 million for charitable causes.

This important fundraiser for St. Charles Parish was a tremendous success, with 236 tickets sold for the event. A special thanks to Florence and her committee, and most importantly, heartfelt gratitude to everyone who purchased tickets!

Reflecting On the Our Father

Come and be refreshed at our Winter Retreat on Saturday, April 5, 2025, hosted by St. Charles Parish at 320 St Charles Street, Winnipeg. This year’s theme, "Reflecting On the Our Father," will be guided by Deacon Philip Durant, offering a meaningful time of prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal. The retreat runs from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with doors opening at 8:15 AM. The cost is $20, which includes refreshments, and all men and women are welcome to attend. Register by Wednesday, April 2, 2025. To sign up, contact Anna at 204-895-2420 or annadesilets6@gmail.com. We look forward to sharing this special time with you!

An Evening of Nun-Stop Fun

Join us for an evening of nun-stop fun with the Sisters of the Holy Rock! This exciting event is a major fundraiser for St. Charles Parish. Due to the lack of an elevator at St. Charles, which made moving heavy equipment challenging, we’ve partnered with Prairie Spirit United Church on Thompson Drive to host the event.

In case you haven’t heard of the Sisters of the Holy Rock, here’s a bit of background:

The Sisters of the Holy Rock are a lively group of women (with a few men) who love to entertain and make a difference. Founded in Winnipeg in 1992 with just 24 members, they’ve been spreading music and laughter ever since. Their shows are always fresh, high-energy, and filled with fun, but their mission remains the same: to raise funds for great causes while uplifting spirits and sharing smiles.

Dressed in traditional nun habits, they deliver a vibrant 90-minute performance packed with popular songs, beautiful harmonies, playful choreography, and plenty of humour. Since their first concert, they’ve performed over 500 times, delighted more than 200,000 people, and raised an incredible $3 million for charity.

The Sisters put their own unique twist on classic rock, creating an unforgettable experience. You won’t want to miss it!

Details are below.

Sisters of the Holy Rock

Saturday, March 22, 2025

Doors Open: 6:30 pm   Show: 7:00 pm

Prairie Spirit United Church

207 Thompson Dr., Winnipeg

Admission $28

For Tickets

https://StCharlesSisteroftheHolyRock.eventbrite.ca

For more info/tickets, call Florence 204-889-4941

Sponsored by St. Charles Parish