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

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, 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.