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.

Peace Begins At Home

St. Charles Ladies’ Association President Kim Zapotochny welcomes Pam Hadder, presenter from Willow House.

On October 18, at the St. Charles Ladies’ Association general meeting we had guest speaker Pam Hadder.  Pam is from Willow Place  and spoke on the Violence Prevention Shelter Program.

In Canada, every six days, a tragic statistic unfolds: a woman falls victim to violence at the hands of her intimate partner. This alarming reality forces over 6,000 women and children to seek refuge in shelters on any given night, as their homes are no longer safe havens. Domestic violence casts a long shadow over the country, with over 40,000 arrests annually stemming from this deeply concerning issue, constituting approximately 12% of all violent crime in Canada.

To combat this pervasive problem, the Family Violence Prevention Program is actively engaged in planning and cultivating community initiatives aimed at eradicating family violence. This program allocates funding to community-based organizations dedicated to providing specialized support for women and their children facing abuse, as well as for men grappling with family violence.

Within Manitoba, 33 agencies stand as pillars of support for those affected by family violence, collectively forming a network of assistance. These agencies encompass a range of services, including ten women's shelters, a provincial toll-free crisis line designed to promptly connect individuals with the nearest shelter for immediate safety, and nine women's resource centers.

Willow House offers a comprehensive range of services to those in need, including

  • Protective Housing: Providing a secure and confidential location, ensuring the safety and privacy of residents.

  • 24-Hour Staff Support: Ensuring round-the-clock assistance and care for residents.

  • Nutritional Support: Supplying all meals and snacks to meet dietary needs.

  • Linen and Hygiene Supplies: Providing clean linens, towels, and essential hygiene supplies for personal well-being.

  • On-Site Laundry and Shower Facilities: Equipped with facilities for residents' convenience.

  • Family Violence Information and Education: Offering resources and knowledge to address and combat family violence.

  • Protection Order Preparation Support: Assisting individuals in preparing protection orders when needed.

  • Community Support: Facilitating connections with relevant community resources for holistic support.

  • Assistance with Legal Aid and E.I.A.: Supporting residents with legal matters and Employment and Income Assistance (E.I.A.) as required.

  • Housing Support Services: Providing assistance with housing-related matters to ensure stability and independence.

  • Counseling Services: Offering both individual and group counseling for emotional and psychological well-being.

  • Children's Counseling Services: Tailored support for children, recognizing their unique needs.

  • Activities and Cultural Support: Fostering a sense of community and identity through various activities and cultural resources.

  • On-Site School (SunRise Tutoring): Ensuring educational continuity with an on-site school for grades K-8, offering a supportive learning environment for children.

If you wish to help, here is a list of needed items:

HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS

Bath towels and cozy blankets

Durable stainless steel flatware

Unscented laundry pods and fabric softener sheets

Kleenex tissue boxes, paper towels, and single-ply toilet tissue

FOOD ITEMS

Breakfast cereal, coffee, tea, and spreads like jam and jelly

Peanut butter, fruit cups, and granola bars for children's lunches and snacks

INFANT CARE NECESSITIES

Infant wipes and essential diaper supplies

Urgently needed: New infant bottles, soothers, and toddler sipper cups

Sizes 5 and 6 diapers

PERSONAL CARE ITEMS

Toothbrushes for adults and children (Urgent!)

Women's underwear in sizes S, M, L, XL, and XXL

Travel-sized and full-sized toiletries, deodorant (Urgent!), and body lotion

PROGRAM AND ACTIVITY SUPPLIES

Stocking stuffers for Christmas activities, suitable for women, teens, and children

Craft kits and art supplies for women, teens, and children

Sporting equipment such as sports balls, hula hoops, and bowling sets

Children's non-toxic washable paint, markers, small canvases, paintbrushes, and acrylic craft paint (available at Dollar Store)

Adult and child coloring books, crayons, pencil crayons, and sharpeners

GIFT CARDS

Winnipeg Transit tickets for women, teens, and children

Gift cards for groceries, outings, and general supplies (e.g., Walmart, Shoppers, Safeway, Sobey's, PC, etc.)

To donate, please call Renee at 204-615-0313, ext. 231 or

Pam at 204-615-0313, ext. 237

““The heart of our work is healthy relationships”.”
— Pam Hadder, Willow Place

Be a Food Rescuer 

The Canadian food system is one of the most wasteful in the world. We throw out a quarter of our fresh food and release about 21 million tonnes of greenhouse gases every year, just in food waste.

On May 17, Julia Kraemer, Winnipeg City Coordinator for the Leftovers Foundation, was the guest speaker at the St. Charles Ladies’ Association general meeting and potluck.

The Leftovers Foundation is a registered charity founded in Calgary in 2012 and is Western Canada’s largest charitable food redirection organization. The Leftovers program reduces food waste by picking up food from stores and restaurants and delivering it to service agencies such as food banks, community housing initiatives, and shelters. These service agencies receiving donated food can redirect funding from their grocery bills into education and rehabilitation programs. 

“In 2022, Leftovers in Winnipeg diverted 539,123 pounds of food from the landfill and provided 460,262 meals. It had 34 food donators and 53 active volunteers.”
— The Leftovers Foundation

Leftovers is a non-profit and does not charge donors or recipients for food rescue and services. Donors have the satisfaction of knowing they are making a valuable contribution to those in need in the community. Every province in Canada has a law that protects a business or organization from liability when donating good food.

Leftovers is currently operating a Home Harvest Program in Winnipeg. This program connects community members who have excess produce from backyard gardens to service agencies in need. 

Volunteers can 

  • connect with donors 

  • rescue food before it ends up in the landfill

  • redirect rescued food to service agencies

For more information check out the website rescuefood.ca.

If you would like to help in any way, please contact Julia Kraemer, Winnipeg City Coordinator  juliakraemer@rescuefood.ca or call Julia at 204-770-3303.

Julia is thanked by St. Charles Ladies’ Association President Elect Kim Zapotchny.