Halte Marie-Rose Inspires Community Solidarity

Halte Marie-Rose has been bustling with life and action since the autumn of 2023. This parish project is aimed particularly at the population of Le Moyne and Greenfield Park.

The diversity of activities offered, creates many points of contact with different audiences: young people, lonely people, senior citizens, families and immigrants. This is exactly what Christiane Lafaille, the project initiator, envisioned when she launched the organization on October 6, 2018. “From the outset, we wanted to be a mission of welcome and openness, in order to listen to everyone, without discrimination of religion, sexual orientation or age.” The project is now a real crossroads where solidarity and sharing are experienced on a daily basis.

Recognition by local residents, organizations and institutions confirms the validity of Halte Marie-Rose, inspired by the life of Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher, the foundress of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM).

Responding to community needs

What’s more, the partnerships we have forged feed into the life of the neighborhood and the organization itself. The Frigo du coin brings people in to stock up. The partnership with Les cuisiniers différents has enabled us to offer the “Petits lunchs Marie-Rose.” Neighborhood children pick up their lunches at lunchtime, or enjoy a snack during homework help. With this organization, we’ve added the “Vendredi réconfort” program, which offers soup, bread and dessert free of charge. This is a considerable contribution in the context of the current economic crisis, where families are often faced with food insecurity.

The partnership with the CLSC has given rise to a new activity, “La Ruche d’Art,” a therapeutic art concept where people learn about the arts through themes. Among other things, the CLSC’s support enables us to purchase the art materials needed to run this activity on Tuesdays.

A six-week workshop, known as the “B Attitude Challenge,” was so successful that it will once again be included in the program. Focused on caring and respectful behavior, participants develop socio-emotional skills through sharing, drawing and prayer reflection.

Regular activities include Thursday coffee time, Friday drawing sessions, Monday knitting sessions and informal get-togethers. So many opportunities to break isolation, share life’s ups and downs and even become a source of motivation to take another step towards greater autonomy, according to the experience of some people. In addition to this, there are occasional activities with the Lajeunesse School, such as International Children’s Day, Alpha Iota workshops, help for immigrants, troubleshooting and even a day camp during spring break.

Ongoing Challenges

On a weekly basis, more than 100 people frequent Halte Marie-Rose, not counting all the others who occasionally come for one or other of the services, or simply for a coffee and relaxation. For Ms. Lafaille, this is tangible proof that the organization is meeting the needs of the community. “We are living the concept of this ‘Church on the move,’ open and close to the people.

Despite its convincing successes, Halte Marie-Rose faces the challenge of ensuring its sustainability. ‘We don’t fit into any of the boxes on the forms,’ she says. ‘We don’t have access to recurring grants. This forces Ms. Lafaille to intensify her efforts to obtain one-time financial donations, and limits her ability to program an activity or to launch a new service.

Fortunately, the local community is showing great solidarity. Many responded enthusiastically to the recent appeal to collect food to help families hard hit by the economic situation. “We’re counting on volunteers who are driven by their faith and show an unconditional welcome, regardless of religion or status.” The links forged within the Halte Marie-Rose enrich the community life of the Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher parish.

In addition to a team of some 15 volunteers dedicated to the cause, we would like to mention the support of committee members France Aubrey, Helene McKay, Lise St-Jean, Daniel Pellerin, head of the diocese’s social solidarity service, and Madame Lafaille. Isabelle Huard, Elga Amani and Mebalit Uuispe, the fabrique’s support, should also be mentioned. All these people reflect the cultural and generational diversity of the area. They are driven by the mission of Halte Marie-Rose, a place for socialization, in tune with the needs of the community.

Source photo: Halte Marie-Rose