The Highlights

The Welcome Home first opened its doors in 1993 with 4 live-in community members.

Over 50 lay people and Redemptorists have lived and worked together at The Welcome Home.  Almost every year, different men and women from across North America come together to live in Christian community and experience the Redemptorist mission!  

Below you will find the current Syllabus for Candidates for those who are discerning a live-in experience.  

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                                               The Welcome Home - A Mission of St. Alphonsus

                                                        SYLLABUS FOR CANDIDATES

This syllabus is designed specifically for those who come to "live-in" the house, committing themselves for a period of time to live according to the terms outlined below. The Welcome Home provides a unique opportunity for Catholic men and women to experience Christian community, spirituality and ministry with the Redemptorists.

The Welcome Home intends to be an explicit expression of the Redemptorist charism, making “the choice in favor of the poor” (Constitution # 5). It strives to build a faith community of the poor which calls all to deeper Christian discipleship. 

The following is a brief profile of our life and ministry along with a description of basic requirements and expectations for those who come to “live-in.” 

I. Overview 

Please read the section "Who We Are."

II. Basic Requirements

· Completion of high school education and conversational proficiency in the English language

· Physically fit: please obtain a medical exam by a family doctor prior to arrival

· A valid Canadian visa for those coming from outside Canada [we will work with approved candidates to submit the appropriate documents for the visa]

· A current criminal record check and vulnerable sector check

· Agreement with the Safe Environment policies of the Archeparchy of Winnipeg and the Redemptorists (these are studied during orientation)

· Agreement of Confidentiality with the Redemptorists

· Assets [things that are helpful but are not compulsory]

• a valid drivers  license
• some knowledge / experience of the Redemptorists
• some familiarity with the Ukrainian Catholic Church or other Byzantine churches
• some knowledge  / experience of Indigenous culture

III. Calendar

The year begins in the last week of August or the first week of September with an orientation period of several days. During orientation, new members are introduced to community life and ministry. A “regular” schedule is set up and commences immediately after orientation. 

There are 3 semesters in the Welcome Home year. The first is from September to Christmas – we have a Christmas break which is approximately two weeks. The second semester is from January to Easter and we take another break after Easter (Bright Week). Then from after Easter to July. 

The Welcome Home year ends usually by the end of the first week of July. Prior to the conclusion of the year, time is allotted for evaluation and closure. The remainder of the summer is given to vacation and retreat time for the Redemptorists and staff, as well as for repairs and upgrades around the house. 

IV. Community Life

Simplicity

The lifestyle of this community is intended to be simple, in other words, it strives to make choices based on genuine needs and to direct our resources of time, talent and treasure to the common good of our mission. The community aims to trust in Divine Providence and to identify with those who have little choice but to live with limited resources. It is an attempt to emulate Christ’s own solidarity with the poor in our context. Simplicity witnesses to the freedom of the gospel and helps us identify with those who struggle to make ends meet. 

Equality

This community is based on the equality of persons inherent in our dignity as children of God. Our vocation to service in the Church as Redemptorists and lay people is recognized in our common life and ministry. Members need to work at being a “team player” since our life and ministry is collaborative. 

Community Building

When a group of people gathers together to share their lives with each other for a period of time, there is a need to work on building relationships with each other. Daily life at The Welcome Home is based on developing community with those living in the home, with those living in the neighborhood and with the volunteers who share both our spirit and our work; these three comprise “The Welcome Home community!” 

Prayer Life

Prayer is the building block of community life at The Welcome Home. Growing in one’s personal relationship with Christ is an essential part of one’s spiritual journey. Since The Welcome Home is a Ukrainian Catholic Redemptorist community, the Liturgical life follows the Ukrainian Catholic tradition.  A Redemptorist spirit also adds a particular dimension to the prayer life of the community. We also look for opportunities to attend retreats on an individual or communal basis during the year.

Practical

Community life has many practical sides to it. Some of these are household cleaning, cooking, shopping, home repairs (and shovelling snow 😊). These are shared and/or divided up according to the gifts and abilities of the individual members of the community. 

Community Meetings

Once a week, there is a community meeting. Community meetings are the barometer of a community’s health. Members gather to pray, discern and share what God is doing in their personal lives and in the life of the community. New business arising for the upcoming week and month is discussed, the needs of the ministry are examined, as well as scheduling, household needs, etc.

Meals

The live-in community members determine the menu plan for the week. The responsibility for the preparation of meals is shared, often on a rotation, among all the members of the community. Depending on the schedule, at least one meal is shared in common each day. 

As hospitality is one of the features of our home, preparing snacks and lunches for ministry events is also a frequent and common task. 

Recreation

Common recreation is an important aspect that balances community life at the Welcome Home. It depends upon weekly scheduling and obligations.

“One-on-One”

About once a month the Director/Chaplain will get together one-on-one with each member to “check in”. These meetings focus on honest and open dialogue and sharing mutual concerns regarding the personal experience of each member.

Formation and Education

Educational opportunities are encouraged to help members grow in their Christian life and further their skills in the ministry. These are taken both on an individual basis and as a group. Developing a sensitivity particularly to Indigenous history & culture and current issues related to the needs of those whom we serve is especially important. 

V. Ministry

The central focus of The Welcome Home is the ministry. The apostolic dimension of the community is designed to challenge each member to a life of service, calling forth their gifts and identifying and using new gifts. 

The Welcome Home adheres to Safe Practices and the Code of Conduct as required by the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Winnipeg and the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. All staff and live-in members must show proof of a Criminal Record Check and a Vulnerable Persons check (Child Abuse Registry) and sign an agreement to abide by the Code of Conduct. 

Neighborhood Ministry

The Welcome Home is a “spiritual home” for people of all ages. Many in the neighborhood refer to it as their “church.” We are family centered and endeavor to build community with those who may not feel they belong anywhere else. We also do religious education and prepare people to celebrate the Sacraments. 

Ministry work challenges us to be present to those in need; this means “being there”, whether a person needs to talk, wants to play a card game, or just have a cup of coffee. For the children, it may mean playing games, doing crafts, or reading stories. The purpose is to make everyone feel welcome and know that he or she belongs. It is our humble attempt to create an atmosphere in which people can experience the great hospitality of God. As Pope Francis puts it, “to warm hearts and to heal wounds.”

The Volunteers

The laity in general and young adults in particular are invited to contribute to our mission and participate on a variety of levels. There are opportunities to include people as a “hands on” volunteer who helps with the ministry or as someone who helps behind the scenes in a supportive role. Folks from our neighborhood community also contribute a helping hand. 

Volunteer Work

Live-in community members will seek to volunteer outside the home in local inner-city agencies, community centers or schools. This valuable experience allows each community member to get to know not only his or her neighbors, but opens up connections with others serving in the area as well. 

VI. Finances

“Room and board (meals)” for the live-in community members is covered through the house fund as well as common recreation and special events. Each member receives a monthly honorarium (living allowance) for personal use. A departure bonus (based on one’s length of commitment) is also offered at the end of one’s stay. 

The cost of travel to Winnipeg and the return home can be significant depending on one’s origins. While each person is encouraged to cover what costs they can, subsidies are provided to cover this expense. In addition, each member is expected to come with medical insurance that will protect them for the duration of their time here; if necessary, assistance can be provided with this upon arrival. 

Conclusion 

It is a privilege to have your interest in participating in our mission. Your time and talent will be put to good use. At the same time, you will soon discover what a privilege it is to be here! 

Thank-you and blessings on your discernment!