WELCOME SITE PLAN LIFE OF LOVE THE WORKS THE LADY E-MAIL	ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE In order to offer young people of all ages a moral and humane formation, various workshops were organized by members of the Army of Mary. These activities vary depending on the location and the group of youngsters. Thus, at the Center of the Immaculate in Quebec City, some fifty children and adolescents come together every Saturday during the school year to participate in these activities under the direction of a few adult volunteers who have taken on that responsibility. The young people are also brought together in various other regions within a movement known as “The Thirsting Harts”, in which a variety of enriching activities are proposed to them. The activities proposed give each young person an opportunity to develop his talents and to learn new things, while acquiring, at the same time, a better knowledge of himself.

Then everyone participates in more material-oriented activities, depending on his aptitudes, allowing each one to learn something new while at the same time getting to know other participants better. The girls take part in workshops for drawing, handicrafts, painting, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, sewing or cooking, thus benefiting from the advice and experience of lady volunteers, while workshops in carpentry, electronics or drawing are organized for the boys, depending on their age, by fathers, members of the Work, who accept to share their knowledge with these young apprentices.

November 1994 - Handicraft workshop for the younger children

Choir Formation
Young children are also taught the basics of singing in a choir. Father Hervé Lemay founded the choir “Les Petits Chanteurs de l’Immaculée” [the little singers of the Immaculate], giving these young people a taste for the beautiful and the sacred.

Choir practice of the “Les Petits Chanteurs de l’Immaculée”

“La Troupe du Roy Philippe”

Under the direction of a few adults, adolescents of fifteen years and up have been presenting plays for several years. Thus, the “Troupe du Roy Philippe Senior” [the Roy Philippe theatre group (senior)] has been presenting, since 1992, a comedy once a year, after a year of preparation and weekly practices. This offers an opportunity for these young people to come together, to fraternize and to support each other in the spiritual values they share.

The younger ones too learn to express themselves in public by also presenting a play. This group of adolescents ranging in age between twelve and fifteen, are part of the “Troupe du Roy Philippe Junior” [the Roy Philippe theatre group (junior)].

The young actors of the “Troupe du Roy Philippe” during two different performances

Music Classes and Family Concerts
Among the young people, there are those who wish to develop their talents by playing a musical instrument (violin, piano or other instrument) through classes given by the Sisters or lay members of the Work. At the end of each school year, these musicians have the joy of demonstrating their acquired skill by performing at the piano or with the violin, in turn or together, selections of their choice before family and friends. These concerts encourage them to pursue their musical studies.

In the evening, the young people gather around a bonfire to pray and chat.

Youth Camps With the purpose of initiating the young people in various types of work such as farm work – gardening and the care of animals –, bakery, carpentry, electronics, cooking, the performing of household tasks, etc., all of which provides a practical knowledge quite useful in life, youth camps lasting two weeks were organized for different age groups at Lac-Etchemin with the Sons of Mary. Under the watchful eye and the guidance of parents in charge of these activities, these young people acquire a rich moral and humane experience, while at the same time, benefitting from moments of relaxation within a family and community atmosphere.

A Day Reserved for Families
Within the framework of the activities for young people, Epiphany Sunday is reserved in a special way for a family day at the Center of the Immaculate. The day begins with Sunday Mass, followed by a fraternal meal during which the “galette des Rois” [a specially baked cake for the feast of the Kings] is shared. A variety of board or other games enliven this day of relaxation.

 

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