Quebec nuns help La Broquerie church

Nuns from Quebec are helping parishioners literally step into the future of St Joachim Roman Catholic Church in La Broquerie.

Sister Claudette Robert from the Sisters of St Joseph in Sainte-Hyacinthe was at the La Broquerie Hotel May 15 to hand over a cheque with an undisclosed amount. But that amount will allow the 124-year-old church to get moving on the first phase of its renovation work.

“It’ll cover a good size of the first step,” said church committee president Lucien Grenier.

The first phase will see a ramp added on the north side, cutting the commute for those walking or wheeling over from The Chalet assisted living home across Normandeau Bay. Door access will also be improved with a better placement of the buttons to open them. A pad will also be added so there is no step to get in.

“One of the reasons that I did come today is because I really wanted to see what the project was about, where the money would be invested,” said Robert, who is originally from Aubigny in the RM of Morris.

“I wasn’t expecting to have a meal and be in the presence of so many people.”

Over 60 people greeted Sister Robert during a dinner held inside the hotel bar. Grenier explained there was a strong connection to the Catholic church in La Broquerie. That has spread as those who choose to serve the church leave for other communities, and then often come back home.

“The La Broquerie area had a lot of young women back in the day who gave their lives to this congregation, so it stems back quite a few years,” said Grenier.

“A lot of these young people devoted themselves to this congregation through other congregations. They spread out.

“So we’re hoping other congregations see how they helped, and other ones can give us a hand in the near future.”

The connection to the sisters near Montreal is familial for Grenier. His aunt Alexandrian Gerardy was a nun with the Sisters of St Joseph.

The other family connection in La Broquerie was to sister Robert. Jean Gauthier’s sister is married to Robert’s cousin. That connection allowed Robert to help with a very intense funding application process, according to Grenier.

“They were more than happy to help us out. It was a long application, very specific with what they wanted,” he said.

“They came with a very good sized contribution.”

Grenier earlier said they are seeking $1 million for all the renovations, including work on the foundation, walls, floors, chimneys, insulation, HVAC system, lights and windows. He said they have already seen a great response from residents and businesses with over $200,000 raised earlier this spring. He added that was raised since September does not include any grants and promised labour and donations to come.

Along with the donation from the sisters, help has so far come from CDEM, Francofonds foundation, Caisse Populaire, La Broquerie Knights of Columbus, La Broquerie Pharmacy, and other private donors.

Anyone who wishes to donate can do so through the website paroissestjoachim.com. The fundraising is registered as a charity on the website.

People and businesses wanting more information on improvements and to help raise funds or put in some labour or supplies can contact Grenier. His email is ljgrenier@icloud.com and phone number is 204-981-7549.