The Catholic Foundation of Manitoba Presents: Date Night

December 4, 2024

Written by Suzanne Molinski, Administrative Assistant to The Catholic Foundation of Manitoba

An Inaugural Event

On November 22, 2024, The Catholic Foundation of Manitoba held its very first Date Night, and it was a tremendous success! Forty-two couples attended, ranging from those newly engaged to those celebrating over 50 years of marriage. The evening was designed to foster joy, personal growth, and meaningful connection. Our goal was clear: to allow couples to step away from the busyness of everyday life, reignite their bond, and strengthen their communication while sharing a memorable and heartfelt experience. This event would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of over 30 incredible volunteers. From meticulous planning and venue preparation to ensuring every couple felt welcomed and cared for, their hard work brought the evening to life.

Adding to this spirit of support, 42 young individuals aged 2 to 17 had been praying fervently for the success and growth of each couple. Their heartfelt commitment was a touching testament to the power of community and faith.

The evening unfolded with a delectable four-course meal paired with wine, creating a warm and intimate ambiance. Each couple enjoyed a personalized photo shoot, beautifully capturing their love and preserving the memories of the night. More than just a dinner, the event served as a meaningful opportunity for couples to reconnect, share insights, and leave with valuable tools to strengthen and grow their relationship.

Maui & Sheryll Zamora of Cana International

Our charismatic MCs, Maui and Sheryl Zamora from Cana International, guided the evening with a perfect blend of grace and humour. Their insightful sessions on communication equipped couples with practical tools to deepen their relationships and foster lasting connections.

Anthony and Teresita Chiarella

One of the most inspiring highlights of the night was the heartfelt testimonial Anthony and Teresita Chiarella shared. Their moving story of love, communication, and commitment resonated deeply, leaving everyone in the room encouraged and inspired.

Couples seeking additional support had the opportunity to connect with priests, Catholic counselors, or prayer partners during the evening’s discussion sessions.

As the couples enjoyed their dinner and engaged in intimate conversations, John Acosta set the mood with his DJ services, delivering a selection of memorable and romantic tunes. Many of the songs were personally requested by the couples, allowing them to relive the magic of their wedding day and the memories of their courtship. The music even inspired some couples to share a slow dance, adding an extra layer of warmth and charm to the evening.

Couples had the opportunity to connect with priests, Catholic counselors, or prayer partners.

As the night came to a close, couples had the opportunity to explore a variety ofbooths offering valuable resources from organizations such as The Catholic Foundation of Manitoba, Cana International, the Office of Marriage, Family, and Life (Archdiocese of St. Boniface), Couples for Christ, That Man is You, Teams of Our Lady, Marriage Encounter, and Serena Manitoba.

This evening was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors. The event was offered at a significantly reduced cost, with the remaining expenses generously covered by our sponsors, including:

  • The Archdiocese of St. Boniface
  • The Archdiocese of Winnipeg
  • Manitoba State – Knights of Columbus
  • The Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada (UCWLC)
  • Conseil Chevaliers de Colomb de la Broquerie
  • Knights of Columbus St. Edward Council
  • Couples for Christ
Couples had the opportunity to explore a variety of booths offering valuable resources.

Their contributions were instrumental in making this event accessible to all, and we are deeply grateful for their unwavering support.

Looking Ahead

The positive feedback we received has been truly inspiring. Many guests expressed their enthusiasm for making this event a regular tradition. We’re already exploring ideas for future Date Nights to continue offering this unique and meaningful experience to more couples.

It was an absolute honour to create an evening that left couples feeling refreshed, supported, and more connected. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support from our sponsors, the dedication of our volunteers, and, of course, the presence of the wonderful couples who attended.

Thank you all for making this night so memorable. We look forward to creating even more unforgettable moments together in the future!

Stay tuned for future events!