Christopher Course breeds 'miracles'

By Ed Mihalicz

THOMPSON, Man. — Eleven new Christopher graduates and their six instructors celebrated the successful culmination of the Christopher Leadership Course in Thompson, Man. March 14. The course had begun March 11, followed by a Friday evening session, then continued through most of Saturday into a Sunday afternoon session and concluded with a banquet at the St. Lawrence Parish Hall.

The Christopher Leadership Course is a non-denominational course in effective speaking that seeks to build self-confidence and develop personal and leadership skills in order to be of service to the community. Leadership skills, learned and practiced, include speech reading, speaking with an exhibit, introducing and thanking speakers, presenting and accepting gifts or awards, organizing effective talks, speech “magic” and impromptu talks. Christophers try to live by the ideals of the Prayer of St. Francis and the motto, “It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.”

Sister Andrea Dumont, who organized the Thompson Course, is a firm believer in the benefits of the Christopher course. She has seen what she describes as “miracles” resulting from past courses in Thompson and other northern communities. She cites examples of greater self confidence leading to more willingness to become involved in church and other community activities as proof of the good things that can come from the course.

On Sunday afternoon, each of the participants outlined the project they intend to carry out in their family, workplace or community. Sunday evening’s banquet was highlighted by talks given by each of the graduates as well as a supportive talk by guest speaker Tom O’Brien from the local Thompson radio station.

Christopher Leadership Courses in Canada are offered in 18 different areas across the country. The Thompson course was organized through the Beauval Area Christophers of Beauval, Sask.