The bells will ring again 

By Grant Cree 

More than 300 people gathered at the Morinville Community Cultural Centre  

on May 14 to enjoy a variety show while supporting a fundraiser. The St. Jean Baptiste Rebuild FUNdraiser Extravaganza was a high-energy evening intended to raise funds to rebuild the historic St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church.  

“We want to hear the bells ring again,” said Denise Touchette, a volunteer on the fundraising committee. “All of the fundraising from this event goes to the bells and the steeple as part of the reconstruction. The church is very important for us, and we’re looking to rebuild the whole thing.” 

The 8-member fundraising community thanked everybody who made the event possible and promised the bells would ring again. Dignitaries included Bishop Paul Terrio, St. Paul Diocese, Father Trini and Father Lester of the St. Jean Baptiste Parish.  

Several elected officials also attended. They included former Premier Jason Kenney;  

Dane Lloyd, MP Sturgeon River-Parkland; Garnett Genuis, MP Sherwood Park; Mark Smith, MLA Drayton Valley-Devon; Mayor Simon Boersma, and several Town Councillors.  

Co-hosts Justin Pautonnier and Ed Bulger entertained the audience and introduced a lively variety show featuring local talent. Two Bad Apples (Danielle Edge on bass and Rod Kaup on electric guitar) had the audience singing along with a few memorable tunes. 

Professional juggler and Morinville Community High School (MCHS) graduate Jordan Imgrund Harvey astonished the crowd as he juggled with balls, clubs, knives and a chainsaw. The MCHS DramaLlamas performed a medley from the Broadway musical “Newsies.” 

Auctioneer Dave Meunier worked his magic to raise more than $2,000 for an 8-guest dinner hosted by Bishop Terrio, Father Trini and Father Lester. Comedian Don Burnstick, originally from Alexander First Nation, proved again why he is one of the most popular comedians in Canada. 

The St. Jean Baptiste Rebuild Committee noted the importance of reaching out to the community by giving people an opportunity to contribute donations to a part of the church that’s important to them. Their fundraising goal is $500,000 to replace the church steeple and help make the bells ring again.