Right Reverend Monsignor John J. Charlebois (“Mons”), was born August 20, 1926 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. He was baptized on September 9, 1926 by Fr. Facutte in the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in the city of his birth.
Msgr. Charlebois was ordained a priest on May 1, 1954 at St. John the Baptist Church in Whiting, Indiana by Archbishop John F. Noll. Monsignor went to his eternal reward on Tuesday, September 22, 2009.
Survived by his brothers, Right Rev. Robert L. Charlebois of Chicago and Thomas E. (Dolores) Charlebois of Hobart, his sisters, Jeanne Marie Rodriquez of Colorado and Noreen Charlebois of Opportunity Enterprises in Valparaiso and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas E. and Mary (Henderson) Charlebois and a brother William A. Charlebois.
“Mons” was waked Sunday, September 27, 2009, 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Queen of Apostles Chapel in St. Paul Catholic Church, with night prayers at 9:00 PM. Visitation was Monday at St. Paul Catholic Church from 8:00 AM until the time of services.
Mass of Christian Burial took place at St. Paul Catholic Church at 11:00 AM, Monday, September 28, 2009 and was celebrated by Monsignor’s brother, Right Rev. Robert L. Charlebois. Burial was at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery in Valparaiso, Indiana.
Memorial Donations may be made to Opportunity Enterprises, P.O. Box 1206, Valparaiso, Indiana 46384, in memory of Msgr. Charlebois. Bartholomew Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Here is What Some in the Community Had to Share
"Msgr did so many great things for the community and people of St.Paul including bringing Christ Renews His Parish program to the parish . .. nearly 30 years ago ... . still going on. It created and fosters a sense of "small community" to a very large parish." - Shanona Watson Piegat
"Msgr. Charlebois was a huge part of my, and so many others' childhoods." -Christine Hisick
"I attended St. Paul School from 1st through 8th grade. This man baptized me. I will always remember his humor while I was in school...he was always so nice to us" - Elizabeth Laughery
"I remember him growing up all through my CCD years! I think he baptized and gave me first communion!"-Natalie Marie Wayne Farmer
"He will be missed!"-Brad Cavanaugh
"We'll miss you, monsignor."-Tom McFadden
"Bless him!" -Susan Wardynski Schulz
A special thank you to Pat McDonald for sharing his yearbook photos: