the success of “Saint-François-de-Sales” in Chambéry

Just a year ago, in Chambéry (Savoie), the Saint-François-de-Sales patronage opened its doors. The adventure starts with a few volunteers and the parish priest. In the bright presbytery attached to the Saint-Pierre-de-Maché church, around ten children aged 6 to 14 are welcomed every Wednesday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Very quickly, the team noticed that the creation of an association would allow more independence. “I wanted to get involved in a service. When I heard about this initiative, it clicked for me,” confides Renaud de Suremain, 44, father of four children and now president of the association managing the patronage. “Here,” continues the Savoyard, “it’s not just a recreational center. We wish to implement a “pedagogy of grace”, so that the child grows humanly and in faith. »

Faithful to the motto of the patronages – “Here we play, here we pray” – the children start by greeting each other, then go into the church to “say hello to Jesus”. Then, the morning is punctuated by songs, crafts, reading the life of a saint and the presence of the priest “for football and prayer”. “We are also keen to empower adults by entrusting them with missions for younger people. » The president recognizes that the work is demanding. “There are of course the administrative aspects and fundraising. But we also need to find volunteers, including young people with the Bafa (Brevet of aptitude for the functions of facilitator). We have also recruited a salaried director. » In his mission, Renaud de Suremain can rely on Esprit de patronage, an incubator which supports the creation of these structures free of charge.

Smiles and enthusiasm

Open all school year, the patronage offered, last July, a three-week summer welcome at the Bocage, in Chambéry, a place decorated with a large park. It was a success, with 74 registered children taking turns according to a schedule, with the patronage only being able to accommodate 36 children per day. On the menu: moments of prayer, collective games, creative workshops, times of service and rest. Renaud de Suremain was marked by this very shy 13-year-old, whom his mother had registered somewhat in spite of himself. “From the first day, we gave him responsibility for a small group which he managed very well. At the end of the day, his mother couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw him smiling and enthusiastic. »