Father Roger J. La Charite, S.S.E. died on April 22, 2021 at his residence in Fairfax, Vermont, after a long period of declining health. Father La Charite was born in Ste. Eulalie, Quebec, Canada on June 8, 1927, the son of Walter La Charite and Dorina Beaudoin. He entered the Novitiate of the Society of Saint Edmund in Putney, Vermont in 1948, pronouncing his first vows on August 22, 1949. Following his graduation from Saint Michael's College in Colchester, Vermont in 1951, he continued his education at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, earning a Licentiate in Theology in 1955. He was ordained to the priesthood in La Storta, outside Rome, on June 29, 1955. In 1974-1975 he pursued continuing education in Executive Training in Comprehensive Alcoholism Service at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. Father Roger had many and varied assignments as an Edmundite, including at Saint Edmund's Seminary, Burlington, Vermont; Saint Michael's College, Colchester, Vermont; Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Williston, Vermont; All Saints Parish, Anniston, Alabama; Saint Mary's Parish, Greenfield Park, Quebec; Saint Martha's Parish, Sarasota, Florida; Saint Edmund's Novitiate and the Enders Island Apostolate Center, Mystic, Connecticut; and the Edmundite Missions, Selma, Alabama . Father Roger showed himself to be an astute fundraiser as the Director of the Edmundite Seminary Guild and Apostolate Office in Mystic, Connecticut, and as the Director of the Edmundite Missions, based in Selma, Alabama. He served on the Board of Directors and as Chairman of the National Catholic Development Conference. Father La Charite was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Dorina, and by his siblings Wilfred, Lucien, Evalina, and Emelda. In addition to his brothers in the Society of Saint Edmund Father Roger is survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews, and by his longtime friend, Sister Joanne Taetz, S.F.C.C.
A Mass of Christian Burial at a later date, at Saint Francis Xavier Church, 3 Saint Peter Street, Winooski, Vermont 05404. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Father Roger's memory to the Edmundite Missions, 1428 Broad Street, Selma, AL 36701. Arrangements are under the care of LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Service.