I have been a Catechist for 20 years, a wife for over 30 years and I am a mother to 5 wonderful children. My husband Jack and I came to Canada from Poland in our early twenties and are now Canadian Citizens. We have been parishioners of St.Patrick’s Parish for the past 12 years. For the past 5 years I have been on this beautiful journey being formed in Catechesis of Good Shepherd. CGS has been a huge gift in my life and I would like to share that with all the children that come to learn about Jesus.
Andrea Powell
Catechist
Andrea Powell is married to Brett and together they have 8 children, two grandchildren and another grandchild on the way. Brett and Andrea grew up in Saskatoon Saskatchewan before moving to Vancouver, BC to begin Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO)at SFU. For 18 years, Andrea, along with Brett were lay missionaries with CCO. There she participated in Bible Studies, led small faith studies, was a speaker, and became a trained spiritual director. In 2012, she returned to teaching and has a passion for teaching John Paul II's Theology of the Body and presenting the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to children.
Carmen Archer
Catechist
I was born in Abbotsford, BC, and have been a practicing Catholic all my life. I have lived in various places throughout Canada and the USA and my travels gradually brought me here to St.Patrick’s. I have been blessed to serve for over 5 years as a Catechist for children. I have used other programs to teach Catechism but after receiving training in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd I am convinced it is the most beautiful and effective way to catechise. I believe I learn as much as the children during our CGS sessions because of the prayerful way we ponder the truths of our faith together. I’m excited to see how the lives of all the children in this year’s CGS PREP program will be blessed.
Delia Molina
Catechist>
In my journey as a Catholic I have been blessed to participate in pastoral formation as a catechist, youth leader, and young adult leader. I have worked with children preparing for First Communion and Confirmation. Currently, I am one of the Grade Seven teachers at our Parish School. My hope for students is that they develop a close relationship with our loving God by trusting in His mercy and responding to His invitation to live in joyful union with Him. I look forward to supporting your children in their journey of faith and growth.
Denyse Hay
Catechist
Born in the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago, I have been a parishioner at St. Patrick’s since moving to BC in 2010. Over the years, it has been my privilege to find ways to serve the parish, first as a TOC for St. Patrick’s Elementary School then as a volunteer for Vacation Bible School, PREP, Children’s Liturgy and now as a trained Level I and Level II CGS catechist. I am currently a Lector at the Saturday evening mass. I greatly enjoy being with the CGS children each week and have learned much from being with them, listening to their insights and observations. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is such a wonderful way of sharing the faith with young minds. Along the way, it has helped me to also deepen my own faith. With gratitude and humility I ask that the Holy Spirit continue to bless our time in the atrium, and move us ever closer to God’s deep love for us all.
Emma Steele
Jon Archer
Catechist
I have been a member of St Patrick’s Parish for over 3 years. I moved here from Calgary to take a job as an Educational Assistant at our Parish school. It was during my time in Calgary that I became aware of the Holy Spirit’s call for me to join the Catholic Church and work fervently to strengthen my faith, and share it with children through my work in Education. These past few years being formed as a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Catechist have helped me develop my Catholic faith further. I am very excited to be in my second year as a Catechist for St Patrick’s Parish. I look forward to a fruitful year of co-wondering with the children in PREP. These years of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd have helped me develop as a Catholic and a Christian, and I look forward to co-wondering with the children this year in PREP
Kristina McBride
Catechist
I am a teacher at St.Patrick's Elementary School with a Bachelor of Education, an M.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Catholic Educational Leadership. I delight in sharing the beauty of our Catholic Faith with my students and enjoy learning alongside the children in the Atrium as we ponder together the mysteries of God's love for us. In my free time I enjoy hiking, spending time with family and friends, and baking.