Current Board of Directors, Executive Director, and Committees

HONORARY CHAIRMAN

Fr. Raymond Lafontaine

Fr. Raymond Lafontaine is the Episcopal Vicar for the English-Speaking Faithful and Director of the Office for English Pastoral Services (O.E.P.S.). In communion with the O.E.P.S. team, he coordinates English-language pastoral activities and provides support to parishes, Catholic institutions, and community groups. After undergraduate studies at McGill in Mathematics and a brief career as an actuary, Fr. Raymond earned his Bachelor in Theology (B.Th.) and M.A. (Christian Ethics) degrees from St. Paul’s University Seminary, as well as licentiate (STL) and doctorate (STD) degrees in moral theology from the Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained in 1991, served as associate pastor at St. Luke’s, then as pastor at St. Monica’s. He taught in the part-time faculty in the department of Theological Studies at Concordia and at the Grand Séminaire de Montréal. He is involved in the preaching of parish missions, retreats, and diocesan study days, integrating his passion for music, film, spirituality, and social analysis in all encounters.

CURRENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Talitha Cere, President

Talitha Cere is Co-Founder and Executive Director of Momentum, a faith community for Catholic single mothers that was founded in 2018.  Momentum strives to build a vibrant faith community for Catholic single mothers through retreats and local chapter gathering. Prior to Momentum, Talitha worked in business for 20 years serving as Vice President of Marketing and Product Development. 

Cory Andrew Labrecque, Vice-President

Cory Andrew Labrecque, PHD,  is Professor of Bioethics and Theological Ethics, and inaugural Chair of Educational Leadership in the Ethics of Life at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies at Université Laval (Quebec City), where he is Vice-Dean and Director of Graduate Studies in Theology. Cory earned a BSc in Anatomy and Cell Biology, an MA in Bioethics and Religious Studies, and a PhD in Religious Ethics at McGill University. Cory’s teaching and research explore how the Abrahamic religions—with a focus on the Roman Catholic tradition—approach ethical issues in medicine (especially at the end of life), biotechnology (especially in the context of artificial intelligence), and the environment. He is a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life (which counsels the Vatican on ethical issues in medicine, biotechnology, and the environment), president of the Canadian Bioethics Society, and vice-president of the National Committee for Ethics and Ageing (Quebec).

Karen deKoninck, Secretary

Karen deKoninck is a Pastoral Agent mandated for comprehensive family faith education as well as the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) for the 8 parishes of the Saint John Paul II Pastoral Unit (Diocese of Saint Jean Longueuil). She is also a member of the Diocesan Commission for Catechesis. Karen participated in two phases of a focus group with the Centre for Religious Education and Catechesis at St. Paul’s University. The focus group was devoted to finding ways of bridging the gap between adult faith and life. Years of volunteering in liturgy and faith education led to her pursuing a certificate in Pastoral Ministry from College André-Grasset as well as a BA with a major in Theological Studies and a minor in Human Relations from Concordia University. She considers it a privilege and a blessing to accompany and rejoice families and adults of all ages on their faith journeys.

Jessica Wan, Treasurer

Jessica Wan is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and owner of JW Services, a Montreal-based private accounting and consulting firm. In many ways, Jessica passionately applies her skills and talents in the pursuit of God’s Kingdom, most recently taking on a regional accountant position with Divine Renovation Ministries in 2024. Prior to owning her own firm, and in the six years following graduation from Concordia University, Jessica had held senior accountant and manager positions with BDO Canada LLP.

DIRECTORS

Loveness Mabhunu

Dr. Loveness Mabhunu is a self-motivated and passionate Freelancer/Consultant, an educator, author, motivational speaker and coach. She coaches teams and organizations, helping them adapt and excel in professional project practices. Her strong interpersonal skills and background allow her to communicate effectively at all levels. She is always ready to learn, adapt, and contribute to successful project outcomes. Loveness holds a Ph.D in Humanities and Women’s Studies from Clark Atlanta University, Georgia (USA) and an MA in Religious Studies from the University of Zimbabwe. She is a recipient of Fulbright Scholarship, Delta Kappa Gamma World Fellowship and IPS Scholarship. She has been an assistant professor in the Department of Religious Studies, Classics and Philosophy at the University of Zimbabwe and at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, Georgia (USA). She has worked with various Community Organizations in Zimbabwe, USA and Canada. Her passion is to educate, motivate and empower people throughout the world.

Mtre Teresa Morello

Retired lawyerTeresa Morello has been involved for more than 22 years in her community, and in the legal community. She has notably volunteered from 2010 to 2012 at SAGE, and at the Montreal Chapter of DFS from 2012 to 2016.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Cory Johnson

Cory Johnson is our new Executive Director, and also serves as a Permanent Deacon in the Archdiocese of Montreal. Drawing on military experience and a successful career in the agriculture inspection industry and public-sector leadership, Cory brings a rare blend of strategic vision and pastoral care to his work. He is deeply committed to empowering, parish leaders, lay leaders, fostering unity among English-speaking Catholics, and cultivating vibrant faith communities rooted in dialogue, inclusion, and collaborative action. Known for his compassionate leadership and tireless drive, Cory is currently spearheading a renewed vision for the ESCC—one focused on unity, innovation, and lasting impact.

YOUNG ADULTS COMMITTEE