Julie Andrews: I am married to John and have three grown children. I was born and raised in Perth and attended St. John’s school where my mother was also a teacher.
I became a teacher and have recently retired after teaching 34 years in Bancroft, Burlington, Oakville and finally at St John’s elementary as a music teacher. I am a member of the parish Community Dinner committee and am hoping to make a positive contribution as a member of the Pastoral Council.
Josie Buckland: I have been a parishioner of St. John’s since July 2008 when, after a 35 year career with the Federal Public Service, my husband Doug and I followed a moving truck from Ottawa to Perth, which quickly became “home.” I have just completed year one of my three year term with the PPC. As well, I am a member of the Community Dinner Ministry, a Lector and an active member of the Auxiliary to the GWM Hospital. In Ottawa, I was associated with St. George’s Parish for 25 years, where I was a Lector, member of the Pastoral and Finance Councils, Guide Leader, involved in fundraising activities and, while my daughter and son attended St. George’s Elementary and Notre Dame High School, I was a member of both Parent Advisory Councils. I enjoy cooking, gardening, a good book and at every opportunity, exercising a “Nana’s right” – spoiling my two granddaughters!
Elaine Cavalier: My family and I have been members of St John the Baptist Parish for the last 35 years. Since then I have been happily involved in Parish life through a variety of roles. I have been a part of St John’s Parish Council for many years, both as a member and also as a representative for Parish Youth Ministry. It is a privilege and my pleasure to serve at St. John the Baptist Parish.
David Cavalier: I am a Grade 12 student at St. John Catholic High School. In the past I served as an Altar Server for six years and have been a peer leader in St. John’s Parish trueLIGHT Youth Group for the last five years. I have actively participated in many Diocesan Youth Retreats and National March for Life Youth Conferences. I have a strong passion for working with youth and have spent the last two summers in a leadership role at a Christian Boy’s Camp, sharing his love for Jesus and mentoring the young campers along their faith journey.
Séamus Kelly: I am sixteen years old and in Grade eleven at St. John Catholic High School. My favourite subjects are Math, Religion, French and Music. In recent years I have been active in the trueLIGHT Catholic youth group and a regular altar server at St. John’s. Presently, I play the organ occasionally at St. John’s and also work as a supply organist/pianist at several neighbouring churches. It is an honour to be on the Parish Council again.
Tyler Street: I’ve been a parishioner with my grandmother, Suzanne Maynard since I was 13. I am a student at St. John’s Catholic high school and in grade 7 I began my faith journey. In mid-2017 I was asked to read during Mass and it has been one of my favourite experiences within the church. I intend to finish my secondary education this year at St. John’s. The church has been a huge part of my life and I hope to serve it well on the council.
Jacques Trudel: Oldest of a family of 14 children, I grew up in a small village located south of Quebec City, a few miles from the USA border. I got involved in church life first as an altar boy and later as President of a Youth Catholic Organization dedicated to helping teenagers in their formative years. I joined the Knights of Columbus at the age of 20, and moved away from home at that time to pursue a career as a Power Line Technician with Quebec Hydro before moving to BC Hydro in the mid 70’s. Married to wife Barbara for more than 51 years, we raised 2 boys, one presently living in B.C. and the other in New Brunswick. We are also the proud grandparents of 3 grandchildren, all living out West. We moved to Perth in 2012 shortly after my retirement in order to be closer to my wife’s and my own families, while being located about halfway between our two sons’ families. My hobbies include golf, travel and I still stay in touch with hockey after having served as a junior hockey scout for some 24 years while living out West. My involvement as Deputy Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus, Council 3531 allows me to give back to the Church and to support different charitable causes in our community.
Colleen Donohue: I have been a member of St John the Baptist Church since 1998. I am a retired travel agent with over 30 years experience. Now I babysit and love nurturing and taking care of little ones. It gives me great joy watching their development. I volunteered with the CWL helping with different functions before I was a member. I joined the CWL when I turned 40, and have been active ever since. I was membership coordinator for a couple of years, and enjoyed getting new members. Last April, I became the President of the Catholic Woman’s League. I am committed to the CWL and my parish community.
Veronica Felizardo: I have lived in Perth for the last 12 years with my husband Brian and my children Gloria (9 yrs old) and Daniel (10 yrs old). I have been a member of the Catholic Women’s League for over 10 years and just finished a term of office as the president. I have also assisted with the Children’s Liturgy Ministry. I have worked full-time with the Correctional Service of Canada for the past 15 years. I also have a private practice in psychotherapy in Perth, where I specialize in trauma counselling and support those with general mental health needs. I have faithfully tried to put into practice my Catholic upbringing, as well as impacting the lives of others by my example. I live by the motto “Be the Change You Want to See In the World.” I am amazed at the kindness, selflessness and commitment of so many people in our faith community who always come together to make a difference. I am honored to have been elected to be a part of this movement of change where I will do all I can to help enhance and support our blessed parish community.
Kim Lapointe: I am new to our parish of St. John the Baptist. I do come to you with a wealth of knowledge and experience in serving in the many parishes that my family and I have attended in B.C. and Ontario. I have taught children’s liturgy for over 30 years! It is with great pleasure that I am currently continuing the tradition by assisting in the teaching of the children’s liturgy program at the 11 am Mass. I have also served on many committees during my faith journey helping to assist those in need and those who are vulnerable. I have a huge respect for life from conception to natural death and am willing to walk the talk whenever possible. I do my best to lead by example wherever possible. I was an active member of the CWL at St. Ann Church in Ancaster, Ontario. I feel that God has guided my husband and I to this loving parish of St. John the Baptist and as such feel honour bound to offer to serve as a member of the pastoral council. If you support my nomination to serve you, I promise that God will be my guiding light and will direct my steps in service to Him on your behalf.
Lisette Leclair: I originally come from Cache Bay a small town in northern Ontario. That’s where I received my sacraments. My husband Cleo and I were married in 1983. We have 4 children and 4 grand-children. We moved to Perth in 2015 and joined the parish in October of that year. I have worked at first choice hair cutters in Perth since 2016. We live on a small hobby farm near Perth where we enjoy gardening and the great outdoors. In the past I have always been active in parish life, children and adult choirs, children’s nativity scene and readings. I feel I could contribute to this parish as a member of the pastoral council.
Barry Olivier: After 40 years of teaching, my dear wife Jeannette and I moved to Perth in 1998. As father of Larissa, (deceased) and Mareena and stepfather of Chantal, we are blessed with 3 granddaughters and one grandson. Presently, I am Vice Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council, a member of the Funeral Choir, an Extraordinary Minister of Communion and a Reader. I was also a member of the Committee for the renovation of the Narthex. As Chair of the Parish Community Dinners Ministry, we strive to provide a delicious meal and a venue for socialization and fellowship. In these roles I will continue to serve God and the parishioners of St John the Baptist to the best of my ability.
Katie Publow: I’ve been a member of the parish my whole life. I am currently a teacher with the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario. I have been on Parish Council for the past two years and have enjoyed my time working with a variety of members of our parish to come together as a community. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, being active and enjoying this beautiful little town we live in.
Scott Ross: I am a husband, a father, and a parishioner at St. John’s Church. My family and I have been living in Perth for nearly a year. We have been welcomed warmly, and for that I thank you. I am also thankful to have been nominated for the Parish Pastoral Council. I see the council as a way to continue on my faith journey, to help others grow in their faith, and a way to contribute back to the community at St. John’s. Over the years I have been involved in organizing confirmation workshops, faith retreat weekends and have contributed ideas to help parishes grow. I am looking forward to the chance to help my new community too.
Sandra Stewart: I have always been a member of St John’s Parish. As a child, I remember being excited to participate in Children’s Liturgy of the Word, even offering to assist once I was a little older. Then as a teen I joined the youth group, and thoroughly enjoy learning about my faith and developing my spirituality. A few years later, with the assistance of parish members, I was instrumental in creating a parish youth group at St John Catholic High School, a version of which continues today. My life, lead me to university, where I studied to become a teacher. After university, I taught for two years in Japan. Upon my return, I sought employment with the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario. In this role, I have worked with a variety of age groups within many schools in the area, including Almonte, Carleton Place, Smiths Falls, Lanark and Perth. I have a strong interest in deepening the faith and spiritually of our youth. Within the parish, I volunteer my time as an usher and Extraordinary Minister of Communion. This summer, I was the parish contact for Totus Tuus day camp, where I had the opportunity to work with four missionaries from Kingston, providing a captivating faith filled experience for youth. Our parish has a rich and deep spirituality, which needs to be constantly nurtured in order to thrive. I want to be part of the team that continues to nurture our parish.