OUR PASTORAL TEAM

Fr Manus Paul Bradley, Pastor of the Saint John Paul II Pastoral Unit, has been a Pastoral Team Member since December 2016. Ordained to the priesthood in 1989, Fr Manus ministered in his home diocese of Derry, Ireland, for 16 years before coming to Canada. He holds honours degrees in Modern History and Philosophy and Theology as well as a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University, (specialising in Moral Theology and Bio-Ethics). He is interested in bringing together theology and spirituality, believing that a sound combination of both is essential to faith. Describing himself as an “accidental missionary” the challenge of working in the Church in Quebec is, he says, what keeps him here. Trawling around antique shops and fairs in search of art and antiques are his leisure pursuits. Fr Manus visits Ireland to see his parents, 3 brothers and 2 sisters and his many nieces, nephews and friends as often as he can.

Fr. John was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland. The family was transferred a few times before settling in Oakville, Ontario where he grew up. Fr. John completed a BA in psychology and religious studies. He obtained his Masters in Theology in Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, which included his Clinical Pastoral Education in hospital in Burlington VT. He joined the Diocese of St. Jean Longueuil and served as a Pastoral Animator in Good Shepherd and St. Michel schools in Brossard.  Fr. John was ordained at St. Mary’s Parish in Greenfield Park. He enjoys a wide range of pastoral opportunities, especially Liturgy and Adult Faith formation, focusing on the works of Pope Francis. In his free time he enjoys cooking, gardening and relaxing with his cats, Rosie and Mitzie.

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 St. John Paul II Pastoral Unit. She also offers her time on the Diocesan Commission for Catechesis. Years of volunteering in liturgy and faith education led to her pursuing a certificate in Pastoral Ministry from College Andre 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 with adults of all ages on their faith journeys.  Karen is married with three adult children. She and her husband enjoy world travel in their leisure time.

Fr. Gérard Lachapelle was born in Joliette in 1939. He has a Bachelor of Science degree specializing in Biochemistry from the Université de Montreal and a degree in Microbiology from the University of Syracuse. He worked for Health Canada for 22 years in 1984 he returned to the Université de Montreal for a degree in Theology and Pastoral Studies. He was ordained as a priest in St. Amable on November 16, 1991. He was a Pastor for ten years in Sherrington, two years as Chaplain at a hospital in St. Jean and presently priest collaborator in the Pastoral Unit at St. Francis of Assisi in St. Lambert and Holy Cross in Boucherville. He enjoys carpentry, videography and painting with watercolour for leisure. He enjoys tai-chi and meditation and wishes to continue world travel. 

Christine Wright is a Pastoral Agent mandated for the needs of the Pastoral Unit, including being a resource person for marriages and baptisms. She is part of the Faith Education team with an emphasis on children aged three to ten. She has a mandate as an Extraordinary Minister of Baptism. Christine was an early childhood educator during which time she volunteered in parish life including liturgy, sacrament initiation, youth ministry and parish socials. These interests led Christine to furthering her studies. She has a certificate in Pastoral Care from the University of Montreal and a bachelor’s degree from Concordia majoring in Theology with a minor in Education. Christine is the youngest of eight, married with two adult children, and proud Nonna to four grandsons. With her husband, she enjoys their furry pets, dancing, trivia, cards, board games, as well as travel to visit family. 
​C​hristine Gage joined the pastoral team as Administrative Coordinator in September 2021. Taking the Diocesan mission statement to heart, Christine relies on the Holy Spirit to guide her in this administrative role as she supports the members of the pastoral team as well as the Fabriques and parishioners of the eight Parishes of the Saint Jean-Paul II Pastoral Unit. As a revert to the faith some 20 years ago and confident in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Christine leans on her continuing education of the Word of God through various programs offered within the Pastoral Unit. Christine is a mother of four adult children, a grandma to Elliot and many fur-babies, a gardening enthusiast, decor/renovation aficionado, she enjoys a busy life with family and friends by her side.
​Ljubica is from Macedonia in Eastern Europe. She grew up in a Catholic family where her faith was nourished by her parents as well as in her local Parish which she frequented with her three brothers and two sisters. She sang in the Parish choir and helped organizing meetings for youth. She studied education and worked as a Kindergarten teacher for over ten years. When she was teaching in Vancouver, Ljubica used the program, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Christian formation for children from 3 to 9 years old.) When she was a child, she met the Focolare Movement (an international organization that promotes the ideals of unity and universal brotherhood, according to the prayer of Jesus in John 17. www.focolare.org) In a meeting for youth from the Focolare she understood that God wanted her to give her life to Him. After a period of spiritual formation in Italy, she has been part of several Focolare communities including Macedonia, Vancouver, Toronto, and now she is living in a community in Brossard. While she was in lock-down she even became an expert at bread making! During her years in community, she has worked in a special way animating the children’s scripture programs. She is looking forward to being part of the Pastoral Unit and getting to know you all more. She hopes that her experience can be a gift.