OUR LEADERSHIP
DIOCESAN OFFICERS
Teresa DiFalco
Hamilton Diocesan President
Teresa is honoured to serve as your Diocesan President, and is thrilled to embrace her two-year theme, "Sparkle God's Way, and be a Beacon of Hope and Light to everyone you meet”. She is also honoured to serve as a member of the Ontario Provincial Council representing the Hamilton Diocesan Council.
Teresa lives in Stoney Creek, is married to her childhood sweetheart Cal, a Fourth Degree Knight, and has a daughter, Amanda, a son-in-law, Steve, and a granddaughter, Vanessa. Teresa and Amanda recently battled breast cancer 7-months apart and are breast cancer warriors.
A member of the League for over 40 years, Teresa and her family represent five generations in the League. She has served in numerous roles at both the Diocesan and Parish levels and humbly received her Maple Leaf Service Pin. Teresa has developed and delivered various presentations, training/workshops, retreats on servant leadership, governance, women's role in the Catholic Church, and spiritual enrichment.
Teresa serves on the Board of Directors of the Catholic Women’s Leadership Foundation, and is a graduate of the Catholic Women’s Leadership Program at the Institute of Transformative Leadership Saint Paul University. Teresa holds designations in Catholic Theology, Church Liturgy and is studying Church Doctrine. Her church ministry experience includes: Director for Music and Liturgy, Extraordinary Minister of Communion, Cantor/Psalmist, and Lector.
Known for her resilience and joyful servant leadership style, Teresa empowers women to be leaders and advocates for the betterment for God’s creation by defending human rights, Christian morals, social and environmental justice, and championing women’s health and breast cancer awareness. Teresa was awarded Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce and received the Sesquicentennial Constituent Award from the House of Commons for community service. Her courage and commitment has been influential as a respected civic leader in addressing issues and influencing positive change.
Teresa finds peace in her studies, helping others, and cherishes family and friends. She enjoys gardening, designing, entertaining, traveling and music. She is a singer and published songwriter. Professionally, Teresa had a long career in public service as a Senior Executive with the Ontario Government at Queen's Park, specializing in law, policy, issues management, and strategic planning. She currently works as a Governance Specialist, Strategist, Government Relations Professional and Keynote Speaker. Guided by 1 Peter 4:10, Teresa believes in using her gifts to serve others. Her goal is to leave a little sparkle wherever she goes.
Laura Grint
Hamilton Diocesan Vice-President
Laura has been a member of the CWL for 44 years. She currently serves as the Vice President-Organization Chair. She has also served as Hamilton Diocesan First Vice President and Spiritual Development Chair, Diocesan Secretary, and Diocesan Community Life, and Diocesan Resolutions Chairwoman.
Laura has been married to Mark for 42 years and have three grown sons. She is also blessed with four grandchildren.
Laura was born and raised in Hamilton but has called Cambridge her home for the past 40 years.
Laura works for the Waterloo Catholic District School Board as an Educational Assistant and has served as an elected member of CUPE as President, Secretary, WSIB/Health & Safety Rep and a Trustee. She is an activist for Human Rights and Labour Rights.
Laura has extensive training in Financial Officer and Trustees training, Duty to Accommodate, Leadership Essentials, Conflict Resolution, Combating Workplace Bullying, Running Effective Meeting/Parliamentary Procedures, Compliance, Payroll, Banking, Records Management (including managing personnel files), Correspondence and Communications, Stakeholder Liaison and Management, Volunteer Coordination/Screening and Labor Studies.
Laura has experience in MS Word – Excel – Outlook – Power Point – Access – Project – and Internet Explorer.
Laura feels privileged to serve as a team member of the diocesan executive as Vice President and Organization Chair. She believes with God all things are possible., for when we answer the call “Here I am Lord” we move forward in JOY and we will Sparkle God’s Way.
May you all be a Beacon of Hope and Light to all you encounter.
In the footsteps of Mary.
Joanne Palmer
Hamilton Diocesan Secretary and Communications Chair
Besides spending time with her family, she volunteers and coaches for Special Olympics. Joanne got involved with Special Olympics because of her daughter. Ashley has been an athlete for the past 6 years.
She is also active in her parish by being a lector, minister of communion and baptismal preparation. If you were to ask people who know Joanne they would say she is a very caring and loving person. She is very passionate in all that she does and is willing to help whenever she can.
Joanne is very passionate in her job as an educational assistant for the Catholic School Board of Hamilton. When working with her students it gives her a warm feeling when she sees a smile on their faces in what they have accomplished either big or small. Joanne is looking forward to the next two years as she continues on the Hamilton Diocesan Catholic Women’s League.
Mary Clark
Hamilton Diocesan Treasurer
Mary has been a member of the Hamilton Diocesan Council since 2015. Her first term 2015 - 2017 as Community Life Chairperson, her second term 2017 - 2019 as Recording Secretary, her third term 2019 - 2022 as Communications Chairperson, her fourth term 2022 – 2024 Treasurer. At the May 2024 Convention, Mary was unanimously voted in to continue being Treasurer for the 2024 - 2026 term, along with being a team player in supporting her fellow Diocesan Officers and Executive.
Mary was born the 4th of 7 children at St. Joseph Hospital, Guelph and has lived in the Elora area the majority of her lifetime. She and her husband Paul have been married for 44 years. They have three children, Christopher, Jessica and Jennifer, along with their significant others, two granddaughters Sophie and Emily and grandson Colton.
Mary's mother (God rest her soul) enrolled her into the Catholic Women's League in 1976 after graduating from college. She enrolled her two daughters since the ages of 18 and 16 as members, by using the example set out by her mother. Thanks to a very understanding husband and supportive family, she has served on the executive of St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Women's League, Elora as Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Organization Chair, Pres-Elect, Co-President and President. She retired from her full-time job at the end of June 2023 and is enjoying retirement. She does the bookkeeping for St. Mary Immaculate Church, Elora and it's Mission parish St. Martin of Tours, Drayton a few days a week. She spends her spare time with her family and friends, reading and volunteering in other areas in and outside of her faith community. Mary enjoys keeping busy and being out there giving of her time and supporting others.
Mary is looking forward to the next two years serving as your Treasurer with God's help and your prayers to keep you informed as to the financial status of the Diocesan Council. She encourages you to reach out to her at anytime with any questions or concerns by email at [email protected]
Joyce Cotter
Hamilton Diocesan Past-President Historian
Born and raised on a dairy farm in Kincardine Township, as the youngest of five children, Joyce Cotter fondly remembers making mud pies, building forts in the hayloft and calling the cows in for supper. Through Junior Farmers, Joyce met her husband Paul and they have been married for 38 years. They are blessed with two sons Brent and Shane, daughter–in-law Karla and grandchildren Millicent and Owen.
Joyce was confirmed in the United Church but joined the Catholic Church in 1991. Joyce sings in the choir, is part of the collection counting team, and St. Vincent de Paul. She has been a member of The Catholic Women’s League for 34 years at St. Joseph, Fergus.
At council level, Joyce served as resolutions/legislation chair, president for 5 years, and past president. Joyce held the position of Kitchener regional chair, and was elected to diocesan spiritual development chair, 2nd vice-president and Christian family life chair, president-elect and organization chair, diocesan president for 3 years. She is currently serving as Hamilton Diocesan Past President Historian.
Joyce has worked with the public for over 31 years as a cashier at Zehrs. She loves to read, watch movies, listen to music, watch football and spending time with her family and friends.
Joyce feels privileged to be a part of The Catholic Women’s League. Her life has been enriched by the gifts of friendship, of purpose in serving the Lord, and seeing Christ through member’s action. She believes all members can make a difference and hopes to inspire and encourage you to share your gifts and faith within your council, parish and community.
Kathryn Imperatore
Hamilton Diocesan Faith Chair
Maricris Limson
Hamilton Diocesan Service Chair
Maricris was born and lived in the Philippines for 20 years before immigrating to Canada. Two years later, she decided to pursue her Nursing education and graduated in 1997. Since moving back to the Stoney Creek area, she has been a parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, where she joined the CWL parish council. She held the Education and Health convenorship, then assumed the Parish President role. Since joining the League, Maricris has grown more in her faith and continues to serve the parish and her community through volunteer work. She is part of organizing fundraisers and other CWL parish events.
Working full-time as a registered nurse in critical care can be challenging, but she finds balance when busy and involved in CWL and parish activities. She was part of the organizing committee for the spring regional meeting of 2024. Maricris learned a lot since joining the League and continues to seek more knowledge as she takes on this role as Service Chairperson.
Maricris's passion for travel and service extends beyond her local community. She has been fortunate to participate in surgical and medical missions in the Philippines and Peru, experiences that have been some of the most fulfilling moments in her life. Her commitment to service knows no boundaries, and she is dedicated to continuing her service wherever possible.
Maricris is not just a dedicated community member but also a proud mother of twin daughters and a fur baby, Benji. Her life revolves around her family, friends, and various interests, such as going to the gym and reading. She is always ready to lend a helping hand with any project, and her proactive nature ensures that there is never a dull moment in her life.
Maricris is honoured, excited, and looking forward to working with the diocesan executive this term.
“Love cannot remain by itself – it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is SERVICE.” – Mother Theresa
Mary Helwig-Hall
Hamilton Diocesan Social Justice Chair
Mary Helwig-Hall, is pleased to be serving you as the Social Justice Chair for Hamilton Diocesan Catholic Women’s League for 2024-2026.
She’s been a member of the League since 1995 and has held every role on her Parish CWL Council except Treasurer. She has served as Hamilton Regional Secretary, Hamilton Regional Chair and joined the Diocesan Executive as the Resolutions Chair for the 2022-2024 term. Her experience as Resolutions Chair will serve as a solid base for her role Social Justice Chair and is excited to use her experience and resources towards educating members, building a collaborative team and preparing her successor for the next term.
Mary brings her expertise as a Toastmaster (Distinguished) to her role as a speaker and leader and hopes to inspire others to speak out and champion those in our community who seek Justice. As a retired Physiotherapist, she brings a wealth of information on Health and an understanding of research techniques to her role as Social Justice Chair. As a Teacher and life long learner she looks forward to teaching, informing and inspiring Members of The League to look more deeply into the issues which affect us in our daily lives.
She’s not an “all work no play” person though and in her limited spare time enjoys swimming, reading, playing scrabble and enjoying a good meal with friends. Mary is an energetic woman who “sparkles” and hopes to get you sparkling too.
Father Ranjan D'Sa
Diocesan Spiritual Advisor
Fr. Ranjan D’Sa OCD was born in Mangalore – on the western coast of India, to the south of Goa – on first of March, 1973. He is the last among seven children to his parents.
Though he was Born in Mangalore, his ancestry was connected to Mudubelle in short Belle. The rise and growth of the town and the parish is intricately connected with the D’Sa Family. According to the family annuls the Great-Grandfather of Fr. Ranjan D’Sa, Alex D’Sa, after migrating to a small village opened the first provision store in the village, later a textile and tailoring shop and eventually a bakery. This was the humble beginning of the rise of a flourishing town today. Alex D’Sa built a small Chapel for the sake of a few villager and encouraged Catholic faith amidst the strong Hindu neighborhood. Today Mudubelle has become one of the biggest parish community in the diocese of Udupi.
Fr. Ranjan grew up mostly in Kirem, Mangalore, where he did all his early studies living with his Grandmother. His Grandma, Louisa Aranha was his hero. She was a well-educated and an industrious woman, well known and respected in his town. Most of his fond memories of early childhood are associate with his grandma. She is still a great inspiration to him.
After passing his high school, Father D’Sa joined the Carmelite monastic life in Mangalore. Almost 13 years of studying in the seminary and experiencing the monastic lifestyle, on December 29th, 2001, he was ordained as a priest in his hometown. He has for his credit a master’s degree in philosophy, which he did with the well acclaimed universities of India, the Karnataka University of Dharwad. Soon after the ordination Fr. Ranjan taught philosophy to the young seminarians for three years. He was the first director of the Pushpashrama social work institute in Mysore, run by the Carmelites and the director of candidates who wished to joined Carmelite religious life.
Before coming to Canada Fr. D’Sa lived in New York for four year. During that time, he also completed another Master’s Degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Fordham University. He served as an assistant Pastor in Holy Trinity Parish, North Vancouver for a year. From October 2010 until he came to Oakville, father served as a pastor at St. Andrew the Apostle parish in London Ontario.
Fr. Ranjan belongs to a religious Order who take solemn vow of poverty, obedience, and celibacy. The main charism of the order is prayer and contemplation. A lot of great saints of the church are connected or influenced by the spirituality of Carmel. The order has its members in almost 75 countries. The Carmelite Sisters at St. Agatha, Ontario – near Kitchener- belong to the same order of Carmelites.
Joan Schurter
Life Member Liaison
My grass roots began growing up on a dairy farm in Bruce County (Chepstow) with four brothers. After graduating from Stratford Teacher’s College, I married Michael (currently 55 years of marriage) and we moved to Kitchener. While we raised our three daughters, I also shifted my focus to special education.
Volunteering has always been a big part of my life - at our parish church, (Social Committee, Volunteer Screening Co-Chair, Lector), Girl Guides of Canada, Sunnyside Senior’s Home and currently at the Kitchener Downtown Community Center .
Our youngest daughter passed away ten years ago – the power of faith and community helped me with each difficult step before, during and after her passing. I treasure spending time with our two daughters (and sons-in-law) and three granddaughters. My passion for reading continues.
Following in my mother’s footsteps, my Catholic Women’s League journey began twenty- eight years ago when St. Anthony Daniel, Kitchener (my home parish for over 50 years) formed a council.
In 2009, I was invited to be Kitchener Regional Secretary and two years later Kitchener Regional Chair. In my first diocesan role, I was elected Education and Health Chairperson (2013 -2015), followed by President-Elect/Organization Chairperson (2015 – 2017). Holding the President’s role from 2017 –2019 was a rewarding experience allowing me to travel throughout the diocese to our ninety-five parish councils.
I have attended Provincial and National Conventions and always return rejuvenated and eager to share information with my League Sisters.
During my term as Hamilton Diocesan Past President/Historian, I was invited to be a member of Ontario Provincial Education and Health sub-committee. I was also the proof-reader of the monthly Ontario Provincial Online Newsletter.
Last year I was honoured to receive my Life Membership which I hold very close to my heart.
I have just completed a term as a member of a working group with the National Catholic Women’s League of Canada regarding Strategic Plan “Recruit Parish Leaders.”
The Catholic Women’s League has truly been a blessing in my life!
REGIONAL TEAMS
Colleen Ionson
Hamilton Regional Chair
Colleen was born and raised in Windsor Ontario. Lived in Sturgeon Falls while working in Sudbury 1994-1998, then relocated to Stoney Creek where she has lived for 26 years. Colleen is a registered nurse, retired in 2013 after 35 years in the field and celebrated her 45 year reunion. She is a grandmother to 3 grandsons, 2 live in England and 1 in Hamilton who chose the current profile picture.
Colleen is an avid reader, and prior to a cranky knee, loved to bowl and golf. She has volunteered for many years in various roles at a local golf course, at the Canadian Open men’s golf tournaments in the GTA, in South Carolina and some Ladies PGA golf events including the Canadian Pacific golf tournament. She was acknowledged at the recent 2024 Canadian Open Golf tournament with a 20 year service pin.
Colleen is a two-time breast cancer survivor and since 2010 volunteers with the BRIGHT Run which is an annual Walk/Run fundraiser for breast cancer research which is held on the first Saturday after Labour Day. It is an event totally run by volunteers and every single dollar raised goes directly to the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton for its continued research. She is currently the Volunteer Coordinator where she and her 3 other committee members arrange for and schedule 200+ volunteers for the various community events leading up to and including event day.
Colleen joined the League in 2010 and has served at the parish level and served at Diocesan level as a Regional Chair, member of the Diocesan Spiritual Development Committee and the Frances Lovering Award selection committee. Colleen has strong family roots in the CWL. Her grandmother, who was born in 1898, was a founding member of the CWL in the Edmonton Alberta diocese. She was still a member well into her 90s.
Colleen brings with her skills and expertise in the fields of long-term care, workplace legislation, policy and procedures, labour relations, mediation, conflict resolution and management, health and safety, and records keeping.
When the going gets tough, Colleen seeks comfort from her family and faith.
Colleen is honoured to be appointed as Hamilton Regional Chair of the Hamilton Diocese.
Bee 🐝 sisters. Bee 🐝 Peers. Bee 🐝 Teammates. Most importantly Bee 🐝 Kind.
Mary D’Orazio
Hamilton Regional Secretary
Debra Noronha
Brant Regional Chair
Debra Noronha has lived in Oakville, Ontario for the past 32years. She is the oldest of three children, raised by devout Catholic parents, of Goan heritage. Faith and service to others were entwined in her life from an early age. Debra is a Medical Technologist by career and chose to start her career in the middle east, where she gained much insight into tolerance, empathy and acceptance of different cultures. The cultural differences and role of women in the Middle East was a stark reality. This insight filled her with a sense of deep gratitude for her family, friends and life in Canada. Her faith never waivered and sustained her during her years away.
She has raised two children with her husband Denzil, and is so proud of the wonderful young women her daughters Meagan and Melissa are today. They live lives with care and compassion and empathy for those less fortunate.
Debra has been a CWL member for over 20 years, during which she has held various roles as President, Past President (current), Regional Chair for Hamilton and now the role as Brant Regional Chairperson. These roles were possible in part due to a supportive husband who also held executive roles of grand knight and current district warden.
Together they live their faith in various ways, and continue to live their lives to the best of their abilities by service to God and Canada.
Debra hopes that her tenure in this new role will continue the work of the CWL by being a listening voice to its members and a mode of transformative positive change, as we work together in faith and service.
Meagan Kadirgamar
Brant Regional Secretary
Meagan Kadirgamar grew up in Oakville, Ontario, and now resides in Brantford, Ontario with her husband Kenneth and their Golden Doodle puppy Bruno. Raised by faithful Catholic parents, Meagan has nurtured her faith, through example at an early age. Today Meagan is a parishioner at St Pius, X, where she is involved as a Eucharistic Minister and Hosting Ministry program.
She is a second generation CWL member and is thankful to a gift of membership provided by her mother, at the early age of 16, when she became a CWL member. Meagan has always been inspired to give back and help the less fortunate. The CWL has provided many meaningful ways in which we can live our lives of service in action.
Meagan is a teacher at Sacred Heart School in Paris , Ontario, and a CWL member at St Pius X in Brantford, for over 13 years. Here she currently holds the role of Corresponding Secretary in the executive. Meagan holds deeply the values of the CWL and is pleased to offer assistance as the Brant Regional Secretary. She aspires to be a good advocate for the Brant region, as we all work collectively to inspire our members in their call to service for God and Canada.
Julia Calverley
Kitchener Regional Chair
Julia was born and raised in Guelph, with Italian and French heritage. She is the eldest daughter of Peter and Denise Brazolot and the second of nine children. Raised in the Catholic faith, her parents instilled in her a deep sense of devotion, which has shaped her life of service through the Catholic Women’s League, the church, and numerous charitable organizations.
While attending the University of Ottawa, where she earned an Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinanthropology, Julia met her future husband, Gary. She later completed her teaching degree at Western University, and they were married soon after. Gary converted to Catholicism, acknowledging that it would be a central part of their lives together. They have four children, two children-in-law, and identical twin granddaughters, all of whom are her pride and joy.
Throughout her career, Julia worked as a teacher, focusing on children learning English as a second language, students with special needs, young mothers pursuing their high school diplomas (TAPS), continuing education at Onward Willow, and in general supply teaching, including stints in the French department. When her father needed assistance in the family construction business, Julia returned to night school to study computer accounting. She worked in her father’s and later her brother’s construction businesses, handling receptionist and bookkeeping duties. Over the years, Julia has also served as a soccer coach, Beaver leader, children’s liturgy leader, and art appreciation instructor—always stepping in where needed.
Together with her husband, Julia served as a Eucharistic Minister and was actively involved in their parish, the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate. They were both leaders in their respective organizations—Julia in the Catholic Women’s League and Gary in the Knights of Columbus. Within the League, Julia held various leadership roles, including Christian Family Life Chair, Treasurer, and President. She was later appointed Regional Secretary for Kitchener, which led to her election as Hamilton Diocesan Treasurer in 2017. In 2019, she was re-election as Diocesan, just a few month later her husband took ill and sadly passed away at Christmas (2019). Julia faced her own health challenges, which led to her having to step away from the Diocesan Executive team. Two years ago, she survived a complete liver transplant and is doing well. Recently, she rejoined the diocesan executive as the Kitchener Regional Chair.
Julia enjoys spending her time learning French, reading, and crafting. She has a passion for stained glass, card making, quilting and needlepoint, and jokes that there isn't a craft she isn't eager to try.
Bernadette
Kitchener Regional Secretary
Bio to come.
Nancy Skiba
North Regional Chair
Nancy is a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Walkerton. She joined the Catholic Women’s League in 1978. Nancy has followed in her mother’s footsteps who was very active as a member of St. Bernadette’s CWL in Ajax where she served as president and later as Durham Regional Chair for the Diocese of Toronto Catholic Women’s League.
As member of the league Nancy has taken on many roles – communications convener, president, past president and is currently faith convener. Nancy also served as North Regional Chair from 1996 - 1998 and 2022 - 2024 and will continue as chair for the next two years.
Nancy is also active in her parish by being a member of the Social Justice committee. In the community Nancy is a board member for Walkerton and District Community Living.
She loves spending time with her family and her eight grandchildren, working outside, playing cards and enjoying coffee time with her coffee friends. She is a retired teacher from Sacred Heart High School and still enjoys tutoring math to both elementary and high school students.
Nancy is looking forward to working again with the presidents in the Northern Region as well as the Hamilton Diocesan executive.
Sheri Bowan
North Regional Secretary
Sherie was born and raised in Hamilton and now lives in Fergus, Ontario with her husband and 4 children and 2 dogs.
Sherie has been a member of the CWL since 2012, and has held various roles. At the parish level she has served as President, Organization Chair (membership), and is currently serving as Secretary. At diocesan level she has served as Kitchener Regional Secretary 2022 – 2024, and is currently serving as North Regional Secretary for the 2024 – 2026 term. Sherie participated in the Unity Outreach Program and visited various local CWL Parish Councils throughout the Hamilton Diocese.
She has held various roles volunteering at the Parish level and serves as an Eucharistic Minister, Lector, the Welcoming Committee, Sells Religious Articles, and has been the Bazaar Convenor for numerous years. Sherie recently completed and received her Catechist Formation Program Certificate, which was an enriching experience for her.
Sherie looks forward to her new role as North Regional Secretary and building on further relationships with her fellow sisters in the League.