Board Members 2023

Anna Graham: Chair Person

Anna has years of experience in the non-profit world. She has shared her gifts in many diverse areas. While overseeing good governance at Catholic Action Montreal, Anna is also (FCCS/Kinkora) – Development and Community Outreach, Coordinator for the Diocesan Camping Association, and is the Choir Director and an important part of the music ministry at St. Luke’s Parish. Her guidance has contributed to the growth of Catholic Action in the last few years.

Patrick Gillespie: Treasurer

Patrick is a recognized CA, CPA. And CRM. In other words, he knows how to handle funds. An entrepreneur by profession, when Patrick is not representing Catholic Action at meetings and functions, he uses his gifts as Chair of the Father Dowd Foundation. Catholic Action and Father Dowd have collaborated with ESCC on many projects that assist the English Speaking Senior citizens of Montreal. Patricks’ skill and compassion are a perfect combination for this important role on the Catholic Action Board.

Cathie Macaulay: Secretary

For over 10 years Cathie has been Coordinator, SASMAD/Pastoral Home Care at Archdiocese of Montreal. Cathie is a spiritual director and part of the formation team at the Ignatian Spirituality Centre. She is an expert at listening, interpreting and sharing relevant, thoughtful solutions. Her participation on the Catholic Action board is key to much of our success.

Paul Donavan: Executive Board Member

Paul is the Director of Global Programs & Services, at the Divine Renovation Ministry. He is also the retired president of Loyola High School in Montreal following 17 years in a leadership position and 38 if we include volunteer coaching and student life recognize the value of others and the pursuit of the common good makes him an excellent member of the leadership team of Catholic Action.

Jeremy Bieman: Board Member

Hailing from Guelph, Ontario, Jeremy Bieman has always been active within the Catholic community. After becoming a lawyer and moving to Quebec, Jeremy joined our board in order to continue the board’s mission to serve the Montreal community through faith and stewardship. Jeremy is always eager to lend a hand and use his gifts to serve the community.

Jessica Jalea: Board Member

Jessica is a strong business development professional with a passion for Pastoral Ministry and Social Justice work. She was academically rooted in Theological Studies at Concordia University and practiced through philanthropic endeavours globally. She worked for years as Special Project Coordinator for Mission Jeunesse of the Archdiocese of Montreal. She brings a contemporary and fresh perspective to our board.

Father Kevin Kelly SJ: Board Member

Fr. Kevin Kelly, SJ, grew up in Ottawa and entered the Society of Jesus in 2011. He was ordained a priest in May 2020. He is the Executive Director of the Ignatian Spirituality Centre of Montreal (ISCM). Some of you may know him from his retreat work at the Jesuit retreat centre, the Villa Saint-Martin, which hosts retreats year-round in west Pierrefonds. He is a businessman-turned-Jesuit. But, to Kevin, that’s nothing unusual. “I see St. Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuits, not only as a brilliant and spiritual person,” he says, “but also as a businessman.” After all, the saint started and managed a multinational corporation: The Society of Jesus.

Kathleen-Rose Kennedy Chevalier: Board Member

Kathleen-Rose Kennedy Chevalier joined Catholic Action as a board member in May 2022 after being an active member of the English Catholic community in Montreal for over 10 years. In fact, she is married to a fellow board member whom she met at the Newman Centre of her University while studying abroad. As an immigration lawyer by day, Kathleen-Rose brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the board.

Judy Wong: Executive Director

Judy’s professional career was in the corporate world, however her free time was often spent serving her local parish as well as her childhood parish. Her communicating and marketing gifts are welcomed in this environment as it helps her to help those in need and is the call of Catholic Action.