Introducing the 2026 Board Nominees
These wonderful people (biographies below) have accepted nomination to the CGSAC board. Please pray for them as they prepare to begin their service on the 2026/2027 CGSAC board.
Teresa Brown
Born and raised in Midland ON, Teresa received her BASc from University of Guelph then worked in Sherbrooke QC and Ottawa as a lab technologist. Her prayerful search for something more redirected her path to the field of education. This brought her and her husband, Anthony, to Mississauga where they raised their two daughters and Teresa enjoyed teaching JK to Grade 6. During her career with the Duffein-Peel Catholic School Board, and still seeking the ‘precious pearl’, she embraced the opportunities to serve as a Faith Ambassador leader and earn a Religious Education Specialist Certificate. In 2011 she received her MREd from St. Michael’s College, Toronto. This is when and where the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd seed was planted, as Teresa began teaching Kindergarten and realized the truth, beauty and goodness that CGS has to offer.
Since retiring in 2020, Teresa has served as a Level 1 and 2 Catechist at Merciful Redeemer and St. Francis of Assisi parishes. As a coordinator, she has been blessed to work closely with the parish teams to prepare the new Atria and build the community of families and volunteers. These experiences have strengthened her convictions and abilities to work for His Kingdom; listening and responding to His call. It is with such joy and gratitude that she reflects on collaborating with fellow Catechists, attending formation classes and events, communicating with parents and most especially, being with the children in the sheepfold, with Our Good Shepherd.
Donald Mongeon
In the spring of 2009, I witnessed my first Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) presentation, offered by a parent at the school where I worked. I was amazed by how attentive and engaged the children were and told her I would like to learn more. Shortly afterward, I received an enrolment form in the mail—and that is how I learned that the Holy Spirit also works through the post!
At the time, my wife Anna and I were raising our four young children, but we decided that I should take the course. It was a life-changing experience. I discovered how to listen to God with children and how the CGS deeply nurtures a child's relationship with Jesus.
Over the next few years, the CGS would profoundly affect the way I pray, parent and especially the way I teach. I learned through the CGS that there is no better learning material than a parable to develop critical reading skills and to engage the students in inquiry based learning. It never ceases to amaze me how children love to read the words of Jesus and how contemplating on them is a source of joy and peace.
In 2014, I became the pedagogical consultant responsible for religious education and pastoral animation for the Toronto-area French Catholic school board, including leadership of the chaplaincy team. (I am still convinced it was my bringing the liturgical colours presentation material to the interview that clinched the job for me.) Serving in this role, I was able to implement pedagogical approaches that engage students in living the gospel message through student-led projects. I am especially proud of having, with the chaplaincy team, created the Festival of Faith, which celebrates and showcases the many ways our students live out their faith in their communities.
Since embarking on my CSG journey, I have had the privilege of helping open three atriums, including a French-language atrium at Sacré-Coeur Parish in Halton Hills. Currently, Anna and I both enjoy being catechists at our local parish here at Saint Francis of Assisi.
This past June was my final year as a full time teacher and I thank God for having been blessed with this wonderful vocation these past 30 years. This new phase of life will allow me to further devote myself to continuing my theological studies at St. Augustine’s seminary and also my CGS training. I bring to the CGSAC community the experience of years of working with children in schools from JK to grade 12, project and team management skills and also, excellent computer literacy skills which include website building.
Paix et joie!
Donald
Download French translation of Donald's Biography below
Paula Sabatini
Paula Sabatini is a Level 3 Catechist, who is in the process of becoming a Formation Leader for Level 1. She lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her husband and four children. During her thirteen years of joyful ministry in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), she has established two parish atriums in her diocese where she continues to volunteer as a catechist and has recently taken on a part time position with the Diocese of Calgary coordinating the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Paula’s passion for the program extends well into school breaks, where she runs specialized CGS day camps during the winter and summer months. During the school year, she serves as the Level 1 and 2 catechist at Clear Water Christian Academy, where she also inspires the adult community by leading Morning Gospel Reflections and sharing CGS presentations with staff and teachers. Paula is fluent in English and French and has a working knowledge of Italian. A dedicated artisan, Paula spends her summer hours custom-making beautiful Atrium materials, using paper maché, clay, plaster, paint, wood, and her favorite tool—the nail gun—to create sacred spaces for the spiritual formation of children.
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