SFXC Council
YOUNG ADULTS SERVING YOUNG ADULTS
THAT'S THE SPIRIT OF THE COUNCIL
SFXC Council
The SFXC Council is a group of young adults who work with the Chaplain and Program Coordinator to offer leadership and guidance to the SFXC community on the whole. The Council is an integral part of the SFXC organization as it ensures that young adults are directly involved in the growth and development of the Chaplaincy. Recognized below are the members of the 2019-2020 Council.
Bishop - Most Reverend William T. McGrattan
Ultimately, St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy is led by our Bishop, William T. McGrattan. His Excellency established SFXC by official decree on January 21, 2019. The Chaplaincy is a central part of the Bishop's wider vision to provide for the good of the souls of his Diocese.
Bishop McGrattan is the eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Calgary. He was ordained Bishop on January 12, 2010. He studied at Western University, St. Peter's Seminary and the Pontifical Gregorian University.
Chaplain - Reverend Cristino Bouvette
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Fr. Cristino was named Vicar of Vocations & Young Adults in August, 2019. It was his vision to create an off-campus hub of centralized outreach to young adults in the Diocese of Calgary. Today, he continues to implement that vision as Chaplain of SFXC.
Fr. Cristino entered St. Peter's Seminary in 2004. He was ordained in 2012. Since being ordained he has served in the Calgary parishes of Holy Spirit (2012-14), St. Albert the Great (2014-16) and St. Michael's (2016-17).
Program Coordinator - Joseph Palko
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Joseph was hired as Program Coordinator in July, 2019. He is responsible for the day to day operations of St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy. He also works with Fr. Cristino to administratively support seminarians for the Diocese of Calgary.
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Joseph studied business at Queen's University and then had a 10-year career in IT consulting. He returned to St. Peter's Seminary in 2010 where he earned his Masters of Divinity. Prior to SFXC, Joseph worked for 5 years as a high school chaplain.
Chair of Formation - Kathryn Yakielashek
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Kathryn plays an integral role in developing & delivering programs aimed at the intellectual development of young adults. Two of her key responsibilities are overseeing the "I Am Priest, Prophet, King" formation weekends and leading the annual SFXC Lenten Retreat.
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Presently, Kathryn works as a child care provider. She especially enjoys caring for children with special needs. Going forward, she hopes to study theology formally.
Chair of Apostolic Outreach - Maria Dominguez
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Maria finds ways for SFXC members to put their faith into action by organizing charitable works of service within the community. Supporting Pass It On Calgary and coordinating visits to Providence House are two examples of such works.
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Maria holds a B.A. in Psychology from Mount Royal University. She is presently working on a M.S. in Counselling at Divine Mercy University. Her goal is to integrate the wisdom/beauty of the Catholicism with the science of psychology to help people flourish as children of God.
Chair of Social Engagement - Kathryn Nguyen
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Kathryn coordinates all of the fabulous social events that help SFXC build fellowship. The yearly SFXC Kick-off Party, weekly Sunday fellowship, celebrations on special feast days, annual ski trip, Winter Formal and Volunteer Appreciation Night are among the events that she manages.
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Kathryn graduated from the University of Calgary with a Mechanical Engineering degree. Currently, she is completing a Graphic Design Certificate from U of C while working at a local Calgary parish.
Chair of Prayer & Liturgy - Michael Ocenar
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Michael supports SFXC members in entering more deeply into the liturgical and spiritual life. Coordinating our beautiful Sunday Liturgy and taking a leading role in the SFXC annual Lenten Retreat are among his top priorities.
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Michael currently attends the University of Calgary where he is majoring in Psychology. At the same time, he is discerning the call the Priesthood. He hopes to enter priestly formation in the near future.
Chair of Communications - Yuan Wang
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Yuan gets the word out about everything SFXC. He does this in a variety of ways including photographing key events and managing our various social media accounts.
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Yuan attended the University of Calgary where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for a time in the field of renewable and clean energy. He is now the Creative Director for All Access Ministries.
Rep. from Mount Royal University - Mary Serafini
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Mary represents the students of Mount Royal University. As the current CCO (Catholic Christian Outreach) Student Executive President at MRU, she is in a unique position to provide our Council with insights and suggestions about how to best serve the MRU student body.
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Mary is entering her fourth year at MRU. She is completing a BBA in Financial Analysis while at the same time working for a wealth management firm. She continues to discern her next steps following graduation - possibly full-time career, grad school or missionary work.
Rep. from University of Calgary - John Yakielashek​
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John represents the students of the University of Calgary. As the current UCCC (University of Calgary Catholic Community) President,
he is in a unique position to provide our Council with insights and suggestions about how to best serve the U of C student body.
John recently graduated from the University of Calgary with a degree in Civil Engineering. He is currently employed by TC Energy as an engineer in training.