Leadership of the Centre

Director and Lead Researcher

Dr. Carol Kuzmochka

Dr. Carol Kuzmochka is a practical theologian specializing in adult faith education (catechesis) and pastoral leadership with expertise in integral adult learning and formation, transformative education and leadership, reflective practice and transformative process facilitation, group dynamics and the spirituality of leadership.  She has extensive practice in qualitative research.  She is the Director and Lead Researcher of the Centre for Religious Education and Catechesis and a Professor in the Providence School of Transformative Leadership and Spirituality.  She is the principal author of the three research-based practical resources for practitioners published by the CREC, Saint Paul University: “Five Promising Practices and Other Practical Wisdom:  A Resource for All Who Accompany Adult Faith” (2019); “Where Faith and Life Meet While We’re Three Metres Apart:  Wisdom from Accompanying Adult Faith During a Global Pandemic” (2021); “Bridging the Faith-Life Gap in Adult Faith Education/Accompaniment:  Expanding Perspectives on Practice that Meets People Where They are and Empowers Mature Christian Disciples” (2022).

Carol holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Dalhousie University (Halifax), a Master of Religious Education Degree and a Doctor of Ministry Degree/doctorat en théologie pratique from Saint Paul University (Ottawa).  Along with these academic achievements, she completed a Certificate in Transformative Process Facilitation under the leadership of Dr. Marge Denis.  

As Director and Lead Researcher for the Centre for Religious Education and Catechesis (CREC) Carol designs and leads an Awareness-Based Action Research Project in search of transforming practice in Adult Faith Education/Accompaniment. 

The CREC also offers a wide array of knowledge sharing platforms for practitioners across Canada.  Carol has extensive experience as a practitioner in the field as director of adult faith education for the English sectors of the Diocese of Timmins (1994 – 2002) and the Archdiocese of Ottawa (2002 – 2006). She was director of the Centre for Pastoral Leadership and Spirituality at Saint Paul University from 2006 – 2012 and continues a long and highly respected teaching career (which began in 2006) of a wide array of courses at Saint Paul University.   

Co-Researcher of the Centre

Lorraine Ste-Marie, D. Min

Lorraine Ste-Marie is adjunct professor with the Providence School of Transformative Leadership and Spirituality in the Faculty of Human Sciences. Prior to her retirement in July 2022, Lorraine served as associate professor and director of the same School. Before her faculty appointment in 2006, Lorraine served as the Director of the Centre for Ministry Formation at Saint Paul University from 1999 to 2005. Since then, she has served in a number of leadership roles in the University, including Director of Programs in Practical Theology in the Faculty of Theology as well as Vice-dean and then Interim Dean in the Faculties of Human Sciences and Philosophy between 2017 and 2020.

Lorraine completed a Master of Arts in Theology (Ethics) from Saint Paul University and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from McMaster University (Hamilton, ON) in which she focused on the connection between language and leadership development for becoming a more inclusive church.  As a practical theologian, Lorraine’s research and teaching bring together resources from a number of disciplines in both human sciences and theology in her search for strengthening ways to cultivate hospitable learning environments and develop transformative leadership capacity. Alongside her academic education, she is trained in process developmental coaching, immunity-to-change mapping, conflict resolution, spiritual accompaniment, and the design and facilitation of Theory U/Presencing. She also serves as resource person and facilitator in the areas of change processes, community development, and transformative leadership. As adjunct professor, Lorraine continues her research as well as contributes to the design and delivery of professional programs in the Institute for Transformative Leadership.  

Representative of the Sisters of Service

Sr. Mary-Ellen Francoeur, SOS

Mary-Ellen is a Sister of Service, and represents her Community on the Board. She now lives in Toronto. Her background is in Clinical Psychology and Spirituality, approaching both in a very holistic way. She is deeply interested in the ongoing development of the spiritual/faith life of adults and children. Beyond her areas of training, she has been very involved in the areas of peace and social/ecological justice. She has spent many years in a healing context with Indigenous people in the far north, Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto. Her personal journey with the Universe Story, and ecospirituality, shape her life and current work. 

Board Members

• Janet Bentham, Catholic Association of Religious and Family Life Educators of Ontario
• Laura Hughes, Directrice de l’Office Provincial de l'Éducation de la foi Catholique de l'Ontario
• Bianca Briciu, Professor, Providence School of Transformative Leadership and Spirituality
• Sister Mary-Ellen Francoeur, Representative of the Sisters of Service of Toronto
• Carol Kuzmochka, Co-Director and Researcher for the Centre for Religious Education and Catechesis
• Lorraine Ste-Marie, Co-Director of the Centre for Religious Education and Catechesis
• George Smith, c.s.b., Interim Dean, Faculties of Human Sciences and Philosophy,
• Marg Shea-Lawrence, Director of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Office for Evangelization and Catechesis