Kamloops Diocesan
President Terry Mae Sinclair kamdp@bcyukoncwl.com
Learn more about Terry Mae
Family remains at the center of my life, whether gathering at home or spending time at our RV on Shuswap Lake. In my spare time, I enjoy curling in the winter and golfing in the summer. I love the challenge of competition and am proud to have earned the occasional win and medal along the way.
As a parishioner of St. Joseph’s Parish in Salmon Arm, I serve as a Eucharistic Minister, manage the CWL Religious Articles Store, and remain actively involved in our Catholic Women’s League council.
Professionally, I retired after a diverse career in office administration, banking, accounting, and tax preparation, including ten years as a Senior Tax Specialist with H&R Block. I continue to serve my community through election work at both the provincial and federal levels, a role I have proudly held for many years. Community service has always been important to me. I volunteer at the Churches of Salmon Arm Thrift Store and serve on its Board of Directors Executive as Treasurer.
My CWL journey began 25 years ago when I was teaching catechism at St. Joseph’s. One day, the teachers were asked why we were not CWL members. My answer was simple: nobody had asked! There’s that personal invitation we often talk about. That was my first “yes” to the CWL.
It wasn’t long before I was serving on the executive, convening fundraisers, and becoming involved in many aspects of council life. Over the years, I moved through various roles and eventually advanced to the diocesan level. I have now served on the Diocesan Council for almost 13 years—and I’m still going!
Many more “yeses” followed. I am an alumna of the Catholic Women’s Leadership Foundation, graduating from its leadership program in 2022. In 2023, I completed the Indigenous Pastoral and Lay Ministry Certificate Program offered through Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools and St. Thomas More College. A couple years ago, I joined the Kamloops Diocesan Anti-Human Trafficking Committee.
At the national level, I served on the Strategic Marketing Committee for five years alongside our current Provincial President, Christa Grillmair. Since 2023, I have been a member of the National Indigenous Relations Subcommittee. Along the way, I have convened conventions, facilitated workshops, (from Catch the Fire to Unity Outreach) and assisted in developing and presenting PowerPoint presentations and webinars.
Had I not become a CWL member, the opportunities that came from saying “yes” would never have happened. The friendships, leadership experiences, learning opportunities, and the ability to serve in ways I never imagined – have all been gifts.
I could not do what I do without the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ and the beautiful women of faith I have met through the CWL. I pray that I may be a part of the kindling that ignites the flame of His love, so that together we may share the passion needed to advance His mission through the CWL.
Blessings, T Mae
Nelson Diocesan
President Rosa Maria Rocca neldp@bcyukoncwl.com
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Active in CWL since 1982, she has served as president of her parish’s CWL council as well as the Nelson Diocesan executive council. Along with one other CWL member, they worked as “CWL Field Workers,” visiting parishes and providing education by presenting programs and workshops about what CWL is all about.
Prince George Diocesan
President Cortnie Weir pgdp@bcyukoncwl.com
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I attended the University of Northern British Columbia where I completed my bachelor’s degree in social work. I began working with teen mothers, but I really spent most of my working years in child protection, and then in guardianship and adoptions.
My husband moved to Prince George from Edmonton, and when we met, we clicked instantly! He has been my main supporter and biggest cheerleader ever since! Neither one of us were practicing our faith at that time, but as we approached our marriage preparation, we both really felt the call to come back to church. We began attending in March, and in April they had a ministry fair which included a table for the CWL. My grandmother was very passionate about the CWL and was a life member herself, so I was curious. That day I made a plan to attend my very first CWL meeting! I quickly decided I wanted to be a member! By December of that same year, I let my name stand for secretary of our parish council. I did four years of secretary and just over 6 years as president in my parish council as well as a term as vice-president on our diocesan council. I’m now currently the past-president of our parish council and the president of the Prince George Diocesan Council! Years ago, I couldn’t imagine taking on any position at the diocesan level, yet here I am the president! I have grown tremendously and really expanded my skill set over my years in the CWL and I really look forward to what the future may hold for me. I love the quote that “God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called”. I have grown to absolutely love the CWL and have a great passion for the League!
Aside from the CWL, I also spend a great deal of time volunteering at our parish. I both coordinate and volunteer in the hospitality ministry as well as sit on the pastoral council and liturgy committee. I have led various faith studies, bible studies, book studies, and sacramental education, and I volunteer for many special activities at the church as well.
As I no longer work, I am blessed to have the time to put my energy into the things I love, and that is truly the CWL and our parish! When I have some downtime, I love to read, go to the lake, and I especially love to spend time with my family and friends. I have one son who is now in his twenties and working as a fourth-year apprentice in heavy duty mechanics and is looking forward to getting his Red Seal Certification. Personally, I really look forward to what the future may hold in all aspects of my life (and eventually having grandbabies)!
Vancouver Diocesan
President Gladys Jung vdp@bcyukoncwl.com
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She immigrated to Canada in 1979, married in 1985, and is the mother of two children. After settling in Burnaby, she worked in the BCIT cafeteria as a cashier and food service staff member. In that role, she strengthened her ability to respond to questions, address complaints, and manage demanding situations and unexpected challenges with a smile. Gladys believes these experiences helped prepare her for leadership in the CWL.
Gladys has been an active member of St. Francis de Sales Parish and its school community since 1990. Her CWL journey began in 2008, when her children’s teacher invited her to join. At first, she became involved out of kindness to help a friend who could no longer drive. Before long, she was drawn to the sisterhood of the CWL council and the warmth of the CWL family. These feelings inspired her to become actively involved.
Gladys began her role as the Education and Health Convenor of CWL at St. Francis de Sales Parish, gradually she took on more responsibilities and assumed different position on the parish council level, including Chair of Christian Family Life, Chair of Organization, Vice President, and President.
In 2019, encouraged by diocesan mentors and the Spiritual Advisor, Gladys accepted a nomination to the Diocesan Council. She served as the Chair of Community Life in 2019, Chair of Communications in 2022, and Vice President in 2024.
Reflecting on her CWL journey, Gladys often laughs that whenever she thought she had reached her “final role” within the organization, God and the CWL had other plans. With their support, she stepped into the role of Diocesan President in May 2026.
Victoria Diocesan
President Gerry Heywood vicdp@bcyukoncwl.com
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Gerry was born in Red Dear Alberta and moved to the west coast (Victoria) when she was very young. She received most of her schooling in Victoria where she attended the University of Victoria. She received two degrees; the first in education and the other in Classics. Her classics degree allowed her, among other things, to translate large sections of the Greek New Testament and check her work against Jerome’s Latin translation.
Gerry taught school for five years before marrying and raising her three children. Gerry and her husband have been married for 52 years.
Through circumstances, Gerry became involved in the Infant Development Program and the then named Victoria Association for the Mentally Handicapped. She believes that working with these groups taught her more about how people learn than she received in her teacher education.
Gerry returned to work and spent twenty-five years with Corrections Canada. During this time, she worked with many inmates who struggle with illnesses such as HIV/Aids, Hepatitis C or the effects of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, other brain damage and bad parenting. She used her Degree in Education to help diagnose learning disabilities and to work with the institution’s teachers in adapting the education program to meet these people’s needs. She also delivered programs and helped prepare inmates for their return to the community.
Although Gerry attended mass at her church for many years, she knew nothing about the CWL except seeing their meeting times in the church bulletin. Finally, one Sunday a friend invited her to attend a CWL meeting. She did and, as they say, the rest is history.
Gerry spent many years serving on both the parish and diocesan levels. She was president of her local parish CWL council and now is President of the Diocese of Victoria. She holds a strong belief in the goals of the CWL and that this sisterhood is an excellent way to serve God, her CWL sisters and to make the world a better place.
When she is not busy writing communiques, reports and other CWL tasks, she spends much of her free time studying languages and history, taking on mostly CWL projects on her computer, keeping fit and studying martial arts such as Tai Chi as well as other styles. She also writes short stories and songs concerning Christian holidays.
She is looking forward to helping our league thrive in today’s fractured world.
Whitehorse Diocesan
President Carol Vanderbyl wdp@bcyukoncwl.com
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Although she’s a homebody, CWL conventions and meetings are worth leaving home for. The liturgies, the speakers, the resolutions, the hugs from old friends, and the resolutions dialogues are all so inspiring.
The women of the League hold her deep respect, admiration and love. The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is changing so rapidly now, and the commitment to a position may seem formidable but she encourages members to consider the numerous opportunities for growth in so many areas. Her ‘team’ has recently hosted the Provincial convention, a huge challenge that turned out so well, with many blessings for the parish, and Diocese.
Carol has had many wonderful mentors and tries to do the same for others. She is a ‘career’ Diocesan President, having that job for much too long. She would love to give one of her Whitehorse sisters the experience of attending mid-term meetings. When the day’s work is done and it’s time to relax and laugh with her sister friends, special bonds are formed that carry you through, and leave unforgettable memories.It is good to know that the women on the Provincial Council are all ‘lifers’ who share the same faith and will hold you up no matter what happens.