Staff



Father Dominic Yuen - Pastor

Father Dominic was born and grew up in Brandon. He received all of his sacraments of initiation as well as celebrated one of his first masses at St. Augustine’s Church. He received his diploma in Psychiatric Nursing at the Brandon Mental Health Center where he worked for some fourteen years. He received his Bachelors Degree at the Brandon University and his Masters of Divinity at the University of Western Ontario in London, ON. A graduate of St. Peter’s Seminary in London, Father Dominic served as assistant at Holy Rosary Parish in Winnipeg and as pastor in Russell and Rossburn until being sent to St. Augustine’s as pastor in July, 2006. Father Dominic attributes his relationship with Jesus Christ and his early spiritual development to his mother, the priests of St. Augustine’s and to many of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions whom he holds with deep affection. Father considers it an awesome privilege to be able to serve his home parish as pastor.



Father James Ahaneku - Parochial Vicar




Deacon John MacKenzie - Pastorial Associate

My educational qualifications include a B.A., B.Ed., and M.A. For most of my career, I have been involved in Community Development, and Adult Education, training, and consultation. I retired as the Western Regional Director of the Addiction Foundation of Manitoba in April, 1996. I was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate for the Archdiocese of Winnipeg in October 1997. I served as Pastoral Administrator for the parishes of Dunrea, Souris and Baldur from November, 1999 to July 2001. At St. Augustine’s, I have served as Pastoral Associate from October 1997 to October 1999, and July 2001 to the present. My duties have included Director of the RCIA, Spiritual Director, and many other activities too numerous to mention. I serve as Chairperson of the Brandon Ministerial, I am on the Spiritual Care Advisory Board for the Brandon RHA, and have been on the Boards of the Marquis Project, the Counselling Centre, and Seniors for Seniors. Over the past several years, I have been involved in working with other Christian clergy to offer grief workshops for the bereaved. I am interested in promoting spiritual formulation of the individual, promoting and celebrating marriage. I enjoy gardening, and running for physical health. Brandon is a wonderful place to live. My wife, Carol and I have enjoyed living and working here very much. Our parish community is important to us, and is our extended family.


Pam Szmon - Parish Secretary

I enjoy to cross stitch, bake, visit with family & friends, and most of all play with my grandchildren. My husband Terry & I have been married for 37 years. We have 2 sons, Michael (Kerri) & Rob. We have three grandchildren Jacob, Katelyn and Lindsey. We own the White House Bed & Breakfast and have been sharing our hospitality for the last 9 years. Terry and I became members of St. Augustine’s 9 years ago after moving from Dauphin. We are both involved in the Nathanael Faith Formation group which is a 3 year program. Pam has been the Parish Secretary for the past 7 years.


Claudette Smith - Financial Administration

My name is Claudette Smith and I have been on staff since August 1998 and a member of the Parish since 1976. I have seen many progressive changes since I've been here. I have been married to my husband Don since 1965. We have one daughter, Krista and two grandaughters Breanne and Brynn which brings me much joy. I'm also a Eucharistic minister and in my final year of an adult faith formation program called Nathanael. I enjoy travel, biking, reading and family. I hope one day to develop a green thumb.


Sister Therma Ajoc - Catechism Coordinator

Sr. Maria Therma Igot Ajoc is a professed sister of the Missionary Apostles of Christ in the Eucharist (M.A.C.E.). She was born in Cagayan De Oro City, Philippines and came to Canada in September 2008. She has been a Religious Education Coordinator here at St. Augustines for the past year, for Once Weekly Catechism and is preparing our youth for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation. She also lends her angelic voice to the St. Augustines Community choir and weekend Masses. Sr. Therma also does a monthly ministry at Hillcrest Personal Care Facility.


Sister Maybelle Victo dela Cruz - Youth Minister

Sr. Maybelle Victo dela Cruz, MACE is a perpetually professed sister of the Missionary Apostles of Christ in the Eucharist (M.A.C.E.) religious community. She is the new Youth Minister for the parish in time for the 125th anniversary of its foundation. Sr. Maybelle has been a missionary in High Level, Alberta since 2005 and hopes to help Father Dominic harness the vast youth potential in the service of the Lord.


Ken D - Custodian



Julie D - Custodian






Brandon Catholic Schoolboard


Raymond Cancade

Raymond Cancade is a lifetime member of St. Augustine’s. He is active on the Catholic School Board, a long time member of the Marriage Preparation team, founding member of Serra Internation in Brandon, founding member of Helping Hands in Brandon, 30 year member of Brandon’s business community. I personally attended St. Michael’s and St. Augustine’s. It was important to us to send all of our children to this school. Now I encourage my grandchildren to get involved. I believe that like our faith, the school is a great jewel to our community. Ray has been on the Catholic School Board for the past five years.


Ken Fitzpatrick



Joan Lawrence

Joan Lawrence has been a member of St. Augustines parish for the past 40 years. This is her second year on the Catholic school board. She is now a retired teacher having taught at St. Augustines school for 20 years and then in Quebec for 9 years. She has three children and six grandchildren with her husband Russell of 44 years. She enjoys biking, skiing, reading, painting, and travelling.


Bruce Miles



Lyle Redman



Anne Marie Sawers

Anne Sawers has been a member of St. Augustine’s Parish for 21 years. And and her family lived in Flin Flon for 4 years after immigrating to Canada from Scotland. At present Anne is a Midwife with the Brandon Regional Health Authority and enjoys cycling, reading, dancing and family get-togethers. Especially with our only grandchild Shayden. Anne has been on the Catholic School Board for the past 2 years.





Parish Finance Council


Bruce Ray - Trustee



Denis Badiou

Denis Badiou and his wife Lea have been members of St. Augustine Parish for 28 years. Having been involved with several parish ministries in this time, Denis is currently serving his 3rd year on the Parish Finance Committee. In addition to curling and golf, Denis enjoys spending time supporting his 4 children and their activities.


Darlene Twerdochlib






Parish Pastorial Council


Garry Gillis - Parish Council Chair

Garry Gillis recently joined Parish Council, in the spring of 2007. Along with his wife Diane, he also leads St. Augustine's House of Prayer (CCRS Prayer Group) and together they do a monthly ministry at Hillcrest Personal Care Facility. Garry enjoys motorcycling (has traveled coast to coast, both Canada and the U.S.), home reno projects and time spent with family and friends.


Jason Cross

Jason has been a member of the St. Augustines Parish since 2003. This is his second year on Parish Council. He currently works at Westman Communications Group in Brandon. Jason is also the administrator of the St. Augustines Parish Web Site. He enjoys spending time with his wife Angela and on the water fishing or sailing.


Barbara Hamm



Mo Karrouze



Jo-Ann Neithercut

My name is Jo-Ann Neithercut. This is my first year on Parish Council. I have been a parishioner at St. Augustine's for 14 years. I am currently involved in the Nathaneal program and in September I will be starting the 3rd and final year of the program.


Norah Pieroni

Norah Pieroni is new to the Parish Council this year and is a teacher at Meadows School. Norah and her husband Peter have 2 children, Domenic and Olivia; this is their 5th year as members of St. Augustine's Parish. They enjoy long winter walks with their dog and summer cycling together.