Who we are

Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall, Ontario

On May 6, 2020, Archbishop Marcel Damphousse was named the coadjutor archbishop of the newly created Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall. He succeeded Archbishop Terrence Prendergast following the latter’s retirement on December 3, 2020. As a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Boniface, before becoming a bishop in 2012, he was an instructor at the Manitoba Catholic School of Evangelization, a vocations director, and a Catholic high-school chaplain. Archbishop Marcel is proud to serve on the board of directors of NET Ministries Canada because he truly believes in the power of youth sharing their faith with their peers.

Diocese of St John, New Brunswick

Bishop Riesbeck of the Diocese of Saint John, New Brunswick is passionate about living the Joy of the Gospel and leading people into a deep encounter with Jesus and the Church. His pastoral focus is to raise up disciples who are joyfully living out the mission, proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, and making disciples of others. Bishop Riesbeck encourages people to give God permission to build a Church that is explosively alive. His long standing support of NET allows him to contribute to one of his greatest joys, which is to see young people give their hearts to Jesus and discover the true meaning of their lives in Him.

Diocese of Calgary, AB

Elizabeth Sanesh lives in Calgary AB with her loving husband Desmond and their five beautiful children. Elizabeth was born and raised in Tucson, AZ and came to Canada as a NET missionary for the first parish team in 2001-2002, followed by a traveling team in 2002-2003. She went on to serve on NET staff as a team supervisor and parish team coordinator from 2003-2008. These years were both formative and transformative! Elizabeth’s family has been blessed to host NET missionaries in Calgary. Elizabeth homeschools her three youngest children, while serving with her husband in various ministries such as marriage preparation, marriage mentorship, and parish-based evangelization. She recently completed a three-year formation program and now serves as a spiritual director. Elizabeth is passionate about making Christ known and loved! She prays for all young people to be given the opportunity and grace to say yes to the life changing gift of Christ’s personal love for them.

Archdiocese of Kingston, Ontario

James Mikulasik grew up in Kamloops, B.C. in a loving, Catholic, Cursillo, ranching/logging family. After graduating from Olds Agriculture College, James went on NET USA in 1988 and NET USA Staff from 1989-1994. In 1994 James brought NET to Canada where it was launched in Ottawa, Ontario. He served as Executive Director for NET Canada from 1994 – 2008. In 2004 he was instrumental in bringing NET to Ireland and starting NET Ireland. Involved in residential land development, James and his wife Pati have two boys ages 19 and 21 and currently reside in Carleton Place, Ontario. James and his family pray the rosary together and love their Catholic life. James has been on the NET boards for both NET Canada and NET Ireland since their beginnings.

Archdiocese of Winnipeg, Manitoba

Jean Lafrance hails from the parish of Holy Cross in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He is a husband and father of five amazing children ages 7-18. Jean’s desire to live out his Catholic faith began as a child and was greatly influenced by his devout grandmother. While spending three years in seminary in Ottawa, Jean experienced the ministry of NET Canada and since then he has come to know and become friends with many NET missionaries and staff. Currently working as an engineer, Jean is honored to be a member of the NET board and prays that the Lord will continue to bless this organization in its many endeavors.

Archdiocese of Regina, SK

Laura Herauf- Ignatiuk is the eldest of six children and grew up on a farm in south-eastern Saskatchewan. She received her B.Ed from the University of Regina and then went on to serve with NET; in Canada (on team and staff), USA, and Ireland. Laura’s involvement with NET lit her heart on fire for missionary work, and her life was forever changed. Her plan to take a year off from teaching became a lifetime of loving and serving the church by being a missionary in her community, family, and in the everyday moments. Laura is married to Vincent and they have 5 children (3 on earth and 2 in heaven). Together their family breathes with both lungs of the Eastern and Western Rites of the Catholic Church. Laura is excited about this new opportunity to serve as a Director on the NET Canada Board.

Archdiocese of Regina, Saskatchewan

Lisa Polk currently serves as the Director of Pastoral Services for the Archdiocese of Regina. She has hosted NET missionaries in her home and enjoyed praying with the young people and experiencing their witness to the faith. Lisa enjoys walking, golfing, and spending time with her husband and adult daughters. She has a zeal for the Lord and lives her call to leadership with compassion and generosity. Serving on the NET board and sharing her passion and expertise in the area of board governance is fulfilling for Lisa. She appreciates working with others and the variety of gifts they bring.