Exciting News
- Michael Paul
- Sep 15
- 5 min read
We have exciting news! By God’s grace, we are stepping into a new chapter — one filled with vision, growth, and opportunities to bring the transformational healing power of Triumph to more hearts than ever.
We are officially a Registered Canadian Charity
We are thrilled to announce that Triumph Retreat Canada is now a registered Canadian charity (BN 738925221RR0001). Your support is now tax-deductible — and every dollar goes directly toward helping people encounter God’s transforming love and the expansion of the program. Recently, a generous donor has come forward and pledged to match every donation dollar for dollar until the end of 2025. This means your support will go twice as far in establishing a successful future for Triumph and helping more people encounter God’s healing love.
The Founding Board of Directors of Triumph Canada are Harriet and John Paul, and Jerry and Donna Kristian. Harriet accepted the position as President, of Triumph Canada, a role she will continue to fill as Triumph continues to grow as a national entity.
We excited to be starting several new initiatives and would very much appreciate your partnership in making it a reality. We ask that you consider giving a monthly or a one-time donation.
Staff: Ministries and Responsibilities
Travis Schoenfelder and Michael Paul have stepped into full-time ministry roles with Triumph — a major step toward strengthening and growing the mission for the future. They have taken on the day-to-day responsibilities of setting up and planning retreats, registrations, and administrative duties in addition to serving on team during the retreats.
Michael Paul was born and raised in Calgary, has a heart for seeing lives transformed by Christ. With a background in culinary arts, philosophy, ministry, and a graduate of the Encounter School of Ministry, he now serves full-time with Triumph Retreat Canada. Michael and Hillary, his wife of 10 years, are blessed with five children.
Travis Schoenfelder was born in Saskatoon and raised near Devon, AB. He has served in ministry across the globe with NET Australia and Real Talk Australia. Travis is a graduate of the Encounter School of Ministry. He is excited to be back in ministry serving full-time with Triumph Retreat Canada. Married to Amanda for 10 years, they have three energetic boys.
They will be joined by other team members, including:
Harriet Paul has stepped into the role of President of Triumph Retreat Canada. Harriet brings with her professional experience with a MSW in Clinical Social Work, a deep love for the Triumph program, and a strong commitment to serving others. We are grateful for her leadership and look forward to the many ways she will help shepherd the mission of Triumph into the future.
Sr. Gemma Labestre continues as a team member and consultant for Triumph Retreat Canada. In this capacity, she will offer her professional expertise with a doctorate in psychology, and spiritual insight to help guide the ministry as it continues to grow. Sr. Gemma’s prayerful presence and commitment to the mission of healing and renewal are a true gift, and we are deeply grateful for the blessing of her accompaniment in this role.
Fr. Denis Phaneuf continues in his role as chaplain of Triumph. A priest for over 60 years in the diocese of Saskatoon, he faithfully attends every retreat. He is a member of the Marian Movement of Priests. He served on the International Fraternity of the Catholic Charismatic Communities under the direction of the Vatican Council of the Laity.
Bergit Pulvermacher continues in her role as a team member. She has been a faithful member of the Triumph team for over 14 years and continues to share her gifts with the ministry. A Certified Spiritual Director, she brings invaluable wisdom, faith, and experience to her role. We are deeply grateful for her ongoing presence and dedication to helping others encounter the Lord.
Anne Marie Greaves discovered Triumph through her own healing journey and has since become a dedicated member of the team. With her background in nursing and her deep faith, she brings both compassion and experience to the ministry. We are grateful for her ongoing presence and service with us.
Teresa Hiatt-Landry brings a deep faith and a powerful witness of God’s healing love to the Triumph team. Through her own journey of conversion and renewal, she offers encouragement and hope to others. We are grateful for her presence and the gifts she brings to the ministry.
Future Goals
The demand for Triumph retreats continues to grow with waitlists for each. We believe God is opening doors to serve in bold new ways and we are excited to see where we will be called. Some initiative that we are currently working on include:
Accessibility
We hope to develop a bursary program for those who are in need of financial assistance and do not have other resources available. Our goal is that finances are never a barrier to attending Triumph.
New Retreats
We are looking at providing Triumph Retreats for specific audiences:
Triumph Alumni Weekends
Priests
First responders and veterans
Engaged and newly married couples
Parents
Larger Team
We are working toward developing our retreat team so we can increase our ability to host more retreats.
Supporting Alumni Beyond the Retreat
We envision building after-retreat resources for Triumph participants in their ongoing journey. Weekend retreats for alumni, networks of vetted spiritual directors, life coaches, and counsellors, and as well as regular newsletters are all possibilities for the future.
Upcoming Retreats
2025 (Registration Open)
Oct.17 - 25 Carmelite Spirituality Center, Edmonton (Space Available)
Nov 7 - 15 FCJ Center, Calgary (Waitlist)
2026 (Registration Opens Soon)
Mar. 20 - 28 Providence Center, Edmonton
May 3 - 9 Buck Lake AB (Priest Retreat)
July 24 - August 1 FCJ Center, Calgary
Oct. 16 - 24 Carmelite Spirituality Center, Edmonton
Nov 6 - 14 FCJ Center, Calgary
Founders Message
As founders of the Triumph program, we are honored to be partnering and mentoring the team as we begin this exciting new chapter of Triumph. Our hearts are full as we watch the team rise up to carry this ministry forward. We know it is time for us to gradually begin to take a step back from the front lines, but our love and commitment to Triumph remains as strong as ever. It is a gift for us to support and mentor the team as we lead Triumph into the future. We are deeply grateful for all God has done through this ministry and excited to see the new ways He will continue to touch lives.
Donna will step down after the Triumph in Bruno in February 2026 and will continue to serve as a consultant when called upon.
Jerry will continue to lead and serve the program until he feels God calls him elsewhere.
It is our deep confidence that the Holy Spirit — who used our lives to shape Triumph — will always protect its mission and integrity.
With gratitude for your partnership in this mission,
Sincerely in Christ
Jerry & Donna Kristian
