We are ACTC

ACTC ON THE WEEKLY

MONDAY
11:30 am – Daily Scripture Reading & Discussion

TUESDAY
12:10 pm – MASS + Gourmet Lunch
5:00 pm – Adoration & Evening Prayer

WEDNESDAY
11:30 am – Daily Scripture Reading & Discussion

THURSDAY
10:00 am – Chew the Word
3:00 pm – Rosary

FRIDAY
1:10 pm – MASS
3:00 pm – Let’s Talk with Father Chris

FATHER CHRIS

CAMERON SURREY
Originally from Pukekohe, I studied Philosophy at Waikato, then spent 5 and a half years studying theology and discerning the priesthood at Holy Cross Seminary in Auckland. When, after a major epiphany, I decided to leave the seminary, the adventure of discernment continued, taking me to the UK, where I got married to Cheryl and then started my PhD in theology just before the birth of our first child, Daisy-Ann, in 2011. After three years away I returned to New Zealand with my little family, completed my studies, and worked for four years in young adult formation at the Catholic Discipleship College. That time at CDC saw the arrival of two more children, Abigail (2015) and Joachim (2018). Since May 2019 I have had the privilege to serve in the chaplaincy. I am very grateful to have this opportunity to be around people engaged in a lively search for the truth.

MARIANA SIERRA ALONSO
Originally from Mexico, but grew up in Montreal, Canada, I was raised Catholic. Never really interested in the faith up until the end of 2016 (yes, I missed out on world youth day, even though she tried bribing me by selling the fact that I’d be able to travel Europe afterwards). I was in my second semester of uni, studying economics, and I was posed the question about whether I would like Jesus to be at the centre of my life. In that moment, realising I had no real direction in life (I strongly disliked economics), I decided to give God a chance thinking about how He has a plan for my life, a good plan, with a future and hope (Jeremiah 29:11). This then followed a year of loads of more learning about the Catholic faith, which then lead to two years of mission in Australia with NET ministries in the University of Queensland. Having learnt a lot and having loved my experience there, I jumped at the opportunity to continue in that ministry here in Auckland. I am very blessed that I have answered his call in my life, because it has given me more life than I could have managed on my own.

SAMARA RYAN-HARROP
Born and raised in Hawera, Taranaki, In 2016 I made the choice to pursue the catholic faith that led to my baptism that Easter in the St Joseph’s Hawera Catholic Church. I attended a few camps and festivals over the next few years but I was attending a church that was experiencing a shortage of teens. There was plenty of young primary school aged children and adults, but very little of students my own age. Often you could point out that I was the only high school student at Sunday mass. This made following my faith very difficult with nobody to share in it with. Then in February of 2019 I made the move to Auckland to start studying at AUT where I completed my first year in the Bachelor of Health Science in Paramedicine. I moved to Auckland CBD from a town of 10,000 knowing LITERALLY NOBODY. Attending the Auckland Catholic Tertiary Chaplaincy for the first time was so weird. I could not believe how many students there were who were open to journeying together on the path to Heaven. ACTC was my saving grace in my first year, After a very difficult year, and experiencing so much grief and loss; at the end I felt the calling to take on a role at the Chaplaincy and put my studies on hold. So I followed the calling and I can’t wait to see where it leads me.

ROBBIE DE LA VEGA - PRESIDENT
Hey guys, I’m Robbie. I study at the University of Auckland and I am a musician; a Pianist serving parishes in South/East Auckland. I joined the ACTS team because I want to spend time serving God and serving others. Christ calls us to use our gifts and talents in order to give back the glory and honour to God. I am blessed that God has given me the gift of music and I believe this is something that I should not keep for myself. It is my responsibility to be able to share this gift with others so that others may see and experience the beauty of Christ through Music.

MARY TABACO - VICE PRESIDENT
I’m Mary. I’m studying Criminology and Politics at UoA. My dream is to be a mum and raise up saints. I decided to join the ACTS team because I want to be a missionary of God’s love and mercy!

SAMARA RYAN-HARROP - VICE PRESIDENT
Studying at AUT (Bachelor of Health Science in Paramedicine), I also serve as the link between ACTS and ACTC after taking on a role as Chaplain. Someday down the track I want to be working my 4 days on as a Paramedic and my 4 days off in youth and young adult ministry continuing to lead others to Christ with me.

JONATHAN ASHFIELD - TREASURER
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PREETHI LAWERANCE - SECRETARY
Hi, I’m Preethi! I’m currently studying Psychology and Anthropological Science at UoA. I hope to help as many people as I can with my degree. ACTS gives me the opportunity to do that now, while sharing my faith and helping new and old students find a place of belonging.

NIKITA SIONETALI - SECRETARY
I’m Nikita and I’m studying a Law and Arts degree at UoA. I aspire to help those who cannot always do so for themselves. I joined the ACTS team so I can continue such work through a spiritual outlet!

ACTC Chaplains:
Email: [email protected]

ACTS University Club:
[email protected]