MEET THE STAFF

Fr Do Nguyen

Parish Administrator

It is a big surprise for me as I now take this new role of Administrator of this parish. I love watching movies or going out to see the beauty of nature. Catching up with friends also brings me so much joy.

The scripture phrase I chose for my ordination is “Here I am Lord, I come to do your will.” Yes the Lord has called me to be here and I am open to what He wants me to do. 

Fr Rex Ramos

Assistant Priest

I was born and raised in a coastal area, the sea is a place of solace and relaxation for me. I love the sea and I love fishing even more. As fishermen I do not get side tracked by disappointments. When I don’t catch a great quantity of fish I don’t get easily discouraged. I’m equally concerned about the quantity and quality of my catch because every fishermen are dependent on the Lord for their success just as much as the farmer is dependent on the Creator for his harvests.

Being assigned as a missionary priest in the Carribean Island for 5 years makes me realized that being a priest was my calling and vocation. Jesus simply invited me to start a relationship with people.  Maybe that was the reason I became a priest because I am destined to bring men into the Church and to life eternal.

 Matthew 4:19, Jesus said, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of people.” Not only is this a call that Jesus makes to Peter and Andrew, but also to each one of us.

Huong Dinh

Seminarian

Xin Chào (hello everyone) my name is Huong Dinh and I am a sixth-year seminarian for the Diocese of Christchurch. I have just completed the Bachelor of Theology last year so this is I have been sent to do one year of pastoral placement. It is my blessing to be here in this parish or Waimakariri and to be able to spend some time with you all. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your family. 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16

Sandra Mabazza

Parish Secretary

I’ve been in Rangiora for 12 years now. Serving and volunteering at the Parish was a wonderful way to settle into a new place. What a blessing it has been to take on the role as Parish Secretary. I consider this to be a ministry of service to others. I have had the opportunity to work with 2 Parish Priests and 6 Assistant Priests. How cool is that!

I am inspired by the support of the Parish Team and the Parishioners. The Parish is growing in number, enthusiasm and leadership. May God continue to work in each of us through the Holy Spirit.

Favourite Bible verse: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

Carly Mulqueen

Pastoral Associate

 

Hi everyone. I am a Pastoral Associate with a focus on evangelisation. It’s my pleasure to run the Alpha course with the support of an amazing team. I’m married to Wayne and we have two gorgeous kids, Ivan and Marni, who go to St Joseph’s School. We moved to the South Island just three years ago and we love being part of this awesome community. 

 

One of my favourite Bible verses is “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)

Lynda Sale

Pastoral Associate

Hi, I am Lynda! I am originally from Singapore and have been part of this parish for over 8 years. 

One of my favourite Bible verses is “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Sister Gael Henry, R.N.D.M

Pastoral Associate

I am a Mission Sister, from Aotearoa, New Zealand. Our congregation was started in France by a French person called Euphrasie Barbier. Our charism is based on the Trinity, God sending Jesus, and with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit we go out into all parts of the world, bringing God’s love to the poor. I have worked in both New Zealand and overseas, mainly as a teacher, in the areas of Religion, Home Economics and English to speakers of other languages.

 

One of my favourite Bible verses is from the book of Micah, “Yahweh asks of you, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with our God.”

Contact: 03 327 3669

Sarah Blair

Parish Youth Worker 

Hey I’m Sarah!

I’m married with four children and actually grew up in this wonderful parish.

I enjoy music, photography and getting out into nature and exploring the beautiful mountains we are so blessed to have in this country.

 

A favourite scripture of mine is from Luke 6:12

“he departed to the mountain to pray” 

Francesca Walker

Parish Youth Worker