Michael Rustia
COMMUNITY WORKER
Ponsonby ,AUK
Summary
With over 14 years of professional experience in pastoral care across Auckland, New Zealand. I am passionate about building and nurturing communities through spiritual growth, compassionate presence, and meaningful connection. Alongside my work in pastoral care, I have practical experience in property administration, combining organizational skills with a deep commitment to serving people and supporting their environments. I bring empathy, integrity, and a strong sense of purpose to every role, helping individuals and communities find strength, belonging, and hope.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Leader of Maori Ropu Church in Aotearoa
Te Unga Waka Marae- Dame Whina Cooper
Epsom, Aucklnad
02.2024 - Current
- Worked with church leaders, staff and ministry teams to achieve growth of church and to foster positive community impact.
- Maintained accurate records of membership rolls and donations received from parishioners.
- Conducted weekly services and special religious ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals, and baptisms.
- Optimized church committee functions clarifying goals and delegating tasks.
- Managed all aspects of ministry.
Head School Chaplain
Sancta Maria College
Flatbush, Auckland
02.2024 - Current
- Counseled individuals dealing with personal issues such as depression or anxiety.
- Coordinated with local churches to provide additional resources for those seeking spiritual guidance.
- Referred families and individuals to community support services, psychologists, or doctors for necessary care.
- Administered communion, baptisms and other religious rites.
- Organized retreats and mission trips for interested students, faculty, and staff members.
- Delivered high level of spiritual guidance, emotional support and practical assistance to students, loved ones and employee teams.
Congregational Pastor
Kaitaia, St. Joseph Church
Kaitaia, Far North District
01.2019 - 02.2024
- Conducted special services like baptisms, weddings, and funerals.
- Improved operations and functions of church committees by clarifying objectives and empowering other committee members to take responsibility.
- Organized and led prayer meetings, Bible study groups, retreats, workshops, and other spiritual activities.
- Performed administrative duties including budgeting, scheduling staff meetings and creating reports on ministry activities.
- Spearheaded community outreach programs.
- Met with individuals in hospitals and prisons, offering comfort and support.
- Oversaw building maintenance issues such as repairs or renovations.
Royal Navy Chaplain
Royal Navy of New Zealand
Devonport , Auckland
02.2016 - 02.2018
- Prepared participants for roles in ceremonies, services or events.
- Participated in outreach activities designed to raise awareness about available services offered by the chaplaincy team.
- Provided resources to help people cope with grief, trauma, and other life challenges.
- Served as a liaison between the chaplaincy team and local churches or other religious organizations.
- Engaged in interfaith, community and recreational activities for religious programs.
Congregational Leader
St. Francis de Sales Devonport
Devonport, Auckland
02.2016 - 02.2018
- Carried out church mission by planning and leading worship services, writing sermons and working with church leaders.
- Maintained up-to-date records of membership, attendance, donations and other statistical information.
- Demonstrated effective leadership to church, including managing daily operations, developing and administering annual budget and promoting compassionate pastoral care to members and public.
- Brought attention to youth ministry contributions through congregational awareness initiatives.
Head School Chaplain
Carmel College North Shore
Milford, Auckland
02.2016 - 02.2018
- Planned special ceremonies, services and events in coordination with families and individuals.
- Counseled individuals dealing with personal issues such as depression or anxiety.
- Provided pastoral assistance and support to both students and loved ones during crisis situations.
- Participated in fundraising to support congregational activities.
- Administered communion, baptisms and other religious rites.
Assisting Minister
St. Patrick"s Cathedral Auckland
CBD , Auckland
02.2013 - 02.2016
- Monitored office services mailbox for business support needs and requests.
- Handled confidential information with discretion and integrity.
- Greeted visitors, clients and guests in a professional manner.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Participated in community service projects with local organizations.
- Collaborated with pastors from other churches to share resources and best practices.
- Led outreach initiatives to reach out to unchurched, inactive or new residents in community.
Assitant Priest
North Shore, St. Mary's Church
Northcote
05.2011 - 02.2013
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
Education
Te Reo & Tikanga Maori Level 1 & 2 - Foreign Languages Education
Te Wanānga Te Aotearoa
Kaitaia, NZ02-2022
Master of Arts - Pastoral Theology
Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College-Sydney Ins
Ponsonby 03-2010
Master of Arts - Theology
Immaculate Conception Major Seminary
Philippines03-2008
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
Immaculate Conception Major Seminary
Philippines03-2004
Skills
- Process Optimization
- Relationship building
- Visionary thinking
- Motivating teams
- Recruitment and hiring
- Performance management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Stakeholder engagement
- Team leadership
- Influencing others
- Event management
- Strategic networking
- Excellent multitasking
- Digital media
- Networking and relationship building
- Advertising
- Social media
- Audience engagement
- Interpersonal skills
- Content creation
- Public relations
- Photo and video editing
Timeline
Leader of Maori Ropu Church in Aotearoa
Te Unga Waka Marae- Dame Whina Cooper
02.2024 - Current
Head School Chaplain
Sancta Maria College
02.2024 - Current
Congregational Pastor
Kaitaia, St. Joseph Church
01.2019 - 02.2024
Royal Navy Chaplain
Royal Navy of New Zealand
02.2016 - 02.2018
Congregational Leader
St. Francis de Sales Devonport
02.2016 - 02.2018
Head School Chaplain
Carmel College North Shore
02.2016 - 02.2018
Assisting Minister
St. Patrick"s Cathedral Auckland
02.2013 - 02.2016
Assitant Priest
North Shore, St. Mary's Church
05.2011 - 02.2013
Te Reo & Tikanga Maori Level 1 & 2 - Foreign Languages Education
Te Wanānga Te Aotearoa
Master of Arts - Pastoral Theology
Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College-Sydney Ins
Master of Arts - Theology
Immaculate Conception Major Seminary
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
Immaculate Conception Major Seminary
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