Committed to the Future by Giving Back

A Journey of Faith and Formation: An Interview with Alumnus Deacon Zak Santiago

“I am forever grateful. I would not be who I am now if I had not had this experience,” says Deacon Zak Santiago, a proud alumnus of Corpus Christi and St. Mark’s College at UBC. “I would not be a Deacon if I hadn’t studied here, and I would not be in the peaceful place that I am now.” Deacon Zak was ordained as a Permanent Deacon for the Archdiocese of Vancouver in June 2024.

Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Zak was raised in a family deeply rooted in Catholic education. “My mother was a Catholic school teacher. Her mother was a Catholic school teacher. Her sister, brother-in-law, great aunt and great uncle were too,” he says. “On that side of the family, Catholic education is really part of our history.”

Faith, Study, and Vocation
Deacon Zak’s journey to ordination had begun early with discernment and later with study. “I realized God was now calling me again to Holy Orders,” he recalls. “So I thought, I might as well start my academic formation, while I continue to discern. I know that one needs a theology
degree as a priest, and so that’s where I wanted to begin.

That decision brought him to St Mark’s College, where he earned three degrees: a Masters in Theological Studies, a Master’s in Pastoral Studies, and a Graduate Diploma in Pastoral Ministry. “I applied myself,” he says with a smile. “When I finally graduated with my Master’s in Theology, I received the Chancellor’s Award and the Department of Theology Award. I was so humbled; I grew up barely knowing how to type. But it shows that if you apply yourself and trust God, you can do it.”

“I would love to talk about every professor, because they’re all golden. We’re so blessed at our schools,” he explains. “For example, Dean Lynda Robitaille was my initial mentor, who took a chance on me when I first applied. She shepherded me along my journey and taught me Canon Law,” he says. “And Dr. Nicholas Olkovich was my first professor, and also my last. He really bookended my entire academic journey.”

Zak also speaks warmly of his peers. “At St. Mark’s, you are learning as much from your fellow students as from your professors. Many were already Catholic professionals, and I learned so much from them.”

Ministry in Action
Deacon Zak is the only celibate permanent Deacon currently serving in the Archdiocese. “This brings its own challenges, but it also leaves me more free time in my ministry,” he reflects. “I do not have the prioritized concern for children or a spouse, so this allows me to give more freely to the Church.”

Today, Deacon Zak serves as a Catholic chaplain in federal prisons across British Columbia, including Matsqui Institution and the Pacific Institution/Regional Treatment Centre. “I am the newest Catholic prison chaplain in Canada,” he says. “It is challenging work, but it is where the Spirit has led me; to bring hope and healing where it is needed most.” He also serves as a parish Deacon at Holy Rosary Cathedral and continues his ministry at Vancouver General Hospital. “Hospital ministry has been an essential part of my early ministry, and also tethered to what I do in prison ministry; a continuation of that same pastoral care.” Beyond his ministry, Zak’s background in the arts gives him a unique platform for evangelization. “I work professionally as a DJ and actor. I think it is really important for young Catholics to see that we can work and be relevant in these ‘pop culture’ places, without sacrificing our Catholicity,” he says. “We can live our faith and still be authentic in those
spaces.”

The Importance of Giving Back
For Deacon Zak, giving back to St. Mark’s and Corpus Christi is deeply personal. He has sponsored the Annual Fundraising Breakfast for the past few years and continues to support the Colleges financially and spiritually. “It’s all about those who are coming after us,” he says. “We need to nurture our schools so that the next generation can be supported and develop into great minds.”

He believes Catholic higher education must be protected and strengthened. “We have seen a contraction in post-secondary education, a stifling of which voices are being heard. But of all the schools where one can still think broadly, ask the big questions, where education isn’t constrained, it is the Catholic school. We need to protect and support them.” When asked what inspired him to give, he answers simply, “I started this academic journey very late in life, but I know it is about the future. Supporting our Colleges means supporting the next generation of Catholic leaders.”

An Invitation to Other Alumni
Though his busy schedule keeps him moving between prisons, the Cathedral, hospitals, the film set, and the DJ booth, Zak’s heart remains close to his alma mater. “Maybe this article is my way of saying ‘Zak’s not gone. Zak still loves us. He’s just a dude on a treadmill right now, very busy,” he laughs.

He hopes other alumni will find ways to reconnect and give back. “I wonder if there could be a mentoring program where alumni meet one-on-one with students,” he suggests. “It would be such a rewarding experience. When I work with young people, I too gain from seeing their growth and their encounter with God. It’s a two-way street; the alumni benefit too.”

A Message for Students
His advice for current students is simple and grounded in faith: “Believe in yourself. You can do it. Just like our Faith, it means stepping forward; trusting that God’s already laid the path ahead.” “Do not think there is a hierarchy of vocations; your vocation is where the Spirit guides you peacefully. Whether this is married life, consecrated life, Holy Orders, or a generous single life; These are all beautiful. Whatever you do, be a professional Christian. God comes first. Trust the Spirit, and he will lead you where you belong.”

Follow Deacon Zak’s Instagram here!: @rev.deaconzak

Corpus Christi-St. Mark’s College at UBC receives no government funding, and your support makes Catholic higher education in Vancouver possible. Inspired by this generous gift from Deacon Zak, we encourage you to contact us and learn more about our giving options.
stmarkscollege.ca/donate | 604.822.5438 | [email protected]

Second-year student Juliana Yong writes about student and alumni stories at Corpus Christi-St.
Mark’s College at UBC.