CANADIAN CATHOLIC STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
Learn more about the CCSA
The Canadian Catholic Students Association (CCSA) is the national association representing all Catholic students on campuses in Canada. Founded in 1946 as the Canadian Newman Movement, CCSA’s core purpose is to unite students who witness to the Gospel on campus. CCSA helps form, support, and network Catholic student communities and represents them at national and international levels: Catholic, Ecumenical and Interfaith.
Catholic students gather in annual conferences, alternating meeting regionally and nationally. This year’s National conference will be held in Montreal from January 30 to February 2, 2025, hosted by Newman McGill.
The CCSA is a proud member of the International Movement of Catholic Students
2026 CCSA Leadership Team
To facilitate communication between campuses, each campus’s Catholic student community identifies a representative who acts as the liaison between their campus and the national CCSA executive (campus rep). Campuses send representatives to the annual conference (alternates regional and national) where the new executive is elected to serve for a year. Two members are elected from each region. In the absence of a campus rep, communications are sent to the campus minister. The executive is advised by one or two campus ministers representing the Canadian Catholic Campus Ministry (CCCM). This year’s CCSA executive members are:
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Western Region
Roman Lalach
Hi my name is Roman Lalach. I am one of the western Reps for the CCSA. I am a 3rd year student at the University of Saskatchewan. I am studying biomedical science majoring in Cell, Physiology and Pharmacology. I am a Byzantine Catholic and very involved in the functions of my Parish. In my spare time I do rowing with our university's rowing club as well as run and bike.
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Central Region
Nadia Gerard
My name is Nadia Gerard, and I am a first year social science student at McMaster University. I am planning on specializing in Social Psychology with a minor in Environment and Society for my second year at Mac. I am currently living on campus and some of my interests are going to the gym, playing sports and listening to music. I have played sports throughout my life, especially in highschool, and I continue my athletic career in University by joining intramural teams and playing football with friends. In my free time I enjoy watching the sitcom FRIENDS, and spending time with my family, friends and my adorable dog, Rusty. I look forward to working with the other CCSA exec members on making the national conference memorable and fun.
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Atlantic Region
Zahlee Kennedy Churchill
Hello everyone! I am grateful for the opportunity to serve a second term as a CCSA Atlantic representative. I am a 3rd year Saint Francis Xavier University business student majoring in Management & Leadership and minoring in French. I grew up in a Christian home rooted in faith, with Jesus by my side. You can often find me at Celtic dances, the ocean, or in the kitchen perfecting a tasty cheesecake! Since first year, I have been heavily involved with the StFX Catholics at X Society participating and hosting events. In addition to 2026 Co-op work term placements, I am excited to begin another chapter with the CCSA! Many blessings!
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Western Region
Jarod Lapadula
Hello! My name is Jarod Lapadula and I am one of the representatives for the Western region of the CCSA! My journey with the CCSA started in 2025 when Corpus Christi and St. Mark's Colleges sponsored a trip for myself and a few other students to the national conference in Montreal. The theme of the conference just so happened to be Synodality---one of my personal interests within the Catholic intellectual realm. Currently, I am studying at St. Mark's College to get my bachelor's degree in Theology and Culture, and I look forward to teaching Christian Education in a Catholic secondary or post-secondary institution. I hope to represent you well, Western Catholics!
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Central Region
Currently Vacant
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Atlantic Region
Alec Briand
Hello, my name is Alec and I am a first year engineering student, majoring in Geodesy and Geomatics at the University of New Brunswick. I am a part of the Knights of Columbus and am involved with Campus Ministry at St. Thomas University. When I have free time, I enjoy being outdoors and reading.