New network promotes warm welcome for seekers

The Catholic Enquiry Centre has launched a national network to support people who are interested in becoming Catholic to find a place of encouragement and welcome in local parishes.

The new network, called Catholic Enquiry Connect, will look for people to fill two distinct roles in each parish – “Connectors” and “Champions”.

Connectors will be trusted parishioners that the Catholic Enquiry Centre can introduce seekers to, ensuring that there is a real sense of hospitality. They may be pastoral workers, people on an RCIA team, an Alpha team or other “everyday evangelists” who have a heart to accompany others in faith. 

“We are receiving enquiries most days at the Enquiry Centre,” shares Carly Mulqueen, the Centre’s director. 

“Our role in almost every case is to connect that enquirer with a local parish, guiding them to a place to explore their questions of faith beyond what the Centre provides, including the daily life of a Catholic community.”

With Connectors being sought in each parish throughout the country, a network will develop that will benefit the local community, dioceses and the Church nationally.

“This is absolutely a win-win opportunity for parishes and the Enquiry Centre,” Mrs Mulqueen said.

“We will know that the Connectors are there for us to introduce seekers to and, at the same time, we’ll equip Connectors with tips, tools and encouragement for sharing faith in their own context.

“Every quarter, we’ll gather online to connect with one another, share experiences and grow in understanding evangelisation. All of that will benefit a local community, while supporting a consistent, warm welcome across the country.”

The Catholic Enquiry Centre will also invite people to become Champions in their parish. Champions will help promote the Catholic Enquiry Centre as a valuable resource for parishes, including through local marketing efforts.

Mrs Mulqueen said the Enquiry Centre uses the metaphor of serving as a “door” for people interesting in becoming Catholic. The new network will gather people who are “inside the door” to support evangelisation efforts for the Church in New Zealand.

“We look forward to working with parish communities to identify and develop Connectors and Champions to join the network,” she said, encouraging people to visit the Catholic Enquiry Centre website, www.catholicenquiry.nz, to learn more.