Catholic Enquiry Centre asks parishes for initiation data

Parishes are currently being asked to report the number of catechumens and candidates in recent years, including their age groups, so that trends can be identified and a better understanding gained as to who is coming into the Church.

This information is also contributing to a wider international picture being gathered by the Dicastery for Evangelisation.

CEC director Carly Mulqueen said, “we’re working alongside parishes and others across the Church to better understand what is happening, to equip people to accompany those who are searching and to help ensure there is a welcoming pathway when someone takes that first step”.

“Every day at the Catholic Enquiry Centre we hear from people across New Zealand who are asking life’s biggest questions,” Mrs Mulqueen said.

“Some are searching for purpose. Others are returning to the faith they left years ago. Some have never stepped inside a Catholic church before but are curious about Jesus, prayer or what Catholics actually believe.

“One thing has become increasingly clear: God is moving. By the end of June, we had received more than double the enquiries of the first half of last year.”

CEC has noted that, across many nations, particularly among Generation Z, people are approaching Christianity with fresh curiosity and fewer preconceptions.

It was noted that behind every enquiry is a person – someone searching, questioning, perhaps sensing for the first time that God is drawing them closer.

FULL STORY

Spring Newsletter 2026 (Catholic Enquiry Centre)