Catholic Enquiry Centre hearing from more people

CEC director Carly Mulqueen said enquiries have continued to increase and about “two-thirds of those contacting us are asking questions about becoming Catholic, attending Mass for the first time or returning to the Church after many years away”.

“Behind each enquiry is a beautiful story – a person sensing God drawing them closer and wondering what their next step might be,” Mrs Mulqueen said.

“Recently we heard from someone who wrote: ‘I am an atheist who is beginning to question whether I am right . . . For some reason I feel like I am being called ‘home’ to the Church’.

“Messages like this arrive regularly,” Mrs Mulqueen said. “People searching. People questioning. People sensing that God may be calling them somewhere deeper.”

Many enquiries reflect a deep spiritual searching and openness to faith, a CEC newsletter noted.

“Some people are exploring Christianity or the Catholic Church for the very first time. Others are seeking to return to the Church after years away.

“A significant number of enquirers have already discerned a desire to become Catholic before making contact with a parish or attending Mass. This highlights the growing importance of accessible and trustworthy digital pathways into the Church.”

Mrs Mulqueen also thanked those who have already joined Catholic Enquiry Connect, which was established last October.

“This network continues to grow, with more than 120 connectors and champions now involved across the country. My dream remains that one day there will be a connector in every parish across New Zealand – someone ready to offer a welcoming face, a listening ear and that next link in the chain leading people to Jesus and his Church,” she said.

FULL STORY

CEC Newsletter Autumn 2026 (Catholic Enquiry Centre)