AUCKLAND A last-minute donation has secured the future of the Catholic Discipleship College for 2008. The Auckland-based college, which runs a nine-month residential course during which students explore their faith, encountered financial problems last year, its first year of operation. A benefactor who had promised a large donation was unable to provide that money, prompting a plea for financial support.
CDC principal Fr Neil Vaney, SM, said the college received financial support from hundreds of ordinary New Zealanders, but the 2008 academic year was still looking uncertain in December.
We were pretty desperate because we had a big shortfall, but a generous donation on the last deadline, and some voluntary cuts from our budget, means we are likely to have a small shortfall for 2008, Fr Vaney said. Things will be a bit thin.
All eight graduates from the 2007 class are already out evangelising, Fr Vaney said, adding that he expected a similar intake for this years course. Applications to date have come from around New Zealand as well as Canada and Fiji.
CDC operates at St Josephs Centre on Aucklands North Shore. Fr Vaney said that facility can cater for about 14 students, and with the hope that class sizes will eventually reach about 25, the college will need a new facility.
That need may come as soon as 2009, with Fr Vaney expecting some of the 4000-plus New Zealanders attending World Youth Day in July to be looking for more Catholic experiences in the years ahead.
