CHRISTCHURCH Non-practising Catholics began their journey back to the Church recently with a new series of the Catholics Returning Home programme starting in Christchurch. While the parish-based programme designed to reach out and invite inactive Catholics to resume the practice of their faith has been delivered in the diocese for some time, this year it had a different twist, according to Mike Stopforth, Bishop Barry Joness deputy for the pastoral plan.
There has been a more co-ordinated approach. Previously parishes have promoted and delivered the programme at different times, said Mr Stopforth.
This year it is being held at three venues over the same six-week period.
Mr Stopforth says promotion has played a key role. The new approach has allowed us to maximise resources and get wider cover across the city. It is important we have publicity outside the Sunday community, as these are the people we are trying to attract.
Promotion has included having one contact phone number, one website, notices in parishes and Catholic schools, radio advertising, print media advertising and bright orange billboards.
Enquiries have not only come from former Catholics wanting to return to the Church but also those wanting to become Catholic.
The co-ordinator of the Christchurch programme, Gerard Duignan, says the promotion needed to be backed up with prayer, good organisation and a sensitive approach from the right people.
Most important of all are the prayers and personal invitations by regular parishioners, Mr Duignan said.
The old adage goes that the best advertising is word of mouth, but to me the Holy Spirit is better: Word of the heart.
The same six-week series is repeated three times each year. With support from priests, it is run by lay members of parishes, many of whom have themselves returned to practising their faith.
Following the programme, participants are encouraged to become involved in parish life and join more in-depth education and formation sessions.
