New group formed to help theological college

Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College has recently formed a new group, Alumni and Friends of CTC,
to help develop the college and raise awareness of its activities and achievements.

CTC Dean Dr John Evangelista said that they are initially inviting alumni of the school and people who had
been great supporters already.

“This is a new thing that we have formed. Before, once the students graduated, we had limited contact
with them,” he said.

Dr Evangelista said there is a great potential here that needed to be tapped.

“They can promote the college and become champions or ambassadors in the parishes,” he said.

He said that several alumni and people from the different dioceses have signed up already. He noted
that some Catholic groups have also signed up.

Dr Evangelista said that membership is free and comes with many benefits. “They can participate in
many events that the college has lined up,” he said. “They will also have automatic membership to
the CTC Colin Library. We have the largest collection of Catholic literature and books in the whole of New
Zealand. They could readily access research and other publications.”

The members would also have access to theology consultants and experts, and will have opportunities
to network.

“Part of our role and mission is to evangelise, and we do that through seminars and other educational activities,” he said.

Dr Evangelista said that Catholic groups who may want to use the facilities of the new site at Vermont
Street in Ponsonby will also be able to use the facilities at a nominal rate.

He said the rates are still to be finalised, but they know that some would not have enough resources to
pay for facilities where they can hold talks or seminars.

“We want to be able to facilitate educational and formational activities,” he said, adding that, eventually,
when enough people have signed up, they will formally turn the group into a board.

“The board can probably help us raise funds, as well as encourage people to contribute prayers and their
time,” he said.

Those interested to join the Alumni and Friends of CTC network can email Dr Evangelista at [email protected] for more information, or go to the college website: www.tekupenga.ac.nz/ .