The Catholic Enquiry Centre (CEC) has had great success in 2024 connecting with those interested in the Catholic faith, guiding them to an encounter with Jesus.
Of particular note has been the rising popularity of the CEC’s resource, Discovering Prayer, which was first published in 2017. Designed to help those new to, or rediscovering, the practice of prayer, the book has recently been distributed at no cost to enquirers about the Catholic faith.
Further, in 2024, sales of Discovering Prayer have increased dramatically, perhaps reflecting a growing desire of people to connect more closely with God and their faith. During 2023, 495 copies of Discovering Prayer were sold via the ACBC Shop, but in 2024, 1,835 copies have been purchased – about the same number sold over the previous three years.
Accounting for 900 copies of Discovering Prayer was an order placed by Sydney Catholic Schools earlier this year. Vivian Mourani, from the Mission and Identity Directorate of Sydney Catholic Schools, said the resource was chosen specifically to aid in staff formation.
“Discovering Prayer has truly resonated with our community, especially during this Year of Prayer declared by Pope Francis,” Ms Mourani said.
“Given the resource’s focus on relevant themes, it’s been a meaningful addition to our retreats across Sydney Catholic Schools. Participants at over 35 system-wide retreats – including principals, assistant principals, religious coordinators, family educators, beginning teachers and more – received a copy, finding it helpful for daily reflection and prayer.
“The book’s practicality was especially valued, with many participants mentioning how it’s easy to carry for reflection anywhere. Its affordable price point made it feasible for us to purchase in bulk, and many leaders have and/or are now considering copies for entire staff teams due to its popularity.
“On a personal note, I’ve used this book for years and having it available as a resource for our retreats this year has been a blessing.”
The CEC’s most recent publication, Discovering God and what it means to be Catholic, has also been incredibly well received by readers across the country. After reviewing a copy of Discovering God, a local Catholic parish priest provided the following feedback:
“This afternoon I received the two booklets, Discovering God and Discovering Prayer in the mail. I started reading the first one and hardly put it down before getting three-quarters of the way through. I have found it an excellent presentation and summary of the Catholic faith.”
An invitation to Christmas Mass
Another way the CEC has sought to engage with those interested in the Catholic faith, as well as those who have drifted away from the Church, has been through an initiative inviting people to Christmas Mass.
In 2023 the CEC developed an online advertising campaign prompting seekers and visitors to find their closest Catholic church for Christmas, and inviting them to Mass.
The CEC set up a Google advertisement during Advent promoting the webpage. The ad appeared on more than 340,000 screens last year and received 3,288 clicks. Given the success of the initiative, the CEC ran a similar campaign for Easter earlier this year.
The Christmas campaign will be offered again this year, in the hope that it will be a gentle invitation to those who haven’t been to Mass for some time to return for Christmas Mass at their local parish. The webpage also offers links to Mass For You at Home, and prayers to offer at Christmas.
Parishes, individuals and communities are welcome to share the ‘You are invited to Christmas Mass’ webpage or advertising via social media or other communications to invite all to encounter Christ this Christmas.
Links
Becoming Catholic
You’re Invited to Christmas Mass
Discovering Prayer – ACBC Shop
Discovering God and what it means to be Catholic – ACBC Shop