BRISBANE archdiocese’s “Come and Celebrate Christmas” campaign hit the mark with many people who identify as Catholics but who do not have close contact with the Church.
The campaign, aimed at the more than 500,000 Catholics estimated to be in that category, was conducted through the print media in Brisbane and surrounding regions in the lead-up to Christmas.
It centred on an invitation from Archbishop John Bathersby to take part in Christmas celebrations at local churches.
Almost 300 people phoned in response to the campaign, and priests contacted by The Catholic Leader reported an increase in the number of people attending Christmas Masses.
For many of those who phoned in response to the advertisements, the presence of a “live” voice on the other end of the line was a pleasant surprise.
A campaign spokesperson said many phoned as early as 5.30 in the morning and until quite late in the evening, expecting to get an answering machine.
“A lot of the people were phoning to find out Mass times, but others had questions about returning to the Church, baptism and community support, including transport to and from Mass.”
Several priests spoken to by The Catholic Leader in parishes around Brisbane rated the campaign a success, based on increased numbers at Christmas Masses.
They also saw it as an excellent first step to reaching these non-practising Catholics.
Auxiliary Bishop Brian Finnigan said the initiative had been particularly valuable at Christmas.
“Christmas is a lonely time for many and a lot of people responded to this sign of care from the Church,” Bishop Finnigan said.
