WelCom February 2020
Gerald Scanlan
Photo: Supplied
The Catholic Institute (TCI) held its final graduation for students in the Archdiocese of Wellington and Diocese of Palmerston North in late November last year.
From 1 January 2020, The Catholic Institute has joined forces with Good Shepherd College in Auckland (where seminarians study theology) to become Te Kupenga – Catholic Leadership Institute. Te Kupenga means net or fishing net – an apt analogy for its role in equipping both laity and priests to exercise leadership in and by the Church as missionary disciples.
Those present enjoyed a splendid graduation event, featuring 22 graduates from TCI’s core qualifications, along with 11 from the first cohort of the Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Catholic Culture, co-delivered with the Australian Catholic University. TCI also honoured seven Exemplars – graduates nominated by teaching staff who exemplify the best of what TCI set out to accomplish: academic excellence, growth in faith and knowledgeable, generous ministry to church and community.
Two staff from the Australian Catholic University were present for the Graduate Certificate presentations. They were struck by the ceremony’s intimacy, informality, joy and emotional resonance. The tone was set from the start with a moving welcoming ceremony led by Henare Walmsley, Whaea Rangi Hau and Rangimoeroa Waikari-Panapa. Cardinal John Dew remarked on the atmosphere, describing the event as a fitting way to bring down the curtain on TCI in Wellington and Palmerston North. Bishop Steve Lowe, Malcolm Farry (Chair of the TCI Council) and other Council members were present, having met for the final time earlier that day.
Since TCI began in 2012, 350 students have graduated with a certificate or diploma qualification. All have shown tenacity and resilience in completing their study alongside other commitments. All have given life and clarity to the founding vision for TCI of faith challenged and deepened, ministry shaped and affirmed and mission grasped and enlivened.
The New Zealand Bishops intend that Te Kupenga – Catholic Leadership Institute will take that vision further and help develop the leadership the Church needs to be voice, witness and servant of the Gospel.
Gerald Scanlan is Acting Chief Executive, Te Kupenga – Catholic Leadership Institute.