Faith Exposed - The Basic Ecclesial Communities

Summary

The Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines designated 2017 as the Year of the Parish as a communion of communities, preparing for the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the country in 2021. This initiative emphasizes the formation of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) as vital agents of communion, participation, and mission. BECs, comprising small neighborhood gatherings, foster deep relationships through sharing the Word of God and supporting one another in daily life. This movement invites laypeople to actively engage in their parishes, enhancing a sense of belonging and integrating faith into everyday concerns.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines designated 2017 as the Year of the Parish to prepare for the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the country.
• 😀 The celebration aims to form basic ecclesial communities (BECs) as agents of communion, participation, and mission.
• 😀 BECs are small communities that gather to share the Word of God and the Eucharist.
• 😀 BECs originated in rural settings but now also exist in urban neighborhoods.
• 😀 The plenary Council of the Philippines emphasizes that BECs are essential for living the Christian life in all areas.
• 😀 BECs are characterized by their size and location within the community, fostering local connections.
• 😀 The BECs promote a communion of believers and embody the Church's mission in everyday life.
• 😀 The church is envisioned as a community of the poor, expressed through the BEC movement.
• 😀 Lay people are invited to actively participate in their parishes through BECs, reinforcing community ties.
• 😀 BECs enhance a sense of belonging and integrate faith into daily life, creating vibrant, believing communities.

Q & A

What was designated by the Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines for the year 2017?

The Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines designated 2017 as the 'Year of the Parish as Communion of Communities'.

What significant event is being prepared for in relation to the year 2021?

The preparation is for the 500th anniversary of the coming of Christianity to the Philippines, to be commemorated in 2021.

What is the primary aim of celebrating the Year of the Parish?

The celebration aims to form Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) as agents of communion, participation, and mission.

What are Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs)?

BECs are small communities that gather to share the Word of God and the Eucharist, originating primarily in rural areas but also existing in urban neighborhoods.

Why are BECs described as 'basic'?

BECs are called 'basic' because of their small size and their location, which is typically a neighborhood where members know each other.

How do BECs contribute to the Church's mission?

BECs contribute to the Church's mission by fostering community, enhancing the integration of faith into daily life, and strengthening the sense of belonging among members.

What is the vision of the church as described by the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCP2)?

The vision includes a church as a communion of believers, characterized by being a Priestly, Prophetic, and Kingly people, and focusing on the poor.

Who primarily leads the BECs, and how are they connected to the wider Church?

Lay leaders primarily lead the BECs, and they are united with their respective pastors and other lay organizations through visible participation in the wider parishes.

What invitation does the speaker extend to the audience regarding BECs?

The speaker invites all brothers and sisters to join the Basic Ecclesial Communities in their respective parishes.

What benefits do BECs provide to their members?

BECs provide deep relationships akin to a large family, a platform to share reflections on the Word of God, and a supportive environment for addressing personal and family concerns.