BASIC ECCLESIAL COMMUNITIES of the Parish of Saint Fabian
(From the Pastoral and Administrative Documents of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Assembly (APA) of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, pp.68-70).
A glance at the present situation in the Philippine society and Philippine Church, particularly the situation of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan would make the formation of BECs inescapable.
From the historical perspective, several trends in the Philippine situation may be observed:
The rapid growth of the church in terms of membership;
The development of a truly Filipino church under Filipino leadership;
The growing emphasis on the role of the laity;
The shift of the pastoral priority in favor of the poor and oppressed;
The Church's increasing concern for social issues and participation in social transformation.
Hence, the emergence of BECs becomes clearer.
Basic Ecclesial Communities can have various names and forms. But whatever name or form they take they have certain realities in common.
PCP II authoritatively describes them in the following manner:
They are small communities of Christians, usually of families who gather around the Word and the Eucharist. These communities are united to their pastors but are ministered regularly by lay leaders. The members know each other by name and share not only the Word of God and the Eucharist but also their concerns both material and spiritual. they have a strong sense of belongingness and of responsibility for one another. Usually emerging at the grassroots among the poor farmers and workers, Basic Ecclesial communities consciously strive to integrate their faith and their daily life. they are guided and encouraged by regular catechesis. poverty and their faith urge their members towards solidarity with one another, action for justice, and towards a vibrant celebration of life in the liturgy.
Several important characteristics of the BECs are the following:
These are small communities whose members ar united with each other and to their Pastors.
These communities gather around the Word of God;
These communities are nourished by the Eucharist and the Sacraments.
They address the socio-economic-political issues and problems that affect them;
These communities emerge mostly among the poor at the grassroots.
The Basic Ecclesial Communities in the Parish of St. Fabian
There are BECs established in the various Barangays of the Parish. These small communities of families hold regular weekly prayer meetings. Some have come up with community projects such as the repair of the Barangay chapels, making of Water Impounding system, and some Livelihood Programs to benefit the BEC family members.
The BEC Parish Coordinators are: MR. ANTONIO SUPREMIDO, MR. JOEY ESTANDARTE, MR. MARCOS GENERAO. You can contact and coordinate with them regarding the formation of BECs in your Barangay.
See also the Vicariate Report of Fr. Rafael S. Magno, Jr. regarding the BEC in the Parish of San Fabian, July 2000.
An article on SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING BASIC ECCLESIAL COMMUNITIES