IPOH: BEC Hillview in Gunung Rapat joined hands with 20 other BECs within the parish of St Michael to celebrate BEC Day on May 1. Indeed, the whole parish was celebrating on that day simultaneously at 7.00pm but at different venues. The event was special as it coincided with the Rosary month of May and Easter.

Almost all the 12 families of all levels turned up in full force in unity and love. The family members were reminded not to live in isolation but to come together continuously as a community of brothers and sisters, engaging in prayers and outreach projects. “Unlike those days before 1976, we now have the privilege to experience what BEC is all about,” a member of the core team said during the gathering.

Fr Anthony Chong echoed the current thinking of the Church during the Eucharistic celebration of the 2nd Sunday of Easter, encouraging his parishioners to live a community life which the BEC has offered. “It is wrong to live in isolation; we need to change our attitude from being Sunday Catholics,” he said.

The recent revival of the Parish Animating Team in the parish after a lay-off is an expression of concern and love to build vibrant BECs. Weak areas need to be identified and addressed and proper feedback from existing area leaders is necessary and pivotal.

BEC Hillview hopes to increase the strength of its membership with their inclusiveness agenda where they will visit those initiated through the RCIA, Catholic foreign workers, newly-wed couples and the “nomadic” families who may have shifted in from other areas, as well as lapsed Catholic families.

“We are always on our toes and while doing so, we need also to establish good relationships with one another which is so vital. Friendliness will also inspire and trigger good attendance,” a core member contended. A BEC is who we are with the plan of God in one hand and the roles we ought to play on the other. — By Andrew Quah