ABECAT introduces TEAMS — on being a good neighbour

Forty BEC Co- Ordinating Team (BECCOT) and BEC Animating Team (BECAT) coordinators representing various parishes gathered for the fourth BECCOT-BECAT Assembly with the theme Rebuilding BECS on May 20.

Jun 02, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR: Forty BEC Co- Ordinating Team (BECCOT) and BEC Animating Team (BECAT) coordinators representing various parishes gathered for the fourth BECCOT-BECAT Assembly with the theme Rebuilding BECS on May 20.

The assembly began with Praise and Worship followed by an interactive “card game”. Archbishop Julian Leow actively participated and assisted the teams in finding solutions. The archbishop then addressed key issues and concerns faced by BECs, particularly in their interactions with people and the community.

Fr Mitchel Joseph, the Ecclesiastical Assistant for ABECAT, gave the history of BECs which was popularised by the Latin America Church. It operated based on community, worship, and Bible study models which was later introduced to Asian countries by the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference.

The importance of leadership development and spiritual growth formations for BEC leaders was also highlighted.

Rita Krishnan, the ABECAT chairperson, delivered the keynote address. She highlighted the significance of the case study, which emphasised prejudices and influences that disrupt relationships, break trust, and create disharmony within the community.

The acronym TEAMS was introduced, representing Trust, Empowerment, Assimilation, Management, and Service, which were connected to the concept of being a good neighbour or “jiran”. This acronym was reiterated during the subsequent brainstorming and discussion session.

The coordinators then engaged on reflecting Henri Nouwen’s Solitude and Community and Community and Quality Heart. The focus was on developing and nurturing giving hearts within the community, rather than solely on creating community.

Rita further emphasised that tensions and difficulties can be a signal of new grace from God and a call to renewed fidelity and a return to the essential and initial vision. Community life is seen as an obedient response to being called together by God.

The monthly BEC reflection paper was discussed using a sample from the June BEC Reflection Paper. The theme of Loving Neighbour and Self was linked with the concept of “quality hearts,” which represents the highest human expression of divine love, and the Sacred Heart as a symbol of God’s mercy.

The assembly concluded with a discussion on the second draft of the BEC Handbook. It will be further improved based on the input from the assembly and then given to the clergy for comments and recommendations.

Fr Mitchel expressed his heartfelt appreciation for their commitment and love for God. They were urged to exemplify and share the presence of Jesus in their activities, rather than simply promoting parish events without a focus on Jesus.

Over the past seven years, ABECAT has been dedicated to developing people and leaders and building Christ-centred communities through formations and assemblies. The commitment to showing Jesus in the lives of others was emphasised, and blessings were extended to all.