GKK PROGRAM PRINTED - Diocese of Marbel

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The BEC-GKK Program

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THE BEC-GKK PROGRAM IN THE DIOCESE OF MARBEL

FOREWORD

BEC is more than 30 years old in the diocese of Marbel (1968-2005). Early BECs (late 60’s) were mostly initiatives of some parish priests. BECs of the 70s were influenced by two main factors: MSPC 1-2-3 (1971-1974-1977) and KRISKA (1974-1975-1976). BECs of the 80s were spurred on by the adoption of BEC as a Diocesan Thrust in 1983 and a more systematic re-organization of the Ministries in 1986. BECs of the 90s up to the present are encouraged by the re-structuring of the Diocesan Commissions and the re-aligning of the Ministries in 1996. According to our records 27 BECs were established in the late 60’s (4 parishes), 277 in the 70’s (17 parishes), 747 in the 80’s (22 parishes), 216 in the 90’s (23 parishes), and 143 additional in 2002. Total number of GKKs as of year 2005 was 1,610.

HISTORY - BUILDING BECs – THE MARBEL EXPERIENCE

A. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Diocese of Marbel (City of Koronadal, South Cotabato) is located at the southernmost tip of the island of Mindanao.
It is one of younger dioceses in Mindanao: established as Prelature Nullius of Marbel in 1960, and became a Diocese in 1982.
Marbel is one of the big dioceses in Mindanao in area and population.
Area – 10,000 sq. kil.
Population – 1.583,208 million; Catholics: 1.220,356 million (77.13%) (2005 data)
Diocesan Priests – 70 (2005 data)
The Diocese comprises: the Province of South Cotabato, Sarangani Province, the City of General Santos and some parts of the neighboring Province of Sultan Kudarat.
Number of Parishes: 24, plus 2 Missions for Indigenous Peoples
Number of BECs: 1,610 (2005 data)

A. HISTORY OF BEC IN THE DIOCESE OF MARBEL

1. For us in Marbel, the terms BCC-BEC-GKK refer to the same thing. We use these terms interchangeably, but the most common term we use locally is GKK (which literally stands for “Gagmayng Kristohanong Katilingban).

2. Among the early GKKs that were established in Mindanao (even before MSPC-I) were those of Marbel. Marbel started adopting GKKs in the late sixties and early seventies. These early GKKs, however, were found only in some parishes and were established due to individual efforts of some dedicated priests.

3. From the early 70’s on, we can identify 4 main stages in the Development of BECs in the Diocese of Marbel. These stages are:

a) Period of Formation – the 70s

b) Period of Consolidation – the 80s

c) Period of Re-alignment – the 90s

d) Period of Later Developments – Year 2000 to the present

1970’S – PERIOD OF FORMATION. Major Influences: MSPC AND KRISKA

1. MSPC (Mindanao Sulu Pastoral Conference) which started in 1971 adopted as its main thrust the formation of BECs in Mindanao. Every diocese in Mindanao was encouraged to establish BECs by MSPC. Marbel was one of these dioceses.

2. KRISKA (Kristohanong Kasilinganan) was started in 1975 as a Program for Adult Formation in the Diocese of Marbel (then Prelature of Marbel). The Formation of BECs was one of the program’s top priorities. KRISKA was instrumental in the establishment of many BECs in the 70’s.

3. According to our data, about 294 BECs were organized in the 70’s through the influence of MSPC (1-3) and KRISKA.

1980’S – PERIOD OF CONSOLIDATION.

1. 1982 – Levelling off on BEC concept. This was decided upon after leveling off among priests regarding BEC concept and processes. BEC was defined for what it is and what it is not (v.g. BEC, is not a community of religious sisters, not a group of KC, CWL, Samaria-Cursillo, etc.). The process in the building of BECs was also agreed upon.

2. 1984 – BEC/GKK as Diocesan Thrust was formulated. It says that the main thrust of the Diocese is: "The building and strengthening of BECs/GKKs towards integral liberation and development in order to help bring about the ‘new self’ and the ‘new earth’ thereby glorifying God.”

3. 1986 – BEC/GKK ministries were organized and strengthened in the diocesan and parish levels. Diocesan GKK Ministry officers were elected. In the parishes the Parish GKK ministry was organized. Its composition, functions, and programs were identified.

4. 1988 – The first Diocesan GKK General Assembly was held. This was attended by more than a thousand GKK members and practitioners. Since then this GKK General Assembly becomes an annual event held in November or December of every year.

5. According to our record, about 747 BECs were organized in the 80’s.

1990’S – PERIOD OF RE-ALIGNMENT

1. 1991 – PCP II was held in Manila. PCP II points out the value of BEC as a pastoral priority. It strongly recommends the forming of BECs in all dioceses in the Philippines. The Conference also recognizes the BEC’s potential for evangelization and ecclesial renewal for the country today.

2. 1996 – The First Diocesan Pastoral Assembly (DPA-I) was held in Marbel. Among its objectives were the implementation of PCP II Acts and Decrees in the diocesan and parish level. Highlights of the DPA-I:

a) Drafting and Approval of the Revised Diocesan Vision-Mission

b) Presentation and Approval of Diocesan Policies and Guidelines

c) Drafting and Approval of Strategic Plan for 3 years (1997-1999)

d) Promulgation of the DPA-I Acts and Decrees by the Bishop

e) Creation of the Diocesan Monitoring and Evaluating Team (DMET) to monitor DPA-I implementation in the parishes.

3. 1997 – A general assessment of all Diocesan Programs was made in order to conform them to the PCP II and DPA-I implementations. The 3 Diocesan Commissions were created in order to align these various diocesan programs to PCP II elements of Integral Evangelization:

a) Commission on Christian Formation (COCF) – corresponds to PCP II Renewed Catechesis

b) Commission on Worship and Liturgy (COWL) – corresponds to PCP II Renewed Worship

c) Commission on Social Apostolate (COSA) – corresponds to PCP II Renewed Social Apostolate

C. LATER DEVELOPMENTS OF BEC/GKK IN THE DIOCESE OF MARBEL.

Introduction: The new Millennium brought new insights in the understanding of BEC theory and processes. Here follows some explanation about the following:

1. BEC Theory and Structure

2. BEC and BEC Ministry

3. The NEC Coordinator

4. BEC Processes

PART I – BEC-GKK THEORY AND STRUCTURE

USE OF TERMS

1. BCC-BEC-GKK – These terms refer to the same thing. They are used interchangeably in this presentation.

2. GKK and GKK MINISTRY – are terms that are not the same. GKK refers to the actual community (in a Brgy. sitio, purok) while GKK Ministry refers to persons whose concern is the welfare of the GKK and who compose the ministry.

3. ZONES – are pastoral divisions of a Parish. GKKs are arranged according to such divisions.

4. BUKLODS (also called Units, Celdas) – are smaller divisions of the GKK. 10-15 families compose a Buklod.

5. KRISKA – is a formation program and central activity of the Buklod. Kriska is participated in by 6-10 families within the Buklod. (Note: Buklod is a bigger grouping than Kriska.)

WHAT IS A BEC-GKK? (Definition)

1. BEC-GKK is a small community of Catholic families situated in a small locality of the parish (cf. DPA 1, Decree 1.2.1.4.1). Standard Qualifications to become a BEC are:

1. Adequate size (of about 30-60 families) – not too small, nor too big in order to be manageable.

2. Definite territory – only people living in the immediate area are members

3. Homogenous membership – there are children, youth, adults

4. Self-reliance – it can support itself, its personnel, its needs and programs. It is self-nourishing, self-sustaining, self-governing community.

2. BEC-GKK is “a new way of being Church” (Cf. PCP II). There are two things to be noted here: 1) BEC is Church, and 2) BEC is a “new way” of being Church.

· Church - BEC is basic component of the local Church and part of its structure: Diocese – Parish – BEC.

· New Way - BEC is characterized by 7 distinguishing marks (cf. PCP II):

1. Participation - each member participates actively in the life and mission of their community

2. Self-reliance – a self-reliant community

3. Members know one another

4. There is sharing and

5. Sense of belonging

6. It is governed by the lay

7. Under the guidance of the parish priest.

STRUCTURE OF THE BEC-GKK

BEC-GKK is not an organization but it has features of an organization with officers, personnel, council, and members.

LEVEL 1 – ADMINISTRATIVE LEVEL – THE GKK 5 MAJOR OFFICERS

1. GKK President – presides over meetings

2. GKK Vice President – takes the place of the President as needed

3. GKK Secretary – records and keeps minutes of meetings

4. GKK Treasurer – keeps custody of finances

5. GKK Auditor – audits financial reports and transactions

Role: They are the corporate or group in-charge of the GKK and share responsibilities over the GKK.

Functions: As a group they have standard management functions and coordinating functions.

LEVEL 2 – PASTORAL PROGRAM LEVEL – GKK SERVICE PERSONNEL

1. GKK Catechists (at least 2 in every GKK)

2. GKK Kriska Alagads

3. GKK Family and Life Workers

4. GKK Lay Cooperators (at least 1 in every GKK)

5. GKK Lay Liturgists

6. GKK Youth Leaders

7. GKK Social Action Workers

Role: They are members of their respective Parish Ministry but live in the GKK.

Functions: They are in-charge of the services and programs of their respective ministry in the GKK.

LEVEL 3 – ADVISORY COUNCIL LEVEL - GKK Pastoral Council

1. GKK President – Council Presider, Facilitator

2. GKK Vice President – Council Assistant Presider

3. GKK Secretary – Council Secretary

4. GKK Treasurer – Council Treasurer

5. GKK Auditor – Council Auditor

6. 1 Layco – Representative of the Laycos

7. 1 Catechist – Representative of the Catechists

8. 1 Kriska Alagad – Representative of the Kriska Alagads

9. 1 Family and Life Worker – Representative of the Family and Life Workers

10. 1 Youth Leader – Representative of the Youth Group

11. 1 Lay Liturgist – Representative of the Lay Liturgists

12. 1 Social Action Worker – Representative of the Social Action Workers

Role: They serve as Pastoral Advisers for Pastoral Programs and Activities of the GKK.

Functions: They have planning and coordinating functions. The GKKPC meets as needed.

Note: The above members of the GKKPC plus Officers of the Buklods form the GKK Extended Pastoral Council. They meet only once in a while or as needed.

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