Strengthening the Foundations of Small Christian Communities [SCC] in the Archdiocese of Calcutta (PART II)

 

In the 13-19 November 2020 issue of The Herald, Part 1 of this article, I highlighted the major challenges to the SCC’s growth in the Archdiocese by way of dilution of Christian values by overly secular worldly pressures and lifestyle, resulting in low family participation in the SCC units and so diminished urge for evangelisation. However, the silver lining in the last two years of the SCC revitalization efforts is that many potential leaders from among priests, religious and lay faithful have emerged who can be trained to provide strong inspiring leadership at all levels. The main thrust of the SCC Commission for the next two years is to work systematically towards building a strong, motivated and capacitated group of animators and leaders to address these challenges and concerns to strengthen the foundation for an SCC growth movement.The strategy itself is quite simple – First, create a repository of appropriate and attractive teaching- learning tools and develop training modules for use at the different levels using the vast and rich array of educational and inspirational material available with the SCC National and Regional Resource Centres. Second, work on building up a strong human resource base of inspired and capacitated animators as servant leaders. It is envisaged that batches of SCC volunteer-members will be trained through a systematic set of training-animation process at Zone and Deanery levels to create a task force of about 50 of trained clergy, laity and religious animators. They will be tasked to work with about 5,500 SCC initiated members to build up more than 500 leaders-animators who will simultaneously work to increase the number of existing units from 447 to about 2,000 units in order to bring about 35 percent of the Catholic households into the SCC fold in the next two years. This revitalised human resource base will become the spearhead to work at strengthening the knowledge, and inspiring neighbourly practices among existing units – the families of believers, the Domestic Church. This will instil hope and inspire Parishes to greatly multiply the numbers of families joining the SCC movement as “The future Church of Asia will have to be a Communion of Communities where the clergy, the laity, and the religious accept each other as sisters and brothers.” Asian Bishops Conference of 1990 Bandung. The entire aim of all these efforts towards the growth and spread of SCC is to build a strong faith in the prophetic proclamation – “SCCs are a sign of vitality within the Church, an instrument of formation and evangelisation, and a solid starting point for a new society based on a ‘civilisation of love’.” Pope John Paul II: Redemptoris Missio, No.51. It is clear that this apparently daunting task will become possible only when more and more faithful take up the Holy Bible for a closer encounter with the Lord so as to live Christian lives in greater service and communion with their neighbours and the community. Because nothing is impossible for God.

Strengthening the Foundations of Small Christian Communities (SCC) in the Archdiocese of Calcutta (Part 1)

 

The formation and operations of Small Christian Communities (SCC in the Archdiocese of Calcutta slatted way back in 1989 by Sybil and Dominic J. Azavedo in Christ the King Parish Park Circus Kolkata. Now in more recent times, a concentrated and intensive drive for 'Awareness. Formation and Training of Small Christian Communities SCC) in all parishes of the Archdiocese of Calcutta' was carried out from April 2018 onwards by holding animation programs in the Parishes to make our people aware about the extremely important role of new evangelisation and social union that the SCC is expected to play in the modern amid, The efforts towards revitalisation of SCC bore good fruit at the time of the SCC National Hindi Convention on the theme of 'Prophetic Role of SCC' hosted by the Calcutta Archdiocese from 25th to 27th October 2019. 

This Convention was attended by 2950 delegates from 51 Dioceses of the country. The participants were lodged as guests in the homes of our parishioners at various places while some were hosted in our institutions too. The Annual Archdiocese Priests' Conference was held from 27th to 29th January 2020. It was facilitated by Bishop Ignatius Mascaranliss. Chairperson of the National SCC Commission (CBI New Delhi The growth of SCC was the main theme of the meeting where 85 priests deliberated on the concerns related to the effective spread of SCC, As a result of these efforts. in the past two years. many SCC units fainted in Parishes and some old ones were revised. It needs to be understood that the SCC units have a unique positioning by being rooted in and operating from the level of the family the domestic church)  families of believers who are living among non-Christian communities in the areas of the Archdiocese Coupled with this physical positioning its mission is based on the four operational principles or characteristics which make SCC well suited and situated for working towards Communion of Communities. The four principles are : (1 members of SCC Units are families living in a particular neighbourhood who meet in their houses giving them a sense of mutual belonging through continuous fellowship: (2) the central activity of Gospel Sharing helps them to live their life and build relationships based on the Word of God (3)SCC is firmly grounded to work as an extension of the universal church: (4) they minister to and care for each other by providing social services to all those around who are in need. In short we form- One Holy Catholic and Apostolic church. However. some major findings and learning that saw emerged as challenges, they are: - The church in modern times is challenged with peoples' focus on an overly secular life style at the cost of faith and belief which in turn is adversely affecting social values and ethics. Many SCC members (especially women and mothers) are concerned as other members of the family are 'too busy' to participate and be a part of SCC units. Lay leadership in a genuine 'servant leadership' form is not growing due to a combination of over clericalism and because few lay leaden are coming forward to take up responsibilities. 

Finally, there are very few trained animators who are reacting out to the Catholic population of over 1.5 lath in the 65 parishes and Mission Stations of the Archdiocese spread over a vast 30.000 square kilometres area in 10 districts of West Bengal.

Strengthening the foundations of the Small Christian Communities [SCC] in the Archdiocese of Calcutta

SCC WORKSHOP AT ARCHBISHOP’S HOUSE

Fr. Dominic Gomes

Kolkata, November 12 2020 - In line with the present strategy to foster qualitative and quantitative growth of the Small Christian Communities (SCC) in the Archdiocese, a workshop was held 12 November 2020, at Archbishop’s House, for a gathering of 72 SCC members from the existing units from 24 Parishes. Besides the laity, a number of priests and religious associated with the SCC formation were also present.The purpose of the workshop was to inform participants and build an understanding of the challenges, and involve them in the training and growth process. One input session, revisited the vision, mission and goals of the SCC as a ‘New Way of Being Church’ in the third millennium. The SCC has to be a Community of Communities firmly based on the Word of God, with genuine fellowship and concern for those in need. The main objective of the SCCs is to be agents of evangelisation… nurturing and increasing the faith in our day-to-day lives. SCCs are considered a gift of the present times to live our faith and to build Christian communities based on the model of the early Christian Communities of Apostolic time.

The five goals are: 1) SCC in every Parish – Build small faith forming communities by making SCCs mandatory in all Parishes; 2) Vibrant Faith Communities – Formation of SCC leaders, who in turn will catechize their Parish communities; 3) A network of Community of Communities – a diocese-wide network of Parish cells & their area units both online groups and zone clusters; 4) Perpetual self-reliant Communities – as agents of transformation, SCC cells/units have to be financially independent to ensure continuity and be an example of responsibility to the larger Parish community; 5) SCC Day celebrated – SCC Day (6 June) to be celebrated in all Parishes throughout the Archdiocese.The input session continued with a presentation of a statistical overview of the present status of the SCC in the Archdiocese and the challenges ahead. In numbers, this means increasing the number of Resource Persons from 6 to 40; increasing the number of Animators from 44 to 150; increasing the number of Units from 447 to 3,500. It is planned to achieve this with the formation of 12 Zonal and Deanery Service Teams from amongst those undergoing the training-formation process.The second part of the input session provided a look at the training content or syllabus to get an idea of the breadth and depth of areas of learning to get into and imbibe the spirit, knowledge and technique of SCC building and formation. The basic knowledge of SCC origin & development, stages of maturity, the four marks of SCC, techniques to start and maintain units, etc. Besides these basics,there are a host of other in-depth modules developed by the National Service Team (NST) and National Resource Team (NRT) for SCC under the CBCI.This was followed by an animated group discussion session from which a number of creative suggestions for effective growth and functioning emerged. Of equal importance was the fact that 38 participants volunteered to be members of Zonal Teams in 13 Zones to undergo the training process. Also, 10 members volunteered to be on the resource generation and creative team to prepare the training materials in English, Bengali and Hindi. In fact, it was an extremely fruitful and exciting day that concluded with a fellowship meal.

Celebrating First Anniversary of SCC Hindi National Convention 2019

  ■ FR. DOMINIC COMES

Kolkata:Last year from 24-27 October the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Calcutta was teaming with activity hosting over 2500 delegates coming into Kolkata from 15 Dioceses to attend the SCC National Convention 2019. There is no doubt that the convention was a big success in many ways. even the heavy downpour on that threatened to drown the event on the lust day dried up as continuous prayers praise and worship went up to send the sun out the next day. Behind the success of such a big event there is always a huge amount of sacrifice, hard work, and contribution that prevails with perseverance of the people involved who are far too many to be mentioned here. Undoubtedly the event manifested and was a witness to the spirit of unity within the Church and highlighted the importance of family - the Domestic Church in fulfilling the prophetic role of the Church.Moreover as one Religious Sister put it. It was so exciting and such a great joy to be working together with so many people for the success of such a great event. It was to recount and uphold this spirit funny and great joy that the Archdiocese celebrated the first anniversary of the convention with a day's program on Sunday the 15 November 2020 across all parishes of  Archdiocese.

All the various celebrations started with Holy Mass in the morning wish an entrance procession holding up the Bible accompanied by prayerful dance and singing and veneration of the Bible. After this in many Parishes a short animation preceded the SCC leaders presenting reports of the enonnous spiritual and temporal words done by SCC units during the dire times of the COVID -19 Pandemic and catastrophic aftermath of Super-Cyclone AMPHAN to help the most needy and poor families, elderly people and children in their neighbouring communities, Tasteful, colourful and entertaining cultural programs showcasing the talents of young and old alike culminated with thanksgiving and fellowship meals. For these celebrations too a great amount of effort was again expended by many people Laity, clergy and Religious under challenging conditions of pandemic restrictions. Encouragement by Archbishop Thomas D'Souza and led by Diocesan Secretary of the SCC Commission Fr. Dominic Gomes, animators and SCC members were holding regular meetings mostly online to guide and iron out every detail of the celebration program months in advance. 

Do Not Fear

What is it you are afraid of today? Running out of rice and lentils and bread and milk? May be  catching the Coronavirus too?  May be suffering from a prolonged illness? Yes, we ought to be concerned about these eventualities. But we have to try to understand  that our worries  and  our fears do not negate God’s power and  authority over all diseases, famines, perils and  sicknesses.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” (Isaiah 41:10).

In every generation,  adversaries have re-invented the same old story lines of doom and gloom. Only  their tactics are more overt and have gotten more brash and unbelievable, to the point of being stale  and so have come to believe and accept defeat and live in a depressed and fear-based mentality   God knew there would be chaos and times of uncertainty in the world. That’s why God gave us His relevant ‘Word’ (the Bible) for every situation and for every generation!

Saint James tells us, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing songs to God.” The  prayer said in faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up.” (James 5:13).

We believe that God heals, but we also must believe that healing is not always the only path that He chooses for us. Sometimes His perfect plan for our lives is to allow us to suffer and experience diseases and hardships. The reason for this reasoning is that He can often teach us  His fruitful ways   through sufferings that we would never be able to learn from any book or  by always being in the state of wellbeing, comfort and success!

  Some of the greatest blessings in this world have come from God’s power in the midst of trials. Our Lord changes us, moulds us, strengthens us and builds us through hardship. There is nothing more uplifting  than the experience of being comforted by Our Lord in our hour of darkness!

The world  is surrounded by the Corona Virus and we are full of anxiety and fear but we all need to understand that God has  surrounded us with  His Spirit.” We are surrounded by the Corona (Halo) of God's glory! His protection is all around us. His Presence, power and protection is wherever  we are right now - we  are surrounded by His glory.

His resurrection has caused millions of His people to become resurrected in various areas of their lives. The purpose of this message is to encourage us to take a good look at ourselves and recognize that we have real, spiritual needs that require God’s touch to be resurrected. God gives us what we need, but the only way to access it all is through the Cross. If we are to reign with Him, inherit with Him, we must suffer also (as Jesus and the Saints did).

With what is happening around the world and in our own country?  The important decision to make in our lives now is to believe in Jesus Christ as our only Savior and Lord who can help us now and always.   God has told us that in this world we will have troubles and problems - even the corona virus! We have to look beyond the immediate. He advises us to see what lies ahead. We have to deal with this pandemic in complete Faith, Hope, Trust and devotion in our Risen Christ the Lord.

Wish you all a Blessed Easter, filled with the Peace, Joy and love of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ.

Kolkata Bible School Enhances Bible Understanding

The Archdiocese of Calcutta and the Calcutta Association of Bengal, brought deeper interest in the Biblical Apostolate, by starting a Bible School in 2008. The Laity’s response was very encouraging and there was gratefulness that this long standing need was now being addressed. The centrality of their thirst was to know the Word of God deeply and to become better informed regarding the Church in the Modern World – her Teachings and Doctrines.

The ‘Bible School’ (as it came to be called) has had an amazing journey since its inception. Scholarly Professors from the Kolkata Morning Star Regional Seminary (MSRS) gave their valuable time, travelling distances on the weekends, to take these classes. Students, ranging from teenagers to young-80’s; attended the classes – making sacrifices to comprehend deeply the Word of God. The academic calendar was drawn up carefully and systematically, in consultation with the Core Group of the Bible School, the Archdiocese Biblical Apostolate and the Morning Star Regional Seminary (MSRS). Together, efforts were made to address the needs of the students and design the course and classes so that they were informative, interesting and interactive.

Over the years, the Bible School covered several Books of the Bible: Pentateuch’s, Prophets (Major and Minor), Judges, Maccabees, Song of Songs, Psalms, Pauline Letters, Gospels, Revelation, etc. Lectures and handouts were carefully prepared to help the laity grasp and understand the subjects. In 2013-14, this weekend Bible School, with the assistance of the Seminary drew up a syllabus for a three-year certificate course for the laity on Biblical studies, including theology. On completion of the course and the examination that followed, Certificates were awarded to the successful ones. The Certificates were awarded by Archbishop Thomas D’Souza at a solemn ceremony in the Morning Star Regional Seminary.

In 2017-18, the Bible School, covered the Catechism of the Catholic Church: i.e. Divine Revelation, Doctrine of Faith, Doctrine on God, Creation, Original Sin, The Church, Holy Spirit, Christology, Sacraments, Eschatology and the Commandments. The goal of teaching the CCC was not only to give the students an in-depth knowledge of the teachings of the Church but also to prepare future Catechists, Sunday School Teachers, Resource Persons in the Parishes and Animators for the Small Christian Communities. The Bible School during this period did not just remain a classroom ‘event’. Students participated in Seminars on the Psalms, Lectio Divina, Prayers of the Church, Vatican II and CCC.

The Bible study led to many outreach programmes, conducted by the students themselves, namely, the ‘Joy of Giving’ programme through which they supported needy families on a monthly basis, during the year and brought joy to many families during the Christmas season. The nurturing, the encouragement, the commitment to the Bible School can be seen in its fruits. In some Parishes, the ‘students’ are now resource persons for teaching the Word of God, with the guidance and assistance of the Parish Priests. Some are conducting and assisting Retreats. Several are animators for the Sunday Schools, SCCs and other Parish and Diocese level activities.

By the virtue of my office as a the Director of the Biblical Apostolate we have made the Bible Sunday fruitful and enabled the church in Kolkata Archdiocese to experience anew, how the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of his Word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world.” (Aperuit Ilis no.2), to be devoted to the celebration, study and dissemination of the Word of God. (Aperuit Illis no), . to revive the importance of the Bible in Christian life and to promote Biblical Pastoral Ministry in every parish of the Archdiocese as mentioned in the Archdiocesan Pastoral Book .

LOVE IS AT CHRISTMAS BECAUSE CHRISTMAS WAS BORN OF LOVE

One of Percy Faith’s Christmas carols begins, ‘Christmas is sleigh bells. Christmas is sharing. Christmas is holly.’ He tried to capture some of the things that bring Christmas joy, the sights, sounds and feelings - - - apparently that is what Christmas means to most people around the world.

Actually CHRISTMAS is much more than just sharing, warm emotions and gifts with family and friends. Christmas is about God’s love and faithfulness, made perceivable through history. It is about God touching our lives with His love. So what is Christmas about?

Over 2500 years ago God, through Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14) sent His greetings to the Jewish people who were exiled in Babylon and also to the handful of people who had remained in Jerusalem. Our God of history, our all-powerful and loving God intervened for us and sent us a ‘Gift of Love’-Jesus, the son of Mary. God sent His heralds, the angels, who gave us the great ‘news of love’ - the birth of Jesus.

We may have tinsel and Christmas lights, expensive presents and fashionable clothes---things which give us temporary pleasure and many think that this is the highlight of Christmas. Our thankless hearts may think that it is enough to watch the latest Christmas music and programmes on the TV, to
take a pleasurable walk down Park Street enjoying the brightly lit avenue. But that’s not enough.
Such things cannot fill our hearts with love and peace. Christmas is all about needy people. It is at this time of the year that many people miss their loved ones the most, especially those who have gone before them or are in a faraway lands.

As Christmas is synonymous of with love and caring, let us go out and bring a smile on the faces of the aged, the lonely, the sick and those on the periphery of our society. Let us give a helping hand to the unfortunate ones, who are poverty-stricken and lack a roof
above their heads; and especially the children who are deprived of their childhood. Our powerful
and merciful God has supplied all our needs. As Saint Teresa of Kolkata once stated, ‘It’s Christmas every time, you let God love others through you…”

Yes it is Christmas each time you show love to your brothers and sisters by offering them your generous hand. Our Lord has provided the best gift of love to us, through our deliverance and Salvation. It is God’s love which is the very reason for this season, we all call Christmas. The mystery of the ‘Holy Night’, which historically happened over two thousand years ago, must be lived by us as a spiritual event and we must have the ‘Word’ living in our hearts.

Many in today’s world have come to realise that where God’s love is absent, there is fear, anxiety and uncertainty. But the Good News is that the God of love has come to bring us a perfect love which the world cannot give us. Love is the true gift of Christmas. Come let us spread this love to those around
us, especially in these troubled times we live in, for the spirit of Christmas is contagious especially when we share a smile with others.

In the words of Pope Francis, ‘Christmas is the perfect time to celebrate the love of God and family and to create memories that will last forever. Jesus is God’s perfect, indescribable gift, which we are able to share with others at Christmas and every Day of the year’.

In one of Peanuts comic strip, Lucy says that Christmas is a time for love, kindness and a time to forgive one another. Charlie Brown, replies, "Why do that just at Christmas? Why can't we have the Christmas spirit the rest of the year? "What a beautiful way to spread love which is the most important emotion in the world!

I wish each one of you a Christmas, filled with the presence of the Baby Jesus in your hearts and a New Year 2020 full of His blessings!