MISSIONARY MEETING
July 9-10, 2015
This meeting was convened by Msgr. Eugene Joseph, Bishop-Elect of Varanasi Diocese in Nav Sadhana Regional Pastoral Centre and conducted by Rev. Fr. Peter Emmanuel, Priest of Archdiocese of Delhi, Diocesan, Regional and National Co-coordinator of Small Christian Communities (SCC), which was the theme of the meeting, from July 9-10, 2015. The Resource person threw light on the Mission of the Church in the changing scenario of politics, economy and society of India as well as the problems and crises faced by the Church. One of the ways to face it and to renew the Church or a new way of being the Church or a new way of evangelization is the Small Christian Communities, which is known as “Communion of Communities”. It focuses that everyone is a member of the SCC in the neighbourhood. It is the baptismal responsibility of everyone to use the gifts and charisms given by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the faith community. The Sacraments are the foundation of the life of SCCs. The Sunday Eucharist is the occasion on which the whole parish gathers as the Body of Christ to celebrate the Sacrament of their oneness. The Eucharist does not end in the Church; they go out and witness to the Eucharistic love and sacrifice. The members meet at regular intervals to do Gospel Sharing and act together inspired by the Word. The mission is going beyond the boundaries of the parish and to make the Kingdom of God visible by working for justice, peace and harmony. The method used was Lecture, Gospel Sharing, Group Discussion and audio-video presentation. At the end of the session the participants had taken oath individually to renew their commitment to establish at least two units of SCC in their parish territory within six months. The attendance was excellent; They were all together 203; it was a record breaking number. All were happy with the accommodation and food provided to them.
