A study on the catechesis in new ecclesial communities in Sta. Ursula Parish, Binangonan, Rizal

• Main Author: Reyes, Aaron C.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2020
• Subjects: Christian education—Study and teaching > Philippines; Catechetics > Philippines; Sta. Ursula Parish (Binangonan, Rizal); Religious Education
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdm_tred/1; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1004&context=etdm_tred
• Institution: De La Salle University

The recent studies on the NECs mainly focused on different issues like social transformation, happiness, social space, implementation of the vision of PCP II, etc., but not so much on catechesis in these communities. To fill this gap, the present study investigates how these communities provide catechesis for their members. It followed the steps of the See-Judge-Act approach. The study took place in Sta. Ursula Parish, Binangonan, Rizal. The respondents were at least 18 years old and above and were members of the NECs for at least three years. The NECs that participated in this study are the El Shaddai Charismatic Community, Sta. Ursula Catholic Charismatic Community, Couples for Christ-Global Mission Foundation, Missionary Families of Christ, and Neocatechumenal Way. The emerging model for catechesis in the NECs is sharing. It is both a sharing of personal narratives and a sharing of resources. As early as the recruitment period up to the continuing formation in the NECs, there is sharing of both personal narratives and resources among the members of their respective communities. The following are the characteristics of the catechesis in the NECs that were identified in this study: kerygmatic, experiential, hermeneutic, doxological, life-long, communal, reflective of Filipino culture, and lay empowering. Regarding the points for improvement for the NECs, five problems were identified. First, the NECs seem to have neglected the Catholic Social Teachings. Second, there is an overemphasis on the scripture at the expense of the other sources of catechesis, like the Church documents where the social teachings are explicitly expressed. Third, there is a tendency to focus on the personalistic interpretation of the scripture. Fourth, although the relationship with the parish and the NECs has improved, there is still more to be desired. Fifth, it is hoped that the NECs would do more regarding their participation in the Church’s duty to speak out on issues related to justice and peace. In response to these findings, the study proposed a framework that would help the parish in guiding the NECs’ catechetical formation in complying with the guidelines of the Church. The framework is based on the description of the process of catechesis in the NECs. It also considered the strengths and weaknesses of the NECs that were identified using the guidelines of the Church for these groups in the documents Christifideles Laici and Iuvenescit Ecclesia. It also incorporated insights from pertinent Church documents. This framework recommended four elements (Pagbabahagi, Pakikinig, Pakikiisa, and Pagpapanibago) that must be considered by the NECs to form their members according to the ideals of the Church.