Introduction:
The families of St Benedict BEC were a part of SS3 St Catherine BEC, which had a total of 78 families in 2004/2005. As directed by His Grace, Archbishop Murphy Pakiam, that each BEC should consist of no more than 35-40 families (at maximum), a painful decision was made to split St Catherine BEC, and families living on Jalan SS3/2, 4, 6, 12, 14, 14A, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and 26A, would comprise the new-split BEC.
Why the name of “St Benedict”? Pope Benedict XVI had just been elected Pope and installed at Vatican City, and our families wanted to be associated with this historic moment in our Catholic Church history.
An invitation was extended to families to meet on June 29, 2005, to initiate the formation of St Benedict BEC at the home of Sarojini Ganesan. A Protem BEC Core Team was formed in June 2005. In October 2005 under the Chairmanship of Mrs Angeline Lee, the permanent Core Team was formed. We are proud to report that these same Core Team members have served the families of St Benedict BEC from October 2005 todate.
To quote from Mrs Angeline Lee’s Inaugural newsletter to St Benedict BEC families (July-Sept 2005): “We are all branches of the One faithful and fruitful vine, who is Jesus Christ. The vitality of the branches depends on they remaining attached to the Vine; ‘He who abides in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from me, you can do nothing (Jn 15:5).’ We are a “Community Church”, a people called to journey together. It is through the community that we acquire the fullness of ‘participation’ in the life of Jesus, who came to bring salvation to the whole community. It is because we believe in community that we participate, be committed and we continue to be in touch with each other.
With Jesus, we strive to live by not shutting ourselves off from our daily problems, but LIVING our lives centered on Jesus. This is what makes our Christian communities (BECs) different from other secular groups. When we put Jesus at the centre of our lives, only then can we become ‘Light that shines before all men’.” The families of St Benedict BEC have lived up to this calling.
We now have a total of 47 families (March 2009) in the BEC. The Core Team members and some active families are constantly reaching out to those who are not able to attend BEC Prayer meetings so regularly. Transport is never lacking, and neither are the reaching out of hands to help each other, as is very visibly witnessed especially during the Funeral/Wakes of BEC families.
Main Activities/Programmes/Events usually organize:
1. Monthly BEC Prayer Nites (3rd Wed of every month) – home rotation
2. visitations to families who are unable to attend mthly Prayer Nites regularly
3. Outreach projects during Lent and Advent
4. Speakers are invited to BEC to give talks/formation on our faith journey
5. Easter/Christmas fellowship/family parties/invitation of non-Christian friends
6. Christmas Outreach/party for migrants/marginalized friends
7. Family Outings
8. Participation in Parish Programmes/organise coffee mornings
9. Participation in Maranatha Retreats – personal/individuals
10. Home Masses
11. Praise & Worship Sessions
12. Daily Rosary Prayers in May and October months
Current core team members:
1. Chief Coordinator - Mrs Angeline Lee (Tel No:7876-6304)
2. Asst Chief Coordinator - Mrs Sarojini Ganesan (Tel No: 7876-1317)
3. Hon Secretary - Amy Kuan
4. Hon Treasurer - Horace Lazaroo
5. Liturgy Coordinator - Sarojini Ganesan
6. Social/Social Concerns Coordinators - Connie San and Rosalind Tan
7. Family Life Coordinator - Max and Mary Biggs
8. Messengers - Cindy Goh, Horace Lazaroo, T. Pusparaja
Additional information:
The term of office of the above Office Bearers will end this year in October 2009. The present Core Team would like the families of St Benedict BEC to pray and ask the Lord for guidance that their generous hearts will move them to step-up and serve the community of St Benedict during the elections scheduled for October 2009.
