BLD Phoenix Post Recollection Workshop

August 28, 2011

Workshop Agenda

• Praise/Mass Readings • Community Building Principles/Issues• Workshop by Circles • Break • Circle Reports/Plenary Session• Lunch• Plenary Session: Designing God’s Kingdom in our

Midst • Q&A • Closing Prayer

Community Building Principles

• Principles learned from Recollection • BLD Vision & Mission• Proposed new BLD Statement on Community

Culture

What Community-Building Principles Did We Learn From the Recollection?

ObediencePower of obedience

Purification of motives (transformation, reformation)Evaluation

Meaning of commitment to covenantingForgiveness

FreedomDivision is the work of the Devil

HumilityBaptism in the Holy Spirit

Community-Building Principles Learned From the Recollection

• Perfect love casts out all fears• Covenant is sacred• We are a people set apart• Sacraments are given to individuals to be

sanctified; charisms are given to individuals to be used for the good of the whole body

• Receiving and giving- key to life and growth• If we are in the excuse level, it means we have

not been fully converted yet

Community-Building Principles Learned From the Recollection

• Conversion requires dying to sin and to our attachments

• The road to hell is paved with good intentions; the road to heaven is paved with good decisions

• Division is the work of the devil• To be a vibrant community is to live our

baptism as members of the family of the Holy Trinity

Community-Building Principles Learned From the Recollection

• The gift comes before the command• Forgiveness is unlocking chains to set me free• Law is the ordinance of reason for the

common good• Authority requires listening• The Church is not a hierarchy but a

communion• The Spirit of God brings consensus

Community-Building Principles Learned From the Recollection

• Obedience is not imposed but is a decision of love from the heart

• Love is the greatest gift of all• We must always be reformed• Do everything for the glory of God• Glory comes from the cross: embrace it for

God’s glory• Humility

Audio Reference

Please click to listen to Fr. Brendan Williams Talk Part 1

Please click to listen to Fr. Brendan Williams Talk Part 2

Please click to listen to Fr. Brendan Williams Talk Part 3

Talks by Fr. Brendan are summarized in the previous slides on Community Building Principles Learned from the Recollection

Follow Fr. Brendan at www.stveronica.com on Pastor Notes Section.

BLD Vision http://bldphoenix.com/BLDInfo.html or click on title above

We are a community of disciples inspired by the Holy Spirit to be living witnesses for transformation in Christ to bring about a world of justice, human development and true peace.

BLD Mission http://bldphoenix.com/BLDInfo.html or click on title above

In response to the challenges of our particular place, time and culture:For our families: We will evangelize families and build communities of faith through encounters, Life in the Spirit Seminars and discipleship formation.We will give formation on personal and family prayer, pro-life values, Catholic social teachings and stewardship.

BLD MissionFor our communities:We will actively participate in the life and mission of the Church in accord with our God-given gifts.For our country:We will work on poverty alleviation through scholarships, housing for the poor and advocacies for life, environment and good governance.

Proposed New Community Culture Statement

What is Culture?

• Merriam-Webster definition The customary beliefs, social forms and material

traits of a racial, religious, or social groups Characteristic features of everyday existence Set of shared attitudes/values, goals, and practices

that characterizes an institution or organization Set of values, conventions, social practices

• “Culture is the historically developed common form of expression of the insights and values which characterize the life of a community.” Cardinal Ratzinger

What is Culture?

• Has to do with knowledge and values• Goes beyond what is visible and apparent to actual

causes. At its core, it means an opening to the divine• Develops through its encounter with new reality and

the arrival of new insights• Able to progress, depending on ability to be open

and to allow transformation through encounter Cardinal Ratzinger-

Christ, Faith and the Challenge of Cultures, March 1993

Proposed New BLD Community Culture Statement (Outline)

• We are Roman Catholic• We are Christ-centered• We are a covenant community• We are witnesses of our transformation in Christ• We are evangelized and evangelizing families• We are global and local• We move in the Spirit• We collaborate in ministry• We embrace the Catholic social mission• We serve the Church

We are Roman Catholic

• We are a covenant community in communion with the Roman Catholic Church. We fully embrace its teaching, observe its liturgy, and submit to its ecclesial authority. We obey God’s commandments. We seek to deepen our knowledge and understanding of our faith, that we may be able to live it faithfully and share it to others. We are active parishioners where we live. We witness to our Catholic faith in all circumstances.

We are Christ-Centered• We profess that Jesus Christ is our communion

with God. He is the foundation of our community (1 Cor 3:11), the Lord whom we worship and the Teacher whom we follow. He is our life, our peace and our joy. We proclaim His name, life, kingdom and mystery. We seek a full relationship with Jesus, who is the condition for our existence and growth. Our communal relationships are anchored on the love of Jesus. We share His ministry to bring salvation and life to all, for the glory of God the Father.

We are a Covenant Community

• We live our Baptismal Covenant in the concrete ways that we pledged to in our Community Covenant. The paradigm for our relationships is the friendship of Jesus Christ (Jn 15:13-15). We have different roles in community- some are in positions of authority over others. But no one is greater than others. Every member belongs and is vital. Every one is accorded with hospitality, respect and honor befitting God’s children. We safeguard our communion by following Christ’s example and teaching. And when in conflict, we practice His teaching on fraternal correction, forgiveness and reconciliation. Our words and actions are guided by the Gospel, hence the wellbeing of others.

We are Witnesses of our Transformation in Christ

• We have given up the world and its enticements, and we follow Jesus Christ and Him alone. We witness to the love and truth of Jesus in our lives. We seek continual formation and spiritual direction to equip us for the disciples’ walk. As leaders and members, we are servants of His flock and stewards of His ministry. We practice transparency and empower one another. We give fully of ourselves and are accountable to the Lord. We pray for and serve one another. We live with humility, gentleness, patience, bearing one another through love. We preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. (Eph 4:1-3)

We are Evangelized and Evangelizing Families

• We believe that Christian marriage and the Christian family build up the Church. As a communion of families, we are faithful to the Christian values on which marriage and family are founded. We bring Christ to other families and help provide formation to grow in their communion and faith. We welcome and minister to the needs of all family members: young and old, single and married, widowed or divorced, parents and children. We offer Catholic pathways to the young as they journey toward adulthood, marriage and family life, helping them to discover the beauty of the vocation to love and the service of life.

We are Global and Local

• We are a community of districts residing in different dioceses in various parts of the world, yet we are one. We have diverse backgrounds, circumstances and citizenship, yet we are one, We are structured globally and locally, yet we pray, worship, share the Word, discern, act and move as one community, in accord with our shared identity, vision, mission, covenant, statutes and policies. Locally, we respond to the challenges of our particular place, time and culture. Globally, we respond to the universal or particular challenges as directed by our leaders. We practice subsidiarity.

We move in the Spirit

• Our name reflects the inner disposition of our hearts- a welcoming place for the Holy Spirit. We are “sa Diyos”; we belong to Him as His sons and daughters. We are blessed with charismatic gifts. We unite our decisions and actions with our Father’s will, for example, in starting new communities, selecting new leaders, appointing members to ministry, crafting policy, and determining worship theme & directions. We consult and confirm our decisions with those who have authority over us and with those who will be affected. Our openness to God allows us to be open to one another. One with God and with each other, we move as one community in the Spirit.

We collaborate in Ministry

• We are parts of the one body of Christ (1 Cor 12:12), each one essential for the proper functioning of the whole. We are equipped with many gifts, which we release and unify to serve the Giver’s purpose. We are assigned to our ministries based on our gifts and fruitfulness. We consider a call to serve in ministry as a call that comes from the Lord. We work interdependently. We communicate, cooperate, collaborate and help one another in every possible way, so that the fruit of our labor may truly be a fragrant offering to the Lord and redound to the common good.

We embrace the Catholic Social Mission

• We reach out and build relationships of love and justice in the world by our commitment to the Church’s social mission. We believe that every human being is created in God’s image and redeemed by Christ. We advocate the gospel of life and human dignity. We work for poverty alleviation. We call on the government to live up to its duty to promote the common good, to protect the family and the institution of marriage. We care for God’s creation. Our commitment is rooted in and strengthened by our continuing transformation in Christ and our love for one another as God has loved us.

We serve the Church

• We are filled with the ardor of the Pentecost Spirit and the burning conviction of Paul who cried out, “Woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel” (1 Cor 9:16). Our passion for Christ stirs up in us a sense of responsibility and commitment as God’s people to serve with great enthusiasm in the Church’s mission of evangelization. We honor our priests and obey our bishop. We fulfill our calling as lay Catholics to consecrate society to God. As ministers of the Gospel and recipients of the joy of Christ, we serve with our lives so that God’s Kingdom may be proclaimed and the Church established in the world.

Workshop Reflect/Share/Develop Circle Response• List down three community issues that we

need to work on together to bring us closer to God’s vision & mission for us?

• What community-building principles apply?• What recommendations will you make to

resolve these community issues?• What commitments are your willing to make

to realize these changes?

Plenary Session Presentation of Circle Responses

1. Tita Amor's group 1. Hesitation to make commitments

Gift comes before the command; If we are in the excuse level, means we have not been fully converted yet; Equip yourself, go to teachings

be friendly, encourage, build trust, be good example ex. Service - serve with a smile

Pray - to make the time to attend

2. Lack of Communication between members and leadership

Authority requires listening; Obedience is not imposed but a decision of the heart

anonymous suggestion box - open up

Be Honest

3. Take care of members' needs

Receiving & Giving - key to life and growth

visit sick, call or send card, offer prayers, extend service outside BLD

If someone is missing - call then up and try to find out why

2. Tito Ramon's group 1. Communication Humility meeting at DCS level & ministry & class levels

BLD ID Cards; greeters

2. Conflicts - opinion direction Obedience familiarization, socialization, bonding & relationship

Structuring word sharing circles

3. Prioritization of needs one month period for follow-up & re-evaluation of issue & conflicts

orientation of members: expectations, responsibilitites, attendance

Living Word Circle: last Friday of the month - record discerned directionsOne DCS meeting a month dedicated to present existing conflicts of opinions and directions

Circle # Issue Principle Recommendations Commitments

Plenary Session Presentation of Circle Responses

Circle # Issue Principle Recommendations Commitments3. Tito Denny's group -Attendance Obedience to the Word

-Kids let loose Mk 10-lack of Mk 10 -convince candidates receiving and giving -bad experinece during encounter

division is the work of the devil; the road to hell is paved with good intentions the road to heaven is paved with decisions

-too many encounters - less shepherds

authority requires listening

-not enough funds the gift comes before the command

-too many activities the road to hell… -too many rules - not applicable to US & not Phil we are a people set apart -favoritism (interaction with DCS)

division is the work of the devil

-Does not want to step on some toes

obedience is not imposed…

-lacking pastoral care including:

the Spirit of God brings concensus; division…

ministry dissolved: too many encounters & less shepherds & resources -full-pledged for 3 yrs: what is our condition and what direction & preparing full term

authority requires listening

-finances the gift comes before the command

-too much criticism: the road to hell… when someone makes mistakes, gentle, compassionate

-forgiveness: do not push for someone to forgive, give then time to heal

unlocking to set me free, authority requires listening

-could not approach DCS: branded trouble maker "pasensya na", brush it off1. Work Overload2. Criticism, Openness, Rules, Favoritism3. Finances4. Attendance

Plenary Session Presentation of Circle Responses

Circle # Issue Principle Recommendations Commitments

4. Tito Jess' group 1. Tardiness be on time2. Why do we have to line in giving members' donation? Pila-pila

3. Contingency plan in present condition here in america: how can every member ? Help each other in time of hardship?

Isaiah 58

5. Tita Cita's group 1. Commitment: concerns with our Mk 10, Jn 6 & Youth ministries -jn 6 are asked to babysit the Mk 10 instead thas why they don’t want to come to worship; since there is no jn 6 they join the youth and asked to lead the rosary all the time. Prayer leader was late & rosary has not been started, was told to pray 5 Hail marys' & start PW - is that acceptable?

commitment & obedience apostolate steward should be more involved in ministries; teaching of the basics; active & committed member

2. Information is not properly disseminated to the community. Not updated

an active & committed member is needed

3. Time management: rosary should start 7:30pm, members start showing up at 830pmthe young members of BLD are our future in this community

Plenary Session Presentation of Circle Responses

Circle # Issue Principle Recommendations Commitments

6. Gladdine's group 1. attendance/grouping change sitting arrangements - use the ? Rows; forma group to find out what the problems are so that we can find out the number of attendees - eliminate frustration & expectation

2. Tardiness (time) reminders: email, text, phone calls; encourage the members to submit email address/phone so that they can receive messages

-start on time on rosary & PW -punctuality -consistency -discipline3. Boring - encourage prayer leader to put their best

effort to lead the community for the glory of God

7. Joyce's group 1. need more voices & instrumentalists

obedience, must always be reformed, love, do everything for the glory of God, humility

1. invite other members be committed to your ministry

2. eliminate the division - east/west (avoid)

2. more convenient location/day/time for practice for all members

be willing to be flexible with praise practice location/day/time

3. time management - delays: length of prayer leader; submission of songs; IACTS/biref prior to practice

3. for length of PW - need time keeper; for submission of songs from PL, be reminded of the guidelines

4. speak english at all times 4. bonding activity for all praise members

Plenary Session Presentation of Circle Responses

Circle # Issue Principle Recommendations Commitments8. Eunice's group 1. Lack of knowledge Attend teachings and follow the

CDFP track; Express acknowledgement of people's achievements or good work, presence, welcome everyone etc; follow up those who are not attending - espress that they are

Focus on shepherding the members who are faithful and committed but continue to reach out and pray for those who are lukewarm in their commitment; shepehrds to continue pastoral duties

-misunderstanding Carry Your Cross - it does not matter how heavy your cross is - it's about what you do about the cross that makes a difference

-misconception Nurture those who are faithful - so as not to "weed out the good

-false assumptions: Pray, Pray and Pray -lack of transparency

-lack of governance

2. Disobedience -lack humility -gripes/complains -not trusting authority discernment

-unforgiveness -attempts to change BLD statutes & VNC…questions the practice of consulting other communities & their governing body i.e. ECSL, DSL, etc even at a full-pledged district level

3. Lack or absence of generosity

-time -talent -treasure i.e. refusing to become covenanted "because they will be obliged with 2 envelopes - love offering/tithes

Plenary SessionDesigning God’s Kingdom in Our Midst• Integrate the circle responses • Develop and commit to a prioritized plan

action for the district

Plenary SessionDesigning God’s Kingdom in Our Midst• What would it be? -we are a community called to worship, we

give the highest priority to worship God *punctuality *as members of the assembly we give our

very best to God in our PW *we lift each other up *find means to bring members to PW – to

community

• Communication:*we are many parts (differences, etc) but one body*act interdependently – we collaborate*sense of belongingness*connectedness*common purpose to do the work of God• Conflict*fraternal correction *pain of one if pain of others, joy of one is joy of others*we are all equal – sons & daughters of God*annihilation of self *division among brothers & sisters is a wound in the body of Christ

Plenary SessionDesigning God’s Kingdom in Our Midst

• Obedience*4th commandment: honor your father & mother…*”effectiveness” vs “affectiveness”*choice among good(s) – where the Lord brings us to consensus• Work overload(calendar of community affects calendar of members)(cluster ministries)*we are called to be prudent and fruitful stewards

Plenary SessionDesigning God’s Kingdom in Our Midst

Plenary Session Designing God’s Kingdom In Our Midst

Circle #

Issue Principle Recommendations Commitments

Reference

• July 2008 Qualitative Evaluation Report• BLD Statutes• BLD Values, Norms and Culture• Please find more information about BLD at

www.bldphoenix.com

Document

Parallelism betweenPaschal Mystery & Phases of Community

PublicMinistry

Passion

Death

Resurrection

Pseudo-Community

Chaos

Emptiness

Community