BASIC CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

They were initially called Small Christian Communities (SCCs) and were created by Fr Egedegbe. They numbered TEN by the 10^th Anniversary and were found in the following quarters: Lycee, Foret Bar, Carrefour Mutzig, Bepelle, Grand Hangar, Ngwelle, Alpicam, Sodiko, Moore Paragon and Mabanda. A booster was given by the 3^rd administration under Fr Egbeji, and it was fanned into explosion by the 4^th administration under Fr Chukwunenye.  

Today, every quarter where SJWP faithful reside has become endowed with an active prayer cell, now called a Basic Christian Community (BCC). All BCCs meet for one hour from 7-8pm every Monday; a time set aside by the Parish, during which no other activity is allowed to take place. Except the nos. 2 and 9 that recently created (25th September 2017) they all have names of African Saints for their Patrons.

Purpose:

To build up and/or improve fellowship amongst Parishioners living in proximity in the same locality or quarter through (1) Prayer, (2) Bible sharing, and (3) acquaintance amongst those living together in the same residential area known as a quarter, often made up of a few adjacent streets. The meeting, sometimes preceded by doctrine classes from 6pm, begins at 7pm with the recitation of the Holy Rosary, followed by reading and sharing the day’s gospel, prayers of the faithful (for the Church & her leaders, Civil authority of the Country, the sick, local security, children who are away from home, etc). Minutes of the previous meeting are then read, amended and/or moved correct and matters arising from the minutes are discussed. Announcements are made, and any other relevant business may be discussed.

Praises are sung as a bag is being passed round for offertory by those who have something to offer – sacred bag collection. This amount collected is announced, recorded in the Minutes’ book (a big solid ledger) kept by the treasurer and used for the BCC’s needs such as paying church group levies, buying candles and other items particularly for Bazaar, Pastoral Visits and Bazaars. Each BCC is administered by a 5-person team made up of a President, Secretary, Treasurer, and 2 Caretakers. BCCs offer Masses for their group intentions, take turns for the Bread, Wine and Water Procession during Sunday masses and take active part as a group during the various Parish occasions, Members of the Pastoral Team visit the BCCs and sometimes mass is said. The   hour is spent around a crucifix adorned with lit candles on a blessed table. Every Parishioner is expected to join the nearest BCC to his/her home. BCCs do not hold if a Parish Novena or Crusade is going on. BCCs go on recess for the 2 weeks involving and enclosing the end of year feasts of Christmas and New Year.

Beginning 30^th September 2017 the BCCs were handed over the duty of cleaning and decorating the church, Grotto, Holy Water Fountain, St Joseph Shrine and to empty the rubbish cans. This is a regular Saturday morning exercise (from 8am after morning mass) and sometimes on the eve of a special Eucharistic celebration occurring during the week. The 24 BCCs take one session each as per pre-established roster.