Burdwan: The Diocese of Asansol has taken a significant step toward revitalizing its faith communities by forming a new Diocesan Resource Team (DRT) for Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs). The announcement followed a two-day orientation programme held from October 23 to 24 at Chetana, the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Burdwan, bringing together nearly 50 participants from 13 parishes to deepen their understanding of Gospel sharing and community animation.
The orientation programme aimed to empower lay leaders and religious members to become effective animators of BECs small, faith-sharing groups that form the foundation of parish life. Eleven participants volunteered to join the newly formed DRT, committing themselves to assist parishes and village communities across the diocese in building and nurturing BECs.
Sr. Christin Joseph, HC, a member of the National BEC Service Team, served as the main resource person. With years of pastoral experience, she guided the participants through the theology, spirituality, and methodology of Gospel sharing. Using PowerPoint presentations, videos, role plays, and group discussions, she emphasized that the Gospel must not remain confined to words but should inspire communal reflection and action.
“Jesus himself speaks to us lovingly and joyfully in a sacramental way during Gospel sharing,” she said, reminding participants that every BEC meeting is an encounter with the living Word. Sr. Christin also presented successful models from Jharkhand and Sikkim, showing how grassroots communities had translated faith reflections into concrete social and pastoral initiatives.
Her interactive sessions encouraged participants to see themselves as “missionary disciples,” capable of carrying the light of Christ into their neighborhoods. “I am deeply moved by the enthusiasm of so many lay people and youth,” she said, praising the diocese’s commitment to forming a dynamic new resource team.
Fr. I. P. Sarto, the Diocesan BEC Coordinator, provided hands-on guidance on how to conduct effective BEC meetings. He explained that BECs should not merely be prayer circles but living cells of the Church that integrate Scripture reflection, mutual care, and community outreach. “We needed a new team,” he noted, explaining that several members of the previous DRT had stepped down due to professional and family responsibilities, while some priests and religious formerly involved in BEC ministry had been transferred.
The new DRT members, drawn from diverse parishes, represent a mix of experienced animators and emerging young leaders. Their mission will include training local BEC facilitators, organizing parish-level seminars, and supporting Gospel sharing initiatives in both urban and rural sectors.
The programme concluded with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Emeritus Cyprian Monis of Asansol. In his homily, the Bishop lauded the participants for their commitment to serving the Church at the grassroots level. “This new team is a sign of great hope for the Diocese of Asansol,” he said, particularly highlighting the participation of young people in the new structure. He called the DRT “the beating heart of our missionary Church,” emphasizing that true renewal begins with faith-filled communities rooted in the Word.
After the Mass, Bishop Monis blessed all the animators, encouraging them to continue their journey as “builders of communion and agents of transformation.”
The newly constituted DRT will meet every two months for ongoing training and review. Future sessions will focus on servant leadership, community animation, pastoral planning, and the study of recent Universal Church documents related to synodality and evangelization.
With the establishment of this team, the Diocese of Asansol signals a renewed commitment to building vibrant, participatory, and missionary communities true reflections of the Church envisioned in the Gospel and the spirit of the Synod on Synodality.