Basic Christian Communities are small groups of laypeople, made up of friends, neighbours or workmates, who gather on a regular basis to pray, to reflect and to share their faith.

The parish is often seen as the basic model of Church, particularly in Ireland, where many accept it as part of organised religion. Because of its large and somewhat rigid structure, the parish has failed to nourish many Catholics and has alienated some of them. The difficulties inherent in the structure and organisation of most parishes are recognised by Pope John Paul II who wrote, in his apostolic exhortation Christifideles laici, that “Since the Church’s task in our day is so great, its accomplishment cannot be left to the parish alone”. In order to create parishes that will truly be communities of Christians, he recommends two strategies to Church leaders: first, to adapt parish structures to the full flexibility allowed by canon law, particularly in lay participation in pastoral responsibility; and, second, to establish

“small, basic or so called ‘living’ communities where the faithful can communicate the word of God and express it in service and love to one another; these communities are true expressions of ecclesial communion and centres of evangelisation, in communion with their pastors.”

The warmth, support, encouragement and respect for the individual’s experience that Basic Christian Communities provide, along with their inbuilt flexibility in regards to forms of prayer and reflection, may provide the setting for reconciliation, spiritual formation and renewal for many people today.

It is important to remember that in order to participate in or to host a Basic Christian Community you don’t have to be an expert on scripture, theology or prayer, but simply have a desire to have a deeper experience of your faith. The Diocesan Pastoral Centre hopes to encourage the formation of such basic communities throughout the diocese of Kilmore and to provide ongoing support and training to those who wish to facilitate such a group in their own local area. If you are interested in finding out more you can contact me at 049-4375004 or by e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .